Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market is a seafood market at 674 Nodeul-ro in Seoul’s Dongjak District, near Noryangjin Station. Rows of tanks hold live fish, shellfish and other sea creatures, giving you a close look at the city’s seafood trade. You can browse the stalls, choose seafood to buy and take it to a restaurant upstairs to be prepared. Early morning is a good time to see the market at work, and may bring a chance to watch an auction. Expect strong seafood smells and compare prices before settling on a stall.
A seafood market with a long history
Noryangjin’s seafood trade dates to 1927, when the market first opened. The present market is in a multistorey complex that opened in 2016. Its role is both commercial and public: seafood is sold to businesses and individual shoppers, and you can walk through the aisles to see the range of marine life on offer.
Tanks display fish and shellfish alongside crabs, octopus and other seafood. Some of the animals are alive, so the market is an active place to observe rather than a quiet exhibition. The sights and smells are part of the setting; if you are sensitive to either, a short visit may suit you better than a meal there.
How to choose and eat seafood
The usual market-to-table routine is straightforward: browse the stalls, ask about the seafood you want, agree on the price, then take your purchase to a restaurant in the building. Restaurants can prepare the seafood for you, with options that include raw fish and cooked dishes. The restaurants are commonly described as being on the second floor, though arrangements can differ by time of day.
Several stalls may sell similar kinds of seafood, so take time to compare before choosing. Make sure the price is clear before a seller cuts or prepares your order. Ask separately about preparation and dining charges, too. These costs are not necessarily included in the seafood price. If anything is unclear, use a calculator or written figures to confirm the amount before agreeing.
When to go and what to expect
The market operates around the clock, but early morning brings the chance to see trading and auctions. The market is a place of work as well as a visitor stop, so leave room for people moving through the aisles and keep to the side when browsing.
Noryangjin Station is the nearby subway stop, and the market address is 674 Nodeul-ro in Dongjak District. You can visit without buying anything, but the experience is most hands-on if you choose seafood and have it prepared. Live displays, seafood handling and strong smells are part of the visit, so it may not suit travelers who prefer a more polished or scent-free setting.
Häufige Fragen
Is Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market open all day?
Yes. The market is listed as open 24 hours a day.
Can you eat seafood at the market?
Yes. Buy seafood from a stall and take it to a restaurant in the building to be prepared. Confirm preparation and dining charges before ordering.
When is a good time to visit?
Go early in the morning for a chance to see the market’s trading and auctions.
Where is the market?
It is at 674 Nodeul-ro in Seoul’s Dongjak District, near Noryangjin Station.
