Noryangjin Fish Market Seoul
Seoul's premier seafood hub, where you pick your catch and have it cooked fresh. A vibrant, bustling market experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest catch, fewer crowds
Noryangjin Fish Market Seoul
Best Time
Freshest catch, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Seoul's premier seafood hub, where you pick your catch and have it cooked fresh. A vibrant, bustling market experience.
"This might be the best thing I ate in Korea."
🎯 Use the Tpirates App
Check real-time seafood prices to avoid being overcharged. Essential for savvy shoppers! :iphone:
🤝 Ask for Restaurant Recs
Many fish vendors have recommended restaurants upstairs. They can guide you to a good cooking spot. :handshake:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
King Crab Feast
Various stalls on the first floor
Indulge in succulent king crab, a Noryangjin specialty. Choose your crab, then have it expertly cooked upstairs.
Sashimi Selection
First-floor vendors
Explore a dazzling array of fresh fish. Pick your favorites and enjoy them as sashimi, prepared right before your eyes.
Exotic Seafood Adventures
Specialty stalls
Dare to try unique delicacies like sea cucumber (jesam) or the intriguing 'penis fish' (kebul).
Sannakji (Live Octopus)
Select seafood vendors
Experience the thrill of eating sannakji, where the octopus is still wriggling. A true test for the adventurous eater.
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Market Like a Pro
Timing is Everything for Freshness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Use the Tpirates App
Check real-time seafood prices to avoid being overcharged. Essential for savvy shoppers! :iphone: +1
🤝 Ask for Restaurant Recs
Many fish vendors have recommended restaurants upstairs. They can guide you to a good cooking spot. :handshake:
💰 Understand Cooking Fees
Expect a per-person 'table fee' at restaurants. Prices are generally consistent for locals and tourists. :moneywithwings:
🗣️ Learn Basic Korean Phrases
Knowing a few words can help with negotiation and understanding. 'Eolmayeyo?' (How much?) is key! :speech_balloon:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Use the Tpirates App
Check real-time seafood prices to avoid being overcharged. Essential for savvy shoppers! :iphone: +1
🤝 Ask for Restaurant Recs
Many fish vendors have recommended restaurants upstairs. They can guide you to a good cooking spot. :handshake:
💰 Understand Cooking Fees
Expect a per-person 'table fee' at restaurants. Prices are generally consistent for locals and tourists. :moneywithwings:
🗣️ Learn Basic Korean Phrases
Knowing a few words can help with negotiation and understanding. 'Eolmayeyo?' (How much?) is key! :speech_balloon:
🚶♀️ Navigate the Tunnels
Accessing the market might involve walking through slightly 'sketchy' tunnels, but it's part of the adventure! :tunnel: 
🦀 King Crab Mission
If king crab is your goal, be prepared for varying prices. Ask for the weight and price per kilogram. :crab:
🐙 Try Sannakji
For the brave, taste the famously wriggling live octopus. It's a unique culinary experience! :octopus:
⚖️ Weigh Your Options
Don't be afraid to compare prices and vendors. Many have similar offerings and costs. :scales:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Noryangjin Fish Market is a vibrant, must-visit destination for seafood lovers in Seoul, offering an unparalleled selection of fresh catches. Visitors rave about the experience of choosing their own seafood and having it expertly prepared. However, some find the market overwhelming and caution against potential price gouging for tourists.
"Tourists, be cautious! We had a deeply disappointing and dishonest experience at a partner restaurant (No.2) on the second floor after purchasing seafood from shop 2-40. While the seafood itself cost ₩155,000, we were shocked when the restaurant charged ₩89,000 for cooking—with no clear explanation or price list provided upfront.
Even after multiple requests, the staff refused to explain how the cooking fees were calculated. We later discovered inflated charges—like ₩15,000 for BBQ butter scallops we never agreed to, and overpriced steaming for our king crab that wasn’t shown on any menu.
We even involved the police, who confirmed the pricing was unreasonable. Only after intervention did the restaurant lower the charge to ₩75,000, which still felt unfair and exploitative.
This wasn’t just bad service—it felt like a deliberate scam targeting visitors. It seriously tainted our Seoul trip and, unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be an isolated case. I hope others will read this and stay vigilant when dining in the market.
Anyway, their seafood is great, and I look forward to the relevant authorities regulating and resuming the confidence of tourists."
Eason Lai
"Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market is a bustling spot full of fresh seafood with lots of variety. It's great for seafood lovers who want to experience local market vibes, though it can get crowded and a bit noisy. The prices are reasonable, and you can even have your seafood cooked on-site. A unique place worth visiting if you enjoy fresh fish and authentic Korean market culture.
Be sure to check prices at both the seafood shop and the partner restaurant before proceeding."
Cold Bee Hoon
"Good fresh selection, bought the seafood and seller brought it to their partner/ pre designated restaurant to cook. After the crab, they cooked fried rice (with the crab fat) and filled the empty shell with it to serve. 😁 Would recommend a Korean speaking companion for ease of the transaction."
Elaine P.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Noryangjin Fish Market is by taking the Seoul Subway. Get off at Noryangjin Station (Line 1 or Line 9). From there, follow the signs for the fish market. You might need to walk through a tunnel to get to the main market area.
Yes, Noryangjin Fish Market is very well-connected by public transport. Noryangjin Station is a major hub, making it convenient to reach from various parts of Seoul via subway.
Both Seoul Subway Line 1 and Line 9 stop at Noryangjin Station, providing excellent access to the market.
Taxis are readily available throughout Seoul, and you can easily take one to Noryangjin Fish Market. Just provide the address to your driver. However, subway is often more efficient due to Seoul's traffic. :taxi:
Noryangjin Fish Market is roughly a 20-30 minute subway ride from Myeongdong and about 30-40 minutes from Gangnam, depending on the specific location and subway line used. :subway:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to enter Noryangjin Fish Market. You can wander through the market and browse the seafood stalls freely. You only pay for the seafood you purchase and the cooking service. :ticket:
The market itself is generally open 24 hours, but individual vendor hours can vary. The restaurants upstairs typically open around 10 AM and stay open late. Some restaurants may open as early as 3 AM, especially on weekends.
Most restaurants at Noryangjin Fish Market open around 10 AM. However, some are known to open much earlier, even around 3 AM or 4 AM, particularly for those looking for a very early seafood meal.
Daytime offers the widest selection of fresh seafood as vendors are actively restocking. Evenings are lively with restaurants in full swing. For the freshest catch, early morning is ideal.
The main entrance is easily accessible from Noryangjin Station. You'll likely walk through a tunnel that leads directly into the bustling market area.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You first select your desired seafood from the vendors on the first floor and pay for it. Then, you take your purchase to one of the many restaurants (called 'Yangnyeom Jib' or 'Cho Jang Jib') on the second floor, where they will cook it for you for an additional fee per person.
The cooking service fee is typically a per-person charge, often around 5,000-10,000 KRW. This fee covers the preparation of your seafood, such as grilling, steaming, or making sashimi.
Must-tries include king crab, fresh sashimi, oysters, scallops, and various types of fish. Adventurous eaters can sample sannakji (live octopus) or exotic options like sea cucumber.
Use the Tpirates app or website to check current market prices for various seafood. This helps you negotiate better and ensures you're paying a fair price. +1
Sannakji is live octopus, chopped and served immediately. It's known for its wriggling tentacles. While generally safe, it's important to chew thoroughly to avoid choking hazards.
Yes, after enjoying your crab, the restaurants will often offer to make delicious crab fried rice using the leftover crab meat and shells. It's a popular way to finish your meal.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant chaos of the market floor with its colorful displays of seafood. The live tanks, bustling vendors, and the final plated dishes offer fantastic photo moments.
Generally, it's acceptable to take photos, especially of the seafood displays. However, always be respectful and ask for permission before taking close-up shots of vendors or their faces.
Early morning offers great natural light and fewer crowds, making it easier to capture clear shots. Evenings can provide dramatic lighting with the market's artificial lights.
Popular shots include close-ups of exotic seafood, wide angles of the market floor, action shots of vendors preparing food, and of course, mouth-watering photos of your own meal. +1
A phone with good low-light capabilities is sufficient. If using a camera, consider a wider aperture for low-light conditions and a faster shutter speed to capture the market's movement. :camerawithflash:
ℹ️ 💡 General Tips & Etiquette
Use the Tpirates app to check prices, compare vendors, and be clear about what you're buying and the total cost before committing. Don't be afraid to walk away if a price seems unreasonable. +1
Yes, Noryangjin Fish Market is very popular with tourists. While some vendors may not speak fluent English, many are accustomed to interacting with international visitors, and pointing or using translation apps can help.
Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking. The market can be a bit damp and slippery in places, so avoid open-toed shoes. Casual attire is perfectly fine. :athletic_shoe:
Yes, negotiation is common, especially for larger purchases. However, prices for cooking services are usually fixed. Using the Tpirates app can give you leverage.
It can be an exciting experience for older children who are adventurous eaters. However, the bustling environment and live seafood might be overwhelming for very young children. :child:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on more familiar seafood options like grilled fish, shrimp, or scallops, which are generally well-received. The 'buy and cook' system means you can have your meal prepared in a way that suits your family's preferences. Bringing snacks for picky eaters and ensuring everyone wears comfortable shoes is also a good idea.
💰 Budget Travelers
Instead of ordering multiple expensive dishes, focus on one or two signature items. Sharing a larger purchase, like a king crab, among a group can also make it more affordable. Remember that the cooking fee is per person, so factor that into your budget. Even with careful planning, Noryangjin is more of a 'treat' destination than an everyday budget meal spot. :money_bag:
💑 Couples & Foodies
+1Consider making it a special date by choosing a particularly impressive seafood item, like a large crab or a selection of premium sashimi. The lively atmosphere and the shared experience of discovering new flavors can make for a very romantic and memorable outing. Don't forget to try some of the more unique offerings for an extra thrill.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Market: Your First Steps
When you find seafood you like, approach a vendor. It's advisable to ask for the price per kilogram ('il-kilogram dang eolmayeyo?' in Korean). Don't hesitate to compare prices between a few stalls before making a decision. Many Redditors recommend using the Tpirates app or website to get a baseline for current market prices, which can be a significant help in avoiding overpayment.
Once you've made your selection and agreed on a price, the vendor will prepare your seafood. You'll then take your purchase to one of the many restaurants located on the second floor. These restaurants specialize in cooking the seafood you've just bought. Be prepared for a small 'table fee' per person at these establishments.
The Noryangjin Dining Experience: From Purchase to Plate
When choosing a restaurant, you might notice that many vendors on the first floor have partnerships or recommendations for specific eateries upstairs. While this can be convenient, it's also worth exploring options independently. The cooking fees are generally standardized, covering the preparation and side dishes. Some popular dishes prepared upstairs include spicy seafood stews (jjigae) and, famously, crab fried rice made from the remnants of your crab feast.
Be aware that while the market is generally welcoming to tourists, clear communication is key. Using translation apps or learning a few basic Korean phrases can enhance your experience. The goal is to enjoy the freshest seafood Seoul has to offer in a lively, authentic setting.
Beyond the Basics: Unique Flavors and Tips
For those seeking the ultimate indulgence, king crab is a major draw. While prices can fluctuate, it's a memorable experience to select a large crab and have it steamed or prepared to perfection. Redditors often discuss strategies for getting the best value on king crab, emphasizing the importance of checking prices and comparing vendors.
Finally, remember that the market is a dynamic place. Prices can vary based on season and availability. Being informed, polite, and adventurous will ensure you have a fantastic culinary journey at Noryangjin Fish Market.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit