Busan is Korea's seafood capital — a port city where the catch comes in fresh every morning and the best meals are eaten at plastic tables with your feet practically in the water. Here's where to eat like a local.
1. Jagalchi Market — The Classic
Jagalchi Market (자갈치시장) is Korea's largest seafood market and the heart of Busan's fishing culture. The ground floor is a labyrinth of live seafood tanks — pick your fish, crab, or shellfish, and it's prepared fresh upstairs.
Must-try: Hoe (raw fish set), nakji bokkeum (spicy stir-fried octopus), ganjang gejang (soy-marinated crab)
Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Location: Nampo-dong, Jung-gu
2. Gijang Crab — The Local Secret
Gijang County, 30 minutes east of Haeundae, is famous for its daege (snow crab) and kkotge (flower crab). The crab restaurants along the coast are where Busan locals go for special occasions.
Best season: November–February for the freshest crab
Average cost: ₩30,000–₩80,000 per person
3. Yeonhwa-ri Fishing Village — The Hidden Gem
A small haenyeo (women divers) village in Gijang where you can order a 해산물 모듬 (mixed seafood platter) — abalone, sea cucumber, sea urchin, and fresh shellfish — all harvested that morning.
This is a stop on our East Busan Join Tour, so you can experience it without the hassle of finding it yourself.
4. Millak Raw Fish Center — The Local Favourite
Millak Waterside Park in Gwangalli has a multi-story raw fish center where you can buy fresh hoe from the market downstairs and eat it at tables upstairs with a view of Gwangan Bridge.
Best time: Evening, when the bridge lights up
Cost: ₩20,000–₩40,000 per person
5. Busan's Best Seafood Dishes
| Dish | Korean | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Fish Set | 모둠회 | Assorted fresh sashimi |
| Spicy Octopus | 낙지볶음 | Stir-fried with gochujang |
| Soy Crab | 간장게장 | Raw crab marinated in soy |
| Abalone Porridge | 전복죽 | Creamy rice porridge with abalone |
🦀 Taste It All on the Join Tour
Our East Busan Join Tour stops at Yeonhwa-ri Fishing Village for a fresh seafood lunch — no ordering stress, no language barrier, just great food with a local guide.