How to Enjoy Korea’s Seafood Markets Without Getting Scammed – A Traveler’s Guide to Fresh Seafood in Seoul

 Hi there, this is Sunny – your travel buddy for discovering the real Korea!

If you're visiting Korea, there's one place you absolutely shouldn't miss — the local seafood markets! It’s where you can choose your seafood fresh from the tank and have it prepared right on the spot. But if you're a first-timer, it can be a little overwhelming. So let me guide you through Seoul’s most popular seafood markets and share some useful tips on how to enjoy them like a pro!

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📌 Table of Contents

1. Best Seafood Markets in Seoul for Tourists
2. What to Eat: Must-Try Korean Seafood
3. How Not to Get Scammed at the Market
4. Seafood Price Comparison by Market
5. Where to Eat: On-site Dining, Han River Picnic & Hotel Tips
6. Sunny’s Tips! 🌞

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1. Top Seafood Markets in Seoul

There are several seafood markets in Seoul, but these three are especially worth visiting for travelers:

• Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market
  The largest seafood market in Seoul, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and vast selection of seafood. It opens early in the morning and stays open late, and many stalls offer sashimi cutting services and have restaurants nearby.

• Gangseo Agricultural & Marine Products Market
  A quieter, more local-style market that’s very close to Gimpo Airport. It’s a great stop even if you’re short on time in Korea. You’ll find a variety of fresh seafood and small eateries here.

• Mapo Fisheries Market
  Located near popular areas like Hongdae and Hapjeong, this medium-sized market is easily accessible and known for its quality seafood options.

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2. Must-Try Korean Seafood at the Markets

Here are some of the most popular types of seafood you can enjoy:

• Fresh sashimi – flatfish, rockfish, salmon, tuna, and more

• Shellfish and crustaceans – king crab, snow crab, blue crab, shrimp

• Other seafood – oysters, scallops, sea pineapple, sea cucumber, abalone

Each season has its specialties, so ask vendors about what’s best during your visit!

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3. How Not to Get Ripped Off at the Market

If you're new to Korean seafood markets, prices might seem confusing or inconsistent. Here’s how to shop smart:

• Check prices online in advance
  Use the website  “TPirates.com"  to get the day’s average prices for seafood.

• Be careful with units
  Some sellers use "geun" (600g) instead of kilograms. Double-check so you know exactly how much you’re buying.

• Clarify all costs
  Ask about cutting, service, and restaurant fees before making your purchase.

• Use price info to negotiate
  If you know the average price in advance, you’ll have a better chance of bargaining for a fair deal.

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4. Price Comparison by Market

Access “TPirates.com" on Chrome.

(It's translated into English so you can see it easily)

You can check the market price by filtering 

by the location of the fish market and by the item you want.

	Noryangjin	Gangseo	Mapo
Sashimi (/kg)	Flatfish 30,000 won ~ Rockfish 25,000 won ~ Salmon 35,000 won ~	Flatfish 45,000 won ~ Rockfish 40,000 won ~ Salmon 50,000 won ~	Flatfish 45,000 won ~ Rockfish 40,000 won ~ Salmon 75,000 won ~
Shellfish (/kg)	Crab 50,000 won ~ Shrimp 20,000 won ~	Crab 55,000 won ~ Shrimp 20,000 won ~	Crab 49,000 won ~ Shrimp 20,000 won ~
Others (/kg)	Oyster 5,000 won ~ Scallops 10,000 won ~	Oyster 5,000 won ~ Scallops 7,000 won ~	Oyster 4,000 won ~ Scallops 7,000 won ~

※ The price varies by period.

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5. Where to Eat Your Seafood

After buying your seafood, there are several great ways to enjoy it:

• Eat at a market restaurant
  For sashimi, vendors will clean and slice the fish for you on the spot. You can then take it to a nearby restaurant, where you’ll pay a small seating fee and preparation fee to enjoy it with sauces and side dishes. Alcohol and beverages are also available at most places.

• Picnic at Hangang Park
  You can also have your seafood packed to-go and enjoy a relaxing picnic by the Han River—just like the locals do!
  Grab some drinks from a nearby convenience store (they sell alcohol and sodas), and pair your seafood with other delivery foods or even the famous Hangang convenience store ramen!
  It’s a fun, laid-back way to enjoy your fresh catch with a beautiful riverside view.

• Eat in your hotel room
  Check with your hotel before bringing seafood back, as some places don’t allow it due to smell or cleanliness concerns.

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6. Sunny's Tips!🌞

• Go early for the freshest catch

• Check online prices before you go and use them to negotiate

• Most stalls accept credit cards, but some are cash only, so bring a little cash

• Ask before taking photos—vendors are usually more friendly if you do

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Now you’re ready to explore Korea’s seafood markets like a local!
For more hidden gems and smart travel tips, stay tuned on the Traveler Sun blog.