Most travelers want to make the most of their limited time and budget. That’s why this blog exists

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Most travelers want to plan the right itinerary using their limited time and budget wisely — dreaming of discovering a new world and enjoying the freedom of a getaway. That’s why I started this blog: to help you design a clear, realistic plan and start your Korean adventure with confidence. 🏙️ Seeing Seoul with Fresh Eyes I was born and raised in Seoul, but after living in Canada for many years, coming back felt like stepping into a completely new world. So much had changed — new buildings, new trends, even new ways of life. As I explored the city again, this time as a returning expat, I started to understand Seoul in a different way. That’s when I decided to share my experience to help people who are visiting Korea for the first time. 🌏 Why So Many People Want to Visit Korea These days, Korea is more popular than ever, thanks to K-pop, K-dramas, and social media. People from all over the world are excited to see the places they’ve only watched on screen. But Korea isn’t just abou...
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Tips for Itinerary 14: Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market

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Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market — often simply called Noryangjin Fish Market — is the largest seafood market in Seoul and the best place to experience Korea’s lively seafood culture. It’s both a wholesale hub, with daily catches arriving from across the country, and a retail market where visitors can buy fresh seafood at competitive prices.

From pre-dawn auctions to bustling lunch crowds, the market offers a unique glimpse into the rhythm of Seoul’s seafood trade. And the best part? You can have your fresh purchase prepared on the spot at one of the market’s many restaurants.

 

Main Attractions

  • Seafood Auctions – Held daily from 1:00 am to 4:00 am (closed Sundays). The fast-paced bidding between merchants for the freshest catch is worth seeing at least once.
  • Wholesale & Retail Sections – Rows of stalls selling everything from live fish and shellfish to dried seafood products.
  • Hoe (Sliced Raw Fish) Experience – After buying your fish from a vendor, the stall will slice it into fresh hoe (raw fish) and pack the rest for a spicy fish stew (maeuntang) or clear soup (jori).
  • Restaurant Partnerships – Every seafood stall is linked with a nearby restaurant. The restaurant charges a table service fee (sangcharim), serves your fish, and prepares side dishes, vegetables, and sauces. They will also cook the leftover fish into a hot Korean-style soup, either maeuntang (spicy) or jori (mild clear broth).
  • Korean-Style Dining – Wrap the fresh hoe with lettuce, garlic, and chili for a classic ssam. If you’re unsure what to order or how to eat, simply ask the staff — they’re used to helping first-time visitors.

 

Visitor Tips

  • Check the Market Price – Prices can fluctuate daily depending on supply. Check the official market website (www.susansijang.co.kr) for updated prices and quantities before you go.
  • Go Early for the Auction – If you want to see the auction, arrive before 1:00 am.
  • Bring Cash – While many vendors accept cards, cash is sometimes preferred, especially for small purchases.
  • Plan Your Meal – Decide in advance whether you’ll eat at the market or take your seafood home. Dining in the market is an unforgettable experience, but it can get busy during peak hours.

 

Nearby Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

  • Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park – A riverside wetland park with walking paths and birdwatching spots, offering a peaceful escape in the city.
  • Yeouido Hangang Park & Han River Cruise – A popular park for picnics, cycling, and seasonal festivals. From nearby Yeouido Pier, you can board a Han River cruise for skyline views by day or illuminated bridges by night.
  • National Assembly Building – The heart of Korean politics, notable for its large blue dome and open grounds.
  • The Hyundai Seoul – One of Seoul’s newest and largest department stores, featuring high-end brands, modern interiors, and cultural exhibitions.
  • 63 Building – Iconic skyscraper with an observatory, aquarium, and fine dining overlooking the Han River.
  • National Cemetery (Dongjak) – A quiet, historical site dedicated to those who served the nation.
  • Banpo Hangang Park & Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain – A scenic park famous for its evening rainbow fountain show.
  • Express Bus Terminal (Go-to Mall & Shinsegae Department Store) – Underground shopping, dining, and premium department store in one of Seoul’s busiest hubs.

 

Essential Information

  • Address: 674 Node-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul (06900)
  • Phone: +82-2-2254-8000
  • Website: www.susansijang.co.kr (KOR, ENG, JPN, CHN)
  • Hours:
    • Auctions: Daily 00:00–04:00 (closed Sundays)
    • Wholesale & Retail: 24 hours daily
  • Holidays: January 1, Lunar New Year, Chuseok
  • Subway Access: Noryangjin Station (Subway Lines 1 & 9), Exit 9 – 3 min on foot (209 m)

 

Final Thoughts

A visit to Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market is more than just shopping for seafood — it’s an immersive taste of Korean food culture. From wrapping fresh hoe in crisp lettuce to enjoying a steaming Korean-style soup made right at your table, the market is a feast for all senses. And with so many attractions nearby, you can easily turn your visit into a half-day itinerary that combines culinary adventure with riverside scenery, shopping, and cultural landmarks.

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