Jukdo Market

Overview

Jukdo Market is the largest seafood market in South Korea, sprawling across over 1,500 stalls along Pohang's inner harbour. The market is divided into a wholesale fish auction area, retail stalls selling every variety of East Sea catch, and a second-floor hoe (raw fish) restaurant zone where stallholders will prepare your purchase to eat on the spot.

Highlights

• Live Seafood Stalls: Tanks of crab, abalone, octopus, and seasonal fish — stallholders will slice sashimi to order.
• 2nd-Floor Restaurants: Bring your fresh-bought fish upstairs for a small fee and staff will plate it with banchan and wrap sets.
• Pohang Gwamegi: The city's signature snack — semi-dried Pacific saury, served with seaweed and garlic — available everywhere in winter.

History

The market has been the commercial heart of Pohang's fishing industry since the 1960s, growing alongside the city's port expansion. Despite competition from supermarkets and online ordering, it remains the go-to destination for fresh seafood in the Gyeongsang region.

Visitor Tips

• Best time: Early morning (5:00–7:00) for the wholesale auction atmosphere; lunchtime for the restaurants.
• Bargain expected: Haggling is standard at retail stalls.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.