Gukje Market

With a history going back decades, Gukje Market is the largest traditional market in Busan. Gukje Market was established during the Korean War in 1950 as a place where refugees opened shops to make a living, but quickly developed into a thriving popular market. Gukje Market was once a commercial center, supplying imported goods to the US military and also to neighboring port cities. Even today, the area is bursting with vintage market spirit, similar to Namdaemun Market in Seoul. Gukje Market is located in the central shopping belt of Nampo-dong, close to popular attractions such as Jagalchi Fish Market, Nampo-dong shopping district, Yongdusan Park as well as various markets such as Bupyeong Market and Kkangtong Market.

Gukje Market is home to a wide range of second-hand, domestic and imported goods. In addition to specialty shops selling gadgets, eyeglasses or electronics, the market's Arirang Street also features shops selling items popular with international visitors, such as gim (dried seaweed) or cosmetics. Since Gukje Market is a center for wholesale and retail trade, a wide variety of items can be purchased at discounted prices. Reasonable prices along with a wide selection of imported and domestic goods make Gukje Market one of the best shopping spots in the city

First-time visitors can easily get lost in Gukje Market as the numerous alleys, shops and roadside stalls are all clustered tightly in the same area. Luckily, Gukje Market is well laid out in a grid pattern with each alley having a name for visitors to suggest its contents, such as: Shoe Alley, Bag Alley, Jewelry Alley, Glass Alley Eye, Art Alley, etc. These distinctive names make it easy for visitors to get around Gukje Market without getting lost.

In particular, Arirang alley in Gukje market deserves special attention from foreign tourists. Located in the market's third alley, it has specialty shops tailored to the tastes of international shoppers, which sell great souvenirs like kimchi and pottery. A cosmetic shop owner in the area commented that the number of Japanese and Chinese visitors has increased in recent years and that the best-selling items include BB creams and masks. Arirang Alley is easily recognizable by the array of lanterns decorated with yin and yang patterns hanging along the street.

Gukje Market is also a great place to enjoy traditional Busan street food. Located in the market, Restaurant Street serves delicious Korean dishes such as kimbap (white rice wrapped in dried seaweed), sundae (blood sausage) and a variety of noodle dishes, including fish stalls that are always crowded with people. Diners gather at shared plastic tables to enjoy cheap and fast food and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere.

Address: 25 Gukjesijang 2-gil, Gwangbok-dong, Jung-gu, Busan

Opening hours: daily 09:00 – 20:00