The Noryangjin Fish Market is a large and vibrant fish and seafood center located in the Noryangjin-dong neighborhood near 63 Square (63 Building) and Hangang River. The market is open 24 hours a day but is at its best early in the morning during the auctions when the market comes alive with amazing and interesting seafood. The official name is Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market.
If it swims in the ocean and it’s edible, chances are you will find it for sale here by some 700 vendors. You can see the fresh catch of the day before it ends up on the tables of restaurants throughout Seoul.
The market dates back to 1927 when it was located in downtown Seoul near Seoul Station. In 1971, it was relocated to its current location on the banks of the Han River on the outskirts of Yeouido. Today, it is the largest and oldest seafood market in Korea with a floor space of about 6,000 square meters (64,583 square feet) dedicated to seafood.
The joy of this bustling area is simply wandering around the soggy concrete from stall to stall discovering bubbling tanks full of all sorts of strange creatures that you may have never seen before. In these tanks you will find fresh fish, octopus, lobster, clams, salmon, tuna, prawns (shrimp), mussels, stingrays, halibut, mackerel, anchovies, blue crabs, and much more. You can also find more rare varieties of seafood such as snow crabs and sea snails.
If you arrive early enough, you can witness the busiest and noisiest hours of the market. Early in the morning around 4am to 6am, the wholesalers fight over the freshest fish during the morning auctions. This is when the market comes alive.
One of the most interesting types of marine life found here is the sea slug or sea cucumber. These strange plump looking creatures wiggle and look anything but edible with their slimy exterior. Sea slug is usually eaten raw after the intestinal tract is removed. This one definitely for the brave. If you can eat this, you can eat just about anything.
If you are hungry and want to experience one of the freshest meals of your life, you can purchase seafood and have it prepared at one of the restaurants upstairs on the northern side of the complex. For about 12,000 won, you can have raw fish sliced into a fresh sashimi meal, known as hwae or hoe. Add a bottle of soju or three, and you will have one of the best and most memorable breakfasts you could possibly have anywhere in the world.
If you prefer your seafood cooked, you can have it grilled with salt over an open flame and served with a side of rice. For a few more thousand won, you can have maeuntang, which is a hot and spicy soup made with the seafood leftovers including the bones.
One restaurant that specializes in raw fish, crab soups, and maeuntang is Busan Ilbeonji. This modest restaurant ran by Mrs. Moon is located on the 2nd floor of the fish market. Meals range from 5,000 to 40,000 won and include a good selection of banchan (side dishes).
Though this is busy facility, seafood sellers are quite friendly to tourists, even with the market being off the main tourist path.
You might find it difficult and confusing trying to pick out something to eat when the seller does not speak English and you have no idea what the seafood even is. Through the use of hand gestures and calculators that show you the price, you should have no trouble purchasing fresh seafood. If the price is too much, just walk away, or pretend to walk away and see if the price is lowered.
Many of the stalls are unnamed and unnumbered except for a phone number on some. This can be confusing but just look for whatever looks fresh and gets your attention. The food is cheap so don’t be scared and be adventurous. Odds are you will leave with a meal to remember.
Noryangjin Fish Market Information
Hours
Daily : 24 hours
Wholesale market operates around 1:00-18:00, dry seafood market operates 3:00-20:00, and the raw fish market operates 24 hours a day.
Admission
FreeHow to Get Here
Take Subway Line 1 to Noryangjin Station (Exit 1).
After exiting the station, walk across the bridge over the tracks towards the direction of the 63 Building. The fish market building is located at the end of the bridge. To get here, walk downstairs.
Map
Additional Resources
Viator by TripAdvisor
Viator is a popular online platform that helps travelers book tours, activities, and unique experiences worldwide, including in Seoul. It connects users with a wide selection of options – from sightseeing tours to cultural events and outdoor adventures – all offered by local providers.
Klook
Klook offers discounted tickets and reservations for various attractions and services in Seoul, from theme parks and museums to tours and transportation options.
Rakuten
Save money while exploring Seoul with Rakuten's cashback program. Book your hotels or other services through Rakuten and enjoy cashback rewards and exclusive deals.
If you sign up using the link below, you could earn $30 cashback on your first purchase over $30.
Book Recommendations
For an immersive guide to Seoul, many travelers choose to bring a book along. Fodor's Seoul, for example, offers detailed recommendations on sights, restaurants, maps, and travel tips.
Nearby Sights
63 Square (63 Building)
63 Square (63 Building) is a golden landmark and icon of the skyline of Seoul. At completion, it was one of the tallest buildings in the world.
Yeouido Hangang Park
Yeouido Hangang Park is one of the most popular parks found along the Han River which runs through the heart of Seoul. The park is located on the northern edge of Yeouido, an 8.4 square kilometer (5.2 square mile) island. Yeouido is the center of Seoul's finance and banking. Located nearby are many important buildings related to finance, business, banking, and politics such as the National Assembly Building.
Former Yongsan Water Level Observatory
The Former Yongsan Water Level Observatory was the first self-recording water level station along the Hangang River in Seoul, Korea. Located on the north bank of the Hangang River between Mapo Bridge and Wonhyo Bridge, it was the ninth water level observatory in the country when built.
Yongsan Electronics Market
Yongsan Electronics Market is a collection of over 5,000 electronics and office equipment markets and stores spread across 20 buildings. If it has to do with technology, then odds you will find it here at one of the nearly thousands of independent stores in the area.
Yongsan Flea Market
Yongsan Flea Market is a weekend flea market specializing in used and second hand computer and electronic supplies and accessories at affordable prices. If you are looking for hard to find used or discontinued electronics items, then start your search here.
Last Updated on Feb 6, 2025