Gukje Market is a shopper’s paradise in Busan, South Korea, with over 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothes and electronics to food and souvenirs!
The Gukje Market is a lively and energetic marketplace located in the center of Busan, South Korea. It is a fascinating assortment of shops and stalls that attracts people who love shopping and finding good deals worldwide. This blog post will provide you with a detailed guide to Gukje Market, including its fascinating history, a wide range of products, and helpful tips for optimizing your visit.
A Brief History
Gukje Market in Busan holds cultural and historical importance in addition to being a shopping destination. It originated in the 1950s when Korean War refugees opened stalls to earn a living. They sold imported products, including military supplies from the US armies, and occasionally smuggled goods given Busan’s location as Korea’s largest port city. Over time, this small collection of shops grew into one of South Korea’s largest traditional markets named Gukje, which means “International.”
What You can shop in Gukje Market?
Using credit cards is a more convenient and hygienic option than carrying cash when shopping, as most shops accept them. At Gukje Market, you can find an enormous variety of products, ranging from small items like needles to large ones like refrigerators.
Despite its large size, Gukje Market is actually well-organized, with designated zones like most other markets in the country. If you have a specific item in mind, feel free to ask any of the vendors for assistance.
Here are the available items for you to check out:
- Adult and children’s clothing
- Souvenirs such as Korean cards, figurines, paintings, home decor, etc.
- Toys for children and electronic gaming products
- Cooking utensils, home appliances, furnishings, and more
- Farming products, agricultural tools, and machines
- Food and ingredients, including vegetables and canned goods
There are also many other unique products that you may not have seen before.
Gukje Food Shops
As mentioned earlier, you can find food items at Gukje Market. You have the option to try out specialized or diverse menus offered by various small food stalls.
As someone who loves kimchi, you’re open to trying nearly everything on offer. You’re also an experienced shopper who knows to explore before stopping to rest and enjoy refreshing food.
The Food Street at Arirang Street has existed for over 60 years. Here, you can enjoy delicious Korean cuisine and side dishes like kimbap (seaweed-wrapped rice), jjigae (spicy soup with kimchi, fish, or meat), ramyeon (noodles), and pajeon (pancake with mixed veggies).
You’ll love sweating while savoring spicy cuisine at a basic table and chair in an outdoor street dining space.
Gukje Market Opening Hours
Gukje Market is open almost every day except for certain holidays. However, it is closed on the first and third Sundays each month. The operating hours are from 9 AM to 10 PM.
When everything is clean and tidy, it is best to visit or explore the market in the morning. Additionally, there will still be a wide variety of fresh products to choose from before others arrive.
Choosing the late afternoon might be a better option as fewer people will move around in the market.
If you want to explore the top attractions and popular spots in Nampodong, here’s a quick and simple tip. Begin your journey at BIFF Square, then head over to Gukje Market Food Street, followed by Gwangbokro Fashion Street and finally, Yongdusan Park. If you like, you can also visit Lotte Department Store before ending your trip at Jagalchi Seafood Market.
Website: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/whereToGo/locIntrdn/locIntrdnList.do?vcontsId=96189
Getting There
Finding Gukje Market is simple because it is located in the center of Busan City. To reach it, take Busan Subway Line 1 and exit at Jagalchi Station (where the renowned Jagalchi Fish Market is situated). Afterward, head to Exit 7.
To get to the food street from the station, walk straight on foot and pass the first road. Then, turn left at the second road called Gwangjang-ro to reach BIFF Square. Walk approximately 150 meters further to get to the food street. It should take roughly five minutes to reach the destination.
Ending Note
Gukje Market is one of the best places to visit in Busan City. It’s a great place for shoppers because of its wide variety of products, from small items like needles to large ones like refrigerators. It also has an exciting food street where you can savor delicious Korean cuisine. Make sure you plan your trip carefully if you want to make the most out of this awesome market! Enjoy your shopping experience at Gukje Market.
Additionally, don’t forget that Gukje Market stands for “International,” making it an ideal place for both locals and tourists alike to find unique items from around the world! So, what are you waiting for? Visit Gukje Market today and explore all the wonders it has to offer!
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