A Culinary Journey Through Korea's Top 5 Seafood Markets

Greetings from Eosang!
Eosang, leading the future of the fisheries industry.
"Isn't exploring local markets one of the greatest joys of traveling?
Among them, seafood markets are special places where you can directly experience the freshness and vibrant energy of the sea.
Today, we're going to take a look at five of Korea's most representative seafood markets.
Let's embark on a journey filled with the tastes and charms of each region's seafood market!
Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market (Seoul)
When you think of Seoul, Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market is probably the first seafood market that comes to mind. It is Korea's first specialized seafood wholesale market, with a long history and tradition.
It is open year-round, but the sales hours vary slightly depending on the item, so it's a good idea to check the website before visiting.
Above all, what you should never miss in Noryangjin is the fresh raw fish (sashimi). The market offers a wide variety of fresh fish, so you can choose the fish you want and have it prepared into sashimi right away.
Enjoying sashimi in the lively market atmosphere will be a truly special experience.
Incheon Comprehensive Fish Market (Incheon)
Incheon Comprehensive Fish Market is the only production area market in the Seoul metropolitan area and is so large that it is known as Korea's largest seafood distribution market.
The specialty here is definitely blue crab. Blue crabs caught off the nearby coast are full of meat and have an excellent taste, so many people visit every season.
In particular, Incheon accounts for about half of Korea's blue crab production, so if you want to taste really fresh blue crab dishes, you should definitely visit.
Jagalchi Fish Market (Busan)
If you travel to Busan, Jagalchi Market is a must-visit. The market's name has an interesting origin: in the past, there were many pebbles (jagal) on the coast, and the word 'chi,' which refers to the fish sold in the market, was combined to form the current name.
The signature dish you must try here is hagfish (komjangeo). Hagfish, famous as Busan's specialty, is popular for its chewy texture and savory flavor. Just watching it grilled over charcoal makes your mouth water!
Sokcho Tourist Fish Market (Sokcho, Gangwon-do)
Sokcho Tourist Fish Market, one of the top 10 tourist markets in Korea, offers a variety of seafood from the East Sea.
The market's famous product is definitely squid. Squid freshly caught off the coast of Sokcho is not only fresh, but also has a firm, chewy texture. In addition, squid sundae, a local dish made with squid, is also a must-try delicacy. If you come to Sokcho, a table of squid dishes at the market is a must-do!
Mokpo Comprehensive Fish Market (Mokpo, Jeollanam-do)
Lastly, we would like to introduce Mokpo Comprehensive Fish Market, located in Mokpo, a port city in the southern region.
Mokpo has been known as the 'Mecca of Skate' since ancient times, and it accounts for 80% of the nation's skate distribution and sales.
What you should definitely try here is skate. You can taste high-quality skate caught from Heuksando Island and other areas, adding to the enjoyment of your southern trip. The unique aroma and taste are often divisive, but if you want to experience the real taste of skate, Mokpo Fish Market is the place to go.
So, we've taken a look at five of Korea's representative seafood markets. Each market has its own regional characteristics, and there are delicacies that you can only taste there, making your trip even more enjoyable.
If you are planning a trip, why not visit a nearby seafood market and experience the freshness of the sea?
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