A Must-Visit in Busan: Bupyeong Kkangtong Market Night Market
One of the places you absolutely must visit on a trip to Busan is the Bupyeong Kkangtong Market Night Market.
During the day, it operates as a traditional market, but at night, it transforms into a vibrant stage of delicious food.
Let me share my vivid night market tour experience from my recent trip.
I arrived around 7 PM, and surprisingly, the market was quite deserted.
Although the scale was enormous and alleys branched out in all directions, there were few people and the atmosphere was calm.
For a moment, I even wondered if I should have gone to Gukje Market instead.
But as soon as 7:30 PM rolled around, a completely different world unfolded.
From seemingly nowhere, rows of street stalls, food carts, and handcarts appeared, and people started flocking in simultaneously.
The market, which had been quiet just moments before, was now filled with energy, and it felt like watching a curtain rise on a stage – it was exhilarating.
At that moment, I thought, 'Ah, now the real night of Kkangtong Market is beginning!'
Skewers grilled with smoky flavors, savory seed-filled pancakes (Ssiat Hotteok), parfaits that looked incredibly sweet, crispy fried dumplings...
It felt like all the street food I knew was gathered there.
It wasn't just about looking around; everything looked so delicious and made with such care that I wanted to try it all.
I regretted having dinner just 10 minutes before, not knowing what awaited me.
The alleys stretched out in every direction, making it momentarily confusing to know where the entrance and exit were.
But no matter which path you take, following the sizzling sounds and aromas will lead you straight to the night market.
This place is home to many famous eateries featured on YouTube, like Kkangdwaehu, Bibim Dangmyeon, Milmyeon, and Eomuk (fish cake) stalls.
Moreover, there was an Eomuk shop that Samsung's Chairman Lee Jae-yong had visited, and other shops introduced by broadcaster Hong Seok-cheon and Chef Lee Won-il on YouTube, making it amazing to actually stand in those places.
I had briefly considered going to Gukje Market while on the bus, but choosing Bupyeong Kkangtong Market was definitely a decision I didn't regret.
Even on a Thursday evening, it was this crowded. I can only imagine how busy it must be on weekends!
Perhaps that's why there's a sign on the pillars of the shops that says, "Keep to the right."
The passages are narrow, so it's essential to follow this rule.
If you're visiting the Nampo-dong/Jagalchi Market area, you should definitely go. From Gwangalli or Haeundae, it's about an hour by bus, so it's best to visit when you have plenty of time.
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