If you’re traveling from Japan to Busan, the closest spots where you can fully experience the local atmosphere are Jagalchi Market, Gukje Market, and Kkangtong Market.
In this article, we’ll show you how to efficiently explore these three markets starting from Busan Port, along with recommended local foods to try along the way.
① Departing from Busan Port — Japan’s Closest Korean Port City
Busan Port, located about 3–5 hours by ferry from Tsushima, Shimonoseki, or Fukuoka, is a popular gateway for Japanese travelers. After completing immigration procedures, it’s very convenient to reach the city center.
- Busan Port International Passenger Terminal → Jagalchi Market: about 15 minutes by taxi
- Nearby subway stations: Busan Station (Line 1), easily accessible by taxi or subway
② Jagalchi Market — Busan’s Seafood Hub
Jagalchi Market is Busan’s representative seafood market, known for its lively and friendly atmosphere. Its “direct sale + restaurant” system allows visitors to pick fresh seafood and have it cooked on the spot.
What to See:
- Stalls lined with fresh fish and shellfish
- Morning auctions and the energetic calls of vendors
- 2nd-floor restaurants with a sea view dining experience
Recommended Foods:
- Grilled Fish Set Meal: Mackerel, squid, flounder, and more, grilled over charcoal — tastes just like homemade food
- Sundae Soup (Blood Sausage Soup): Rich and warm soup with Korean blood sausage, perfect for breakfast
- Sashimi (Raw Fish): Fresh flounder, rockfish, and more at reasonable prices; you can buy fish on the 1st floor and have it served as sashimi upstairs
③ Gukje Market — Korea’s Retro Shopping Paradise
About 10 minutes on foot from Jagalchi Market, Gukje Market is a historic market formed after the Korean War. Today, it’s a massive shopping area where you can find clothing, accessories, and K-pop goods.
What to See:
- Retro Korean arcade-style streets
- Nostalgic spots used in Korean dramas
- Plenty of street food and casual “B-grade” Korean eats
④ Kkangtong Market — Street Food Heaven
Adjacent to Gukje Market, Kkangtong Market originally sold U.S. military canned goods, but now it’s a vibrant food street full of stalls.
What to See:
- At night, rows of street food stalls create a lively night market
- Unique and easy-to-eat street foods
Recommended Foods:
- Seed Hotteok: A Busan specialty — chewy dough filled with nuts and brown sugar, sweet and satisfying
- Tteokbokki: Korea’s classic rice cake dish in a sweet and spicy sauce
- Bibim Dangmyeon: Cold glass noodles tossed in a spicy sauce
Summary — Enjoy the Best of Busan in One Day!
After arriving at Busan Port, walking through Jagalchi Market → Gukje Market → Kkangtong Market is the perfect way to experience authentic Busan in a single day.
The route is convenient to navigate, and above all, it allows you to get up close to Korea’s unique market culture and local foods, which are very different from Japan.
On your next trip to Busan, make the most of your day with a market tour!
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