Hi there, this is Sunny – your travel buddy for discovering the real Korea!
If you’re looking for a local seafood experience that’s fresh, affordable, and just off the tourist radar, let me take you to a hidden gem in Seoul—Gangseo Seafood Market.

📌 Table of Contents
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Introduction to Gangseo Seafood Market
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Location & How to Get There
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What Makes This Market Special
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Seafood I Tried: Sashimi, Abalone & Sea Snails
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Where to Eat: Restaurant or Picnic by the Han River
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Summary Table
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Sunny’s Tips!
1. Introduction to Gangseo Seafood Market
Did you know that Seoul has more seafood markets beyond the famous Noryangjin?
One of the hidden local favorites is Gangseo Seafood Market, located near Gimpo Airport. Unlike touristy markets, this one is often visited by locals, offering a more authentic and quieter atmosphere.
In this post, I’ll share my experience trying sashimi, abalone, and sea snails—a perfect local food adventure!

2. Location & How to Get There
Gangseo Seafood Market is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Gimpo Airport by subway or taxi.
That makes it an ideal stop right after arrival or just before departure.
Address: 561 Gonghang-daero, Gangseo-gu, Seoul
Subway Access: From Gimpo Airport Station or Songjeong Station, transfer to a bus or take a short taxi ride.
3. What Makes This Market Special
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Freshness: A wide range of freshly delivered seafood available daily
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Local Atmosphere: Quieter and more authentic than major tourist spots
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Friendly Vendors: While English isn't widely spoken, hand gestures and smiles go a long way
4. Seafood I Tried: Sashimi, Abalone & Sea Snails
Here’s what I picked during my visit:
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Flatfish & Rockfish Sashimi (for 2 people): around 30,000 KRW
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2 Abalone: around 5,000 KRW each
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1 Plate of Sea Snails: around 10,000 KRW
The sashimi was sliced right after purchase, and the abalone and snails were neatly cleaned and packed.

5. Where to Eat: Restaurant or Picnic by the Han River
1) Eat Inside the Market Restaurant
Once you’ve purchased your seafood, simply bring it to a nearby restaurant inside the market.
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There’s usually a table fee and preparation charge (5,000–10,000 KRW)
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You can also ask them to make a spicy fish stew (maeuntang) with the leftovers
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Restaurants also sell alcoholic beverages like soju and beer, plus soft drinks
2) Take it to the Han River for a Picnic
If you have extra time, packing up your seafood and heading to the Han River park is a great option.
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Buy drinks and snacks at a nearby convenience store and enjoy them with your seafood
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Combine it with Korean cup ramen or delivery food for the perfect riverside meal
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It’s a relaxing and memorable way to enjoy local flavors with a view
3) Eating in Your Hotel Room
Planning to eat in your hotel? Make sure to check the hotel’s policy on bringing seafood inside.
Some places might not allow it due to smell or hygiene reasons.

6. Summary Table
Item | Info |
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Market Name | Gangseo Seafood Market |
Location | Gangseo-gu, Seoul (near Gimpo Airport) |
Recommended Seafood | Sashimi, Abalone, Sea Snails |
Price Range | Flatfish 45,000 won ~ Rockfish 40,000 won ~ Crab 55,000 won ~ Shrimp 20,000 won ~ |
Where to Eat | Market restaurant / Han River picnic / Hotel room |
Opening Hours | Morning to late evening (varies by shop) |
7. Sunny’s Tips!
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Always check prices online before visiting (use The Mackerel Pirate app/website)
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Bargaining is possible, especially if you’ve checked the average price beforehand
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Both cash and card are accepted, though some vendors prefer cash
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Translation apps or pre-saved phrases can help since English is limited
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Perfect location for travelers—just a short hop from Gimpo Airport!
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