Jagalchi Market

The area around Jagalchi has long been a landing and trading point for fish, and it became firmly established as Busan's fish market after the Korean War, when the city's population swelled with refugees and the waterfront trade grew. The market's name is often linked to the pebbles (jagal) that once lined this stretch of shore.

The market is famous for its women traders, known as Jagalchi ajumeoni, a term for middle-aged or married women. They have been the face of the market for generations, and women still sell mackerel, sea squirts and other seafood from boxes and basins along the road and the shore outside the main building.

Jagalchi is a working market first and a sight second, supplying restaurants and households across Busan. The banter between vendors and regular customers, the haggling and the speed of filleting all reflect the city's frank, energetic character. The image of the Jagalchi ajumeoni is a symbol of Busan's resilience after the war. For Muslim visitors, fresh fish and seafood are a natural choice, but check cooking ingredients such as sauces and cooking wine with restaurants if you need to avoid alcohol or non-halal products.