Global Major Cities Guide

General information about shopping centers, convenience stores, and local markets in Busan.

Sections

1. Famous Markets in Busan

Busan is home to several iconic markets that reflect the city’s culture and history. Here are the most notable ones:

a. Jagalchi Market (자갈치시장)

What to Buy: Fresh seafood, dried fish, and seafood-based snacks.
Details: This is Korea’s largest seafood market, located near Nampo-dong. You can buy fresh seafood and have it prepared on-site at one of the restaurants in the market.
Price Range: Prices vary depending on the seafood, but bargaining is common. For example, a fresh fish meal might cost around KRW 20,000–50,000.
Cultural Tip: Vendors are used to tourists, so don’t hesitate to ask questions. Bargaining is acceptable but should be done politely.
Operating Hours: 5:00 AM–10:00 PM (some stalls may close earlier).

b. Gukje Market (국제시장)

What to Buy: Clothing, accessories, household goods, souvenirs, and traditional Korean items.
Details: This sprawling market is one of the largest traditional markets in Korea. It’s a great place to find affordable goods and unique souvenirs.
Price Range: Items are generally inexpensive, with clothing starting at KRW 10,000 and souvenirs around KRW 5,000–20,000.
Cultural Tip: Bargaining is common here, especially for non-fixed-price items. Be friendly and respectful when negotiating.
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM (closed on the first and third Sundays of the month).

c. Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market (부평 깡통 야시장)

What to Buy: Street food, snacks, and small trinkets.
Details: This night market is famous for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse street food options, including Korean, Japanese, and Southeast Asian dishes.
Price Range: Street food typically costs KRW 2,000–10,000 per item.
Cultural Tip: Bring cash, as many food stalls may not accept credit cards.
Operating Hours: 7:30 PM–11:30 PM.

d. Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) Square

What to Buy: Street food, trendy clothing, and accessories.
Details: Located in Nampo-dong, this area is a mix of shopping and entertainment. It’s also famous for its street food stalls selling hotteok (sweet pancakes) and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
Price Range: Clothing and accessories range from KRW 10,000–50,000.
Cultural Tip: This area is bustling, so keep an eye on your belongings and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

e. Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center

What to Buy: Fashion, cosmetics, and accessories.
Details: Located beneath Seomyeon Station, this underground shopping center is a haven for budget-friendly fashion and beauty products.
Price Range: Clothing starts at KRW 10,000, and cosmetics range from KRW 5,000–30,000.
Cultural Tip: Many shops here cater to younger shoppers, so expect trendy styles. Bargaining is less common in underground shopping centers.

f. Haeundae Market

What to Buy: Fresh seafood, local snacks, and souvenirs.
Details: Located near Haeundae Beach, this market is perfect for grabbing a bite or picking up small gifts after a day at the beach.
Price Range: Snacks and small meals cost KRW 5,000–15,000.
Cultural Tip: Try the local specialties like ssiat hotteok (seed-filled pancakes) and grilled seafood skewers.

2. Modern Shopping Areas

If you prefer modern shopping malls and department stores, Busan has plenty to offer:

a. Shinsegae Centum City

Details: Recognized as the world’s largest department store, Shinsegae Centum City in Haeundae offers luxury brands, cosmetics, electronics, and more. It also features a spa, ice rink, and cinema.
Price Range: High-end, with luxury items starting at KRW 100,000 and up.
Payment Methods: Credit cards are widely accepted.
Operating Hours: 10:30 AM–8:00 PM (hours may vary slightly).

b. Lotte Department Store (Gwangbok Branch)

Details: Located near Nampo-dong, this department store offers a mix of luxury and mid-range brands, as well as a duty-free section for international visitors.
Price Range: Mid-range to high-end.
Cultural Tip: Don’t miss the rooftop garden for a stunning view of the city.
Operating Hours: 10:30 AM–8:00 PM.

c. Nampo-dong Shopping Street

Details: A bustling area with a mix of local boutiques, international brands, and street vendors.
Price Range: Affordable to mid-range.
Cultural Tip: This area is great for window shopping and people-watching.

3. Payment Methods

Cash: Cash is widely accepted, especially in traditional markets and street stalls. It’s a good idea to carry small bills and coins.
Credit Cards: Most modern stores, malls, and larger vendors accept credit cards, including international ones like Visa and Mastercard.
Mobile Payments: Apps like KakaoPay and Samsung Pay are popular among locals, but they may not be accessible to tourists without a Korean bank account.

4. Bargaining Culture

Bargaining is common in traditional markets like Gukje Market and Jagalchi Market but not in department stores or chain stores.
Approach bargaining with a friendly attitude. Start by asking for a discount (할인해 주세요, "hal-in-hae ju-se-yo") and negotiate politely.
If the vendor refuses, don’t push too hard; it’s better to walk away and try another stall.

5. Cultural Tips for Shopping in Busan

Respect the Vendors: Always greet vendors with a smile and say “Annyeonghaseyo” (안녕하세요, hello) when approaching their stall.
Try Local Snacks: Many markets offer free samples of food, especially dried seafood or snacks. Don’t hesitate to try them, but it’s polite to buy something if you sample a lot.
Bring a Reusable Bag: South Korea has strict regulations on plastic bags, so bring your own shopping bag or be prepared to pay a small fee for one.
Tax Refunds: Tourists can claim tax refunds on purchases over KRW 30,000 at participating stores. Look for “Tax-Free” signs and keep your receipts.

6. Recommendations

For a traditional market experience, visit Gukje Market or Jagalchi Market.
For trendy fashion and cosmetics, head to Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center.
For luxury shopping and a unique experience, explore Shinsegae Centum City.
For street food and a lively atmosphere, don’t miss BIFF Square or Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market.

With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to explore Busan’s diverse shopping scene. Enjoy your time in this dynamic city!

Busan

Shopping and Markets