The breath of the ocean in the heart of modern Seoul
Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern Seoul, Noryangjin Fish Market still stands tall as a cultural icon that has existed for nearly a century. It is not only a giant seafood trading center but also a living museum, preserving traditional values, closely associated with the unique culinary culture of the kimchi land.
Established in 1927, Noryangjin has gone through many ups and downs of history, witnessed the changes of Seoul, but still retains the spirit of a traditional fish market. With an area of up to 66,000m² and a modern multi-storey structure, this place has become an unmissable destination for both locals and international tourists.
Unique features of Noryangjin fish market
Every day, before dawn, Noryangjin Fish Market begins to come to life. From 4am, trucks loaded with fresh seafood from major seaports such as Busan arrive here. Tons of fish, shrimp, crab, squid and many other rare seafood are transported quickly, ensuring the most original freshness. The seafood is then widely distributed, from market stalls, small markets to supermarket chains in 25 districts of Seoul.
The hustle and bustle from early morning has turned Noryangjin into a miniature "ocean", where the breath of the ocean spreads to every corner of the market. Every day, it is estimated that more than 30,000 people visit and shop, making Noryangjin one of the hottest tourist spots in Seoul today.
Noryangjin's vast space is divided into several specialized areas, making it easy for visitors to explore. The basement is where seafood processing and preservation activities take place, while the ground floor is the most vibrant retail area. Here, hundreds of stalls are next to each other, displaying all kinds of "treasures" from the sea: giant king crabs, fresh octopus, huge tubs of tuna, scallops, lobsters, abalone and many other rare fish.
The sparkling lights reflect on each fish and shrimp, creating a brilliant scene that stimulates all the senses. Visitors will be captivated by the image of professional, agile sellers, and the rows of fresh, sparkling seafood that seem to be inviting.
The most special and irresistible attraction of Noryangjin market is the on-site processing service. After choosing the seafood you like, visitors can bring it to the restaurants on the second floor to be processed immediately.
This is a typical Noryangjin “shopping and eating” experience. The talented chefs here will turn fresh ingredients into dishes full of the flavor of the sea, from fresh raw fish sashimi, fragrant steamed crab, signature spicy octopus salad to Korean-style grilled dishes.
Each dish is not only delicious but also a work of art, showing the meticulousness and sophistication of Korean culinary culture. The experience of enjoying food that has just been purchased and prepared on the spot not only brings great taste but also an unforgettable memory, part of the journey to discover Seoul culture.
One of the most traditional and attractive activities at Noryangjin Market is the seafood auction. This is not only a commercial activity but also a cultural symbol of the market. Every day, at 1 am, traders will gather at the auction area, bringing fresh seafood that has just arrived. With continuous shouting and bidding, the atmosphere becomes extremely lively and dramatic.
Visitors can watch from afar or even participate in the auction if they want, to fully experience the hustle and bustle and professionalism of the people working here. Witnessing this process, visitors will better understand the elaborate seafood supply chain, as well as the labor value behind each dish.
In addition to seafood dishes prepared on the spot, Noryangjin Market is also famous for many other specialties. At the snack stalls, visitors can enjoy dishes with strong street flavors such as haemultang (spicy seafood soup), grilled dried fish, or crispy fried seafood cakes. These are dishes that bring closeness and authenticity to the culinary culture of Seoul people.
If you have the opportunity to visit Noryangjin Fish Market, do not forget to enjoy the specialties that have made the name of this market. They are not only delicious dishes but also a part of the unique culinary culture of Korea.
Hoe (raw fish) is one of the most famous dishes here. Similar to Japanese sashimi, this dish uses thin slices of fresh raw fish, served with special spices.
In addition, Noryangjin market is also a paradise of high-class seafood such as crabs and lobsters. Simply processed by steaming or grilling to retain the natural sweetness, their meat is firm, delicious and nutritious. These are dishes that not only bring culinary value but also show the elegance and sophistication in Korean seafood culture.
Another special dish reserved for gourmets is Gaebul. With its unique shape, this dish has a very distinct flavor and is often enjoyed with salty sesame oil or spicy Gochujang sauce. The sweet taste of Gaebul combined with the dipping sauces creates a unique dish that shows the diversity and richness of Noryangjin cuisine.
When you decide to visit the Noryangjin Seafood Market in Seoul, keep a few things in mind to get the most out of your shopping and exploring experience. First, be prepared to bargain. This is an essential part of shopping in Noryangjin. You can pay a slightly lower price than the seller’s asking price, but remember not to go too low to avoid making the seller unhappy. The goal of bargaining is to find a price that both the buyer and seller are happy with.
Second, take the time to shop around. Different vendors may sell the same seafood at different prices. Comparing prices will help you find the best deal.
Finally, be clear about your intentions when purchasing. If you want to prepare seafood at the market, inform the seller. They will help you prepare the seafood properly so that you can enjoy the best dish.
Coming to Noryangjin is not only to enjoy seafood, but also to immerse yourself in the daily life of Koreans. The sound of selling, the sound of weighing fish, the sound of laughter create a vivid picture of a traditional market that still exists in the heart of a modern city. This place is a testament to the intersection between tradition and modernity, becoming an indispensable highlight in any trip to Seoul. One morning, visit the market, buy some seafood, have it cooked on the spot and enjoy it right away - that is an experience that brings unforgettable memories to every visitor, a vibrant story about Seoul and its culture.
