Global Major Cities Guide

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