Noryangjin Fish Market in Seoul : how to buy and eat seafood like a local (2023 updates)
Noryangjin Fish Market is one of the largest seafood markets in South Korea, located in the Noryangjin-dong neighborhood of Seoul. It has been in operation since the 1930s and is known for its wide variety of fresh seafood, including fish, shellfish, and seaweed. The market is also a popular destination for locals and tourists looking to buy and eat seafood.
The market continued to expand over the years, and by the 1990s, it had become one of the largest seafood markets in South Korea. It is known for its wide variety of fresh seafood, including fish, shellfish, and seaweed, as well as for its bustling atmosphere and the many restaurants located within the market.
In recent years, Noryangjin Fish Market has also become a popular destination for tourists looking to experience traditional Korean seafood culture. Many tour companies now offer guided tours of the market, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the different types of seafood available and to sample traditional Korean seafood dishes such as hwae dupbap and saewoo jeon.
Despite its popularity, Noryangjin Fish Market still maintains its traditional atmosphere and remains a hub for local fishermen and seafood sellers. The market also has a wholesale market area which is opened early in the morning, this is where the seafood merchants and restaurants buy their seafood. It has become an important center for the seafood industry in South Korea and continues to provide fresh, high-quality seafood to both locals and visitors.
HOW TO GET THERE
To get to Noryangjin Fish Market, you can take the subway to Noryangjin Station (Line 1) and exit through Exit 1. The market is located a short walk from the station.
HOW TO BUY LIKE A LOCAL
When you arrive at the market, you can browse the various stalls and vendors to find the seafood you want to buy. You can also ask the vendors for recommendations on the freshest and best seafood available. Once you've made your selections, you can have the seafood cooked and prepared at one of the many restaurants located within the market.
If you want to eat like a local, you can try some of the popular seafood dishes such as hwae dupbap (raw fish on a bed of rice), saengseon hwae (raw fish), and saewoo jeon (shrimp pancake). The market also have some restaurants that offer seafood soup or stew, which is a hearty and flavorful way to enjoy the seafood you've purchased. It's also a great place to try some traditional Korean seafood dishes such as haemul pajeon(seafood pancake) and jogaetang (clam soup).
Please note that prices in the market can be quite high, so it's a good idea to compare prices between vendors and to negotiate the price before making a purchase. Also it is best to visit the market in the early morning when the seafood is freshest.
If you don't know Korean, buying seafood at Noryangjin Fish Market may be a bit more challenging, but it is still possible. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the market:
1. Use hand gestures and pointing: Many vendors at the market may not speak English, but they will be able to understand basic hand gestures and pointing. You can point to the seafood you want to buy and indicate the quantity you would like.
2. Use a translation app: Having a translation app on your phone can be very helpful when communicating with vendors. You can type in what you want to say and show it to the vendor.
3. Bring a picture: If you're not sure what a specific type of seafood is called in Korean, you can bring a picture of it and show it to the vendor. They will be able to tell you the name and the price.
4. Use a calculator: Many vendors will use a calculator to communicate the price. If you don't understand the price they are telling you, ask them to show it to you on a calculator.
5. Find a vendor that speaks English: Some vendors may speak English, look for them or ask around.
Ask for help from other tourists: Other tourists may have more experience navigating the market and may be able to help you.
It is also a good idea to have a rough idea of the prices of the seafood you are interested in buying, so you can have a better negotiation. If you find the price is too high, you can try asking for a better deal or looking for a different vendor. Remember to be polite and respectful when communicating with the vendors.
HISTORY
Noryangjin Fish Market has a long history dating back to the 1930s. Originally, it was a small market located near the Noryangjin-dong neighborhood of Seoul, where local fishermen would sell their catch to the community. As the market grew in popularity, it was moved to its current location in the 1970s to accommodate the increasing demand for fresh seafood.The market continued to expand over the years, and by the 1990s, it had become one of the largest seafood markets in South Korea. It is known for its wide variety of fresh seafood, including fish, shellfish, and seaweed, as well as for its bustling atmosphere and the many restaurants located within the market.
In recent years, Noryangjin Fish Market has also become a popular destination for tourists looking to experience traditional Korean seafood culture. Many tour companies now offer guided tours of the market, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the different types of seafood available and to sample traditional Korean seafood dishes such as hwae dupbap and saewoo jeon.
Despite its popularity, Noryangjin Fish Market still maintains its traditional atmosphere and remains a hub for local fishermen and seafood sellers. The market also has a wholesale market area which is opened early in the morning, this is where the seafood merchants and restaurants buy their seafood. It has become an important center for the seafood industry in South Korea and continues to provide fresh, high-quality seafood to both locals and visitors.
HOW TO GET THERE
To get to Noryangjin Fish Market, you can take the subway to Noryangjin Station (Line 1) and exit through Exit 1. The market is located a short walk from the station.
HOW TO BUY LIKE A LOCAL
When you arrive at the market, you can browse the various stalls and vendors to find the seafood you want to buy. You can also ask the vendors for recommendations on the freshest and best seafood available. Once you've made your selections, you can have the seafood cooked and prepared at one of the many restaurants located within the market.
If you want to eat like a local, you can try some of the popular seafood dishes such as hwae dupbap (raw fish on a bed of rice), saengseon hwae (raw fish), and saewoo jeon (shrimp pancake). The market also have some restaurants that offer seafood soup or stew, which is a hearty and flavorful way to enjoy the seafood you've purchased. It's also a great place to try some traditional Korean seafood dishes such as haemul pajeon(seafood pancake) and jogaetang (clam soup).
Please note that prices in the market can be quite high, so it's a good idea to compare prices between vendors and to negotiate the price before making a purchase. Also it is best to visit the market in the early morning when the seafood is freshest.
If you don't know Korean, buying seafood at Noryangjin Fish Market may be a bit more challenging, but it is still possible. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the market:
1. Use hand gestures and pointing: Many vendors at the market may not speak English, but they will be able to understand basic hand gestures and pointing. You can point to the seafood you want to buy and indicate the quantity you would like.
2. Use a translation app: Having a translation app on your phone can be very helpful when communicating with vendors. You can type in what you want to say and show it to the vendor.
3. Bring a picture: If you're not sure what a specific type of seafood is called in Korean, you can bring a picture of it and show it to the vendor. They will be able to tell you the name and the price.
4. Use a calculator: Many vendors will use a calculator to communicate the price. If you don't understand the price they are telling you, ask them to show it to you on a calculator.
5. Find a vendor that speaks English: Some vendors may speak English, look for them or ask around.
Ask for help from other tourists: Other tourists may have more experience navigating the market and may be able to help you.
It is also a good idea to have a rough idea of the prices of the seafood you are interested in buying, so you can have a better negotiation. If you find the price is too high, you can try asking for a better deal or looking for a different vendor. Remember to be polite and respectful when communicating with the vendors.
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