Busan is the second largest city in South Korea and the fifth largest port city in the world. Since the port’s opening in 1876, Busan has become South Korea’s center for international trade. Busan became the temporary capital after a large influx of Koreans took place during the Korean War. Now, Busan is home to approximately 3.6 million Korean citizens and its coastal access has made it the main exporter of the rice produced within the country. Its coastal location also makes Busan famous for its seafood and fish markets. In fact, Busan has the largest seafood market in South Korea: Jagalchi Market (자갈치시장). You may think that there are only so many varieties of edible seafood, but the Jagalchi Market shows that this record is in fact a great feat. Located near the Busan harbor, this market houses many varieties of both dried and fresh seafood. And by fresh, I mean that you will see your fish beheaded, have its scales removed, and chopped up right in front of you (but I digress). Every year, a festival is held in October to honor the market. This is seen as one of the major cultural festivals that take place in Busan, as many of the performances have cultural roots. Busan is arguably the most “balanced” city in South Korea in that it intertwines the modern, touristic aspects of the city into its cultural roots.
Two Jagalchi ajummas selling fresh fish in the outer part of the Jagalchi Fish Market (Courtesy of CityKnown)
Sources:
Asia Rooms – Jagalchi Fish Market
The Kimchi Chronicles: The Fish Chronicles
The Food and Culture of South Korea 