Noryangjin Fish Market – A Great Ocean in the Heart of Seoul
Hello everyone! Did you enjoy my previous posts about the hidden gems in Namdaemun Market?
Today, following our trip to the traditional market, I want to introduce you to a “Great Ocean within Seoul”—the Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market.
While it serves as a massive wholesale hub, it’s also the go-to destination for locals whenever they crave the freshest sashimi. You don’t have to travel far to the coast to taste the ocean; right here in Seoul, you can experience that “just-caught” freshness.
It’s a place where friends and colleagues gather for a lively meal, or where people pick out the best catch to take home for a grand family feast.
Are you ready to hear about the incredible spread I had at Noryangjin today? Let’s dive in!
How It Works – From the Tanks to Your Table
When you first arrive at the 1. Floor of Noryangjin Fish Market, this is the scene that will greet you. You’ll see hundreds of stalls specializing in everything from fresh sashimi and crustaceans to various seafood—and everything is still alive!
(Just like the Kalguksu Alley in Namdaemun, you’ll find that the vendors here are very enthusiastic! As you walk through the aisles, many will wave or call out to get your attention. ^^
Don’t feel overwhelmed—it’s all part of the lively market experience. Since most of the stalls offer similar fresh quality and prices, my best advice is to go where you feel most welcomed. Look for a vendor who seems especially friendly or kind.
If you’re worried about the language barrier, look for a stall with a younger vendor. They often find it a bit easier to communicate in English, which can make your ordering process much smoother! ^^ )
And here is the simple step-by-step process of how to enjoy a meal here:
- Pick Your Catch (1. Floor): You can choose the fish or seafood you want. You can either have it sliced for takeout or tell the vendor, “I’d like to eat here.”
- Head to the Restaurant (2. Floor): If you choose to stay, the vendor will guide you to a restaurant on the second floor. In Korea, we call these places “Chojang-jip.”
- The “Chojang-jip” System: These restaurants provide the space, plates, and basic side dishes for you to enjoy the seafood you just bought downstairs. (The vendor from the 1. Floor will deliver your freshly prepared sashimi directly to your table!)
- Service & Fees: Please note that these restaurants charge a small “Table Setting Fee” (Sang-charim-bi) per person. You can also order extra drinks, spicy fish stew (Maeuntang), or other side dishes to complete your meal.
To put it simply: The 1. Floor is for buying and prepping the seafood, while the 2. Floor is where all the eating and dining!
Eating with the Seasons
One of the best things about Korean seafood is that the “stars” of the menu change with the seasons. I recommend asking the vendor for a recommendation when you arrive, but here is a quick guide to what locals love most throughout the year:
- Spring: Mullet (Sung-eo) or Flatfish (Dodari)
- Summer: Croaker (Min-eo)
- Autumn: Salmon (Yeon-eo), Flounder (Gwang-eo), or Rockfish (U-reok)
- Winter: Yellowtail (Bang-eo) — This is the absolute must-try winter delicacy!
In the photo on the left, you can see a beautiful spread of Yellowtail (Bang-eo) and Salmon (Yeon-eo). (The vendor was so kind, they even gave me the salmon as a free service!) On the right, I chose a mix of Yellowtail, Rockfish, and Flounder.
Side Seafood Delights
I’m a huge seafood lover, so whenever I pick out my sashimi, I always make sure to grab some extra seafood on the side.
Depending on what I’m craving that day, I’ll pick out Abalone (Jeon-bok) to boost my energy during travel, or maybe some Blood Clams (Pi-jogae), Scallops (Garibi), and Shrimp (Saeu).
Here’s the fun part: if you communicate friendly with the vendors, you might get a little surprise! Sometimes they’ll throw in some Scallop adductor muscles (Gwan-ja) or Fresh oysters (Seok-hwa) as a “service” (on the house). Remember, these extras are entirely up to the owner’s heart, so don’t forget to be extra friendly and strike up a conversation! ^^;
The Sannakji Challenge
If you’re visiting Korea, you absolutely cannot miss the Sannakji (Live Octopus) challenge! Haha.
I’ve seen many videos of foreigners taking on the “Sannakji Challenge” on YouTube. I get it—the sight of wiggling tentacles and the sensation of suction cups sticking to the inside of your mouth can be quite a shock at first! But once you dip it in sesame oil and salt (Sogeum-jang) and get used to that savory, chewy taste, you might find yourself craving it again and again.
Fresh, and… Jumping?! The Raw Shrimp Experience
If you visit during the right season, you absolutely have to try Live Raw Shrimp (Saeng-saeu). The natural sweetness of the shrimp at its peak is simply out of this world.
But If the idea of peeling jumping shrimp is a bit too much for you, don’t panic! You can always ask the restaurant (the “Chojang-jip”) to steam them for you. They will cook them to perfection, so you can enjoy the fresh, sweet flavor without the action.
The Grand Finale – Spicy Fish Stew (Maeuntang)]
The appearance of Maeuntang (Spicy Fish Stew) at your table means this incredible seafood feast is reaching its grand finale.
When you finish picking your fish at the stall, the vendor will ask if you want to keep the “leftover” parts (the head and bones) for stew. Say yes! The restaurant upstairs will then transform them into a deep, spicy, and savory stew.
If you want to finish your meal with a kick of spice, don’t miss this final course. When you eat this rich, flavorful stew with a bowl of warm steamed white rice, the deep umami flavor will wrap up the entire dining experience perfectly.
If you’re traveling with children who aren’t fans of raw fish or spicy stew, don’t worry about visiting Noryangjin Market! There are plenty of options to keep the little ones happy.
Some “Chojang-jip” (restaurants) on the 2nd floor even serve Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly). Plus, near the restaurant area, you’ll find stalls selling a variety of crispy Twigim (Korean-style tempura), including sweet potato, vegetables, squid, and shrimp.
I’ve yet to meet a child who doesn’t love crispy fried treats! ;) So, feel free to bring the whole family along for the experience.
If you prefer a quiet night in, you can always have your fresh catch packed for takeout!
The vendors at the 1st floor will neatly pack everything you need, including Cho-gochujang (sweet and spicy red chili paste), soy sauce, wasabi, and even fresh lettuce or perilla leaves to wrap your fish. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a high-quality seafood feast in the comfort of your own accommodation.
However you choose to eat and wherever you go, I hope you have an amazing time exploring the sights and flavors of Noryangjin Fish Market!
I’ll be back soon with another delicious guide—this time to the snack heaven of Gwangjang Market. See you then!
From Seoul,MJay
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