 
The market runs between Ch'ungmu-dong and
Namp'o-dong, right next to Pusan Harbor.
It actually has two main sections: one for fresh seafood, another for dried seafood. The name of
the area comes from Jagal (small rocks) and
ch'i (a pure Korean word describing
villages next to the seashore). Originally, the area had many small rocks. In modern times, a
wharf has been built and much of the area is concrete and lined with buildings, so no trace of
the namesake remains. Every year, the Jagalchi
Festival celebrates the area and its products.
Fish and Shellfish Market
The western setion of the market mainly deals with live and freshly caught seafood. Fish and
shellfish are caught daily and sold fresh to consumers, almost right off the boat. The area
is lined with tanks containing all sorts of fish, eels, squid, shellfish, and mollusks. Some
areas have workers preparing the seafood for long term storage. You can watch as the fish
get scaled, beheaded, chopped up, and dumped in a box of ice, all in record time.
Dried Fish Wholesale Market
The eastern part of the market is dedicated to dried seafood. This is Korea's largest
wholesale market for dried fish and seafood. You one can find dried squid, octopus,
seaweed, anchovies, pollack, and codfish brought from all over the peninsula.
Jagalchi Ajumas
The ajumas (married women) who work in the Jagalchi Fish Market are a
very tough breed. Although they are kind inside, it does not always show through their
strong exterior. They work hard doing the dirty work of cleaning and processing the
seafood, while still being strongly devoted to their families. The ajumas are
responsible for building up the area into its present form.
Food and Drink
The 6-story Shindonga Market has many fresh seafood restaurants. The surrounding area
has many pochang machas and stalls which serve raw and cooked seafood. Along the
main street in front of the market area you can find several restaurants offering regular
Korean food, for those sick of fish.
Night Life
At night, many tent stands and pochangmachas open for business, serving seafood
and drinks outdoors.
Hours: Open throughout the year
Directions: Subway line 1, Nampodong or Jagalchi Station
(For more sights of Jagalchi Fish Market, please see page 2.)
See related tour(s). |
