관수옥과 초량왜관 터

A market with the modern and contemporary history of Korea After the National Liberation on August 15, 1945, the Japanese commenced a flea market to sell off their belongings before their return home following their defeat in World War II. The market expanded, and by 1948, it evolved into what's known as Jayu Market. During the Korean War, many refugees sought livelihoods in this market. While vending American military and relief supplies, they also traded goods from Korea, Japan, and the United States. Thus, since the 1950s, the market has been called Gukje Market, literally translating to 'international market' in Korean. Today, Gukje Market stands as one of the largest markets in Busan. It retails imported products like second-hand clothes, tools, and industrial items. Along Tool’s Alley in the market, numerous hardware retail and wholesale stores offer various kinds of tools, with one of these stores serving as the backdrop for the film Ode to My Father. When shopping in the market, seek out stores displaying the 'Global Tax Free' sticker, providing tax breaks for tourists. Additionally, the market features numerous famous and delectable snacks such as yubujumeoni, tofu pouches filled with vegetables; mul-ddeok, water rice cake; and bibim-dangmyeon, spicy glass noodles. After a meal, consider exploring Korean desserts by visiting shops that offer traditional red bean sherbet during summer and hot red bean paste porridge in winter.

Gukje Market showed up in various media contents Korean films and dramas set in Busan often include at least one scene filmed at Guje Market. For those interested in the market's development progress and the lives of Koreans in the past, watching the 2014 movie Ode to My Father would be worthwhile. When discussing Korean films, another famous attraction near Gukje Market is the Busan International Film Festival Square (BIFF Square), which hosts celebrations on the eve of BIFF. This presents an excellent opportunity for fans to closely encounter their favorite stars, as many celebrities attend post-festival events. The streets surrounding the square feature handprints of famous actors and directors. Not only are films and dramas shot at Guje Market, but many popular variety shows also film there. In an episode of Running Man, the members played games in the market and savored some food, such as sweet red bean shaved ice and hoddeok, a flat, round cake with sugary fillings. Tourists can even find the Running Man members’ name tags at souvenir shops around the market. Other well-known shows like 'Infinite Challenge' and 'One Night Two Days' have also filmed segments in and around the market. Visitors can follow the routes taken in these shows and enjoy a comprehensive market tour!

Jagalchi Market, the largest fish market in South Korea Among the many tourist spots in the Busan area, Jagalchi Market stands out as the most popular marketplace! Various theories explain the origin of its unique name. One suggests it originates from a stone field, known as ‘jagal’ in Korean, near Chungmu-dong in Busan. Another theory links the name to a fish called Jagalchi, while some associate it with the market's variety of unique fish, such as halibut, Spanish mackerel, and hairtail. Initially, the market comprised a gathering of street vendors along the waterfront. However, following the construction of a modern building shaped like a flock of seagulls, it transformed into an indoor market. This new structure shielded vendors from the cold winter wind and featured underground parking facilities. The ground level boasts a vibrant array of freshly caught fish, king crabs, lobsters, and various seafood. The second floor houses shops selling dried fish and other seafood, along with restaurants offering ocean views, attracting many visitors. Exiting at Jagalchi Station on Subway Line One in Busan, it takes just a minute to reach the market. Visitors can also explore other renowned landmarks nearby, such as Gukje or Nampodong International Market, Bupyeong Kangtong Market, and Busan’s International Film Festival Movie Street. These have become must-visit destinations for tourists looking to experience the full essence of Busan. A brief 5-minute walk from Jagalchi Market leads to Yeongdodaegyo Bridge, Korea's first bascule or drawbridge, raised daily at 2 p.m. The latest attraction gaining popularity is the observation deck of Jagalchi Market. Accessible by elevator up to the seventh floor and then stairs to the rooftop, visitors can use telescopes to view the cityscape, including Namhang Pier and Busan's Yeongdo District. Undoubtedly, this observation deck is one of the best spots to admire downtown Busan and Yongdusan Park.

A place to assist tourists in overcoming communication barriers Jagalchi Market has become a must-visit stop for international tourists in Busan. It is also an attraction included in the city tour package. Referred to as Ajimae in the Busan dialect, married women arrive early at dawn to prepare their stalls, showcasing an array of fresh fish and seafood. Visitors can have the unique opportunity to select their preferred seafood for slicing or even cooking themselves, promising an unforgettable experience. Visitors can also try out local specialties, such as live octopus, dried seaweed sheets, or fresh seaweed. Of course, it would also serve as a perfect souvenir to take home. Additionally, in order to assist international visitors facing communication problem, Jagalchi Market hosts a Tourist Information Center. Tour guides in the center are fluent in English, Japanese, and Chinese who provide comprehensive assistance regarding the market layout, various seafood types, and the market's distinctive buy-and-sell methods. Ascending to the 7th floor of the market, guests discover a guesthouse offering a chance to savor Busan's nighttime seascape. This location offers an all-encompassing experience that shouldn't be overlooked. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the fresh seafood auction at dawn - a highlight of this vibrant marketplace!

Yongdusan Park houses Busan Tower, the city's iconic landmark. The term Yongdu in its name literally means the head of a dragon, depicting the mountain's shape resembling a dragon rising above the sea. Initially, the area held Konpira Shrine and Benzaiten Shrine, signifying a sacred site for the Japanese. However, post-liberation, the shrines were demolished, and Yongdusan transformed into a refugee shanty town. Unfortunately, everything turned to ashes during the Great Fire of Yongdusan Mountain in 1954. Subsequently, Yongdusan Mountain underwent reconstruction, becoming the park we know today. Presently, the park boasts the dragon-shaped Busan Tower, along with various facilities. Ascending Busan Tower offers a panoramic view of the entire city, with a chance to glimpse Tsusima Island on clear days. Despite being just a three-minute walk from Nampo-dong, the heart of the city, the park emanates a serene ambiance. Once teeming with pigeons, most were eventually dispersed due to eradication efforts. For first-time visitors to Busan, a visit to Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park promises to create lasting memories by offering a singular view of the entire city.