Shopping · Busan · South Korea
Shopping in Busan
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: 박혜민, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Busan shopping ranges from sprawling traditional markets in Nampo-dong to Shinsegae Centum City, one of the largest department stores in the world, and outlet malls in Gijang. Best souvenirs: Korean cosmetics, Busan fish cakes and Dried seafood and seaweed.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 4
- Markets
- 3
- Top souvenir
- Korean cosmetics
Where to shop
Centum City
Shinsegae Centum City and Lotte department stores with international brands, an ice rink and the Spa Land bathhouse.
Gwangbok-ro
Nampo-dong's pedestrian shopping street of Korean fashion and cosmetics brands.
Seomyeon
An underground shopping arcade, department stores and cosmetics shops around the subway interchange.
Osiria
A large outlet mall near Lotte World Adventure Busan and Haedong Yonggungsa.
Markets
Gukje Market
A huge, historic market for clothes, kitchenware, bedding and street food in Nampo-dong.
Bupyeong Kkangtong Market
A covered market that turns into a street-food night market in the evenings.
Jagalchi Fish Market
Korea's largest seafood market, also selling dried fish and seaweed to take home.
What to buy
Korean cosmetics
Skincare and sheet masks from shops in Gwangbok-ro and Seomyeon; tax refunds are available on larger purchases.
Busan fish cakes
Vacuum-packed fish cakes from the city's famous fish cake shops, also sold at Busan Station.
Dried seafood and seaweed
Dried anchovies and gim seaweed from Jagalchi; check your home country's import rules.
Gamcheon art souvenirs
Postcards, prints and crafts made by local artists in Gamcheon Culture Village.
Streets and markets worth a wander
Market · Nampo-dong and Jagalchi
Jagalchi Fish Market
Korea's largest seafood market spreads along the old port, with stalls of live fish, octopus, crabs and shellfish run largely by local women, known as Jagalchi ajummas.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Food
- Photo spot
Market · Nampo-dong and Jagalchi
Gukje Market and BIFF Square
Gukje Market began as a trading place for refugees and goods after 1945 and the Korean War, and its alleys still sell everything from clothes to kitchenware.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Shopping
- Food
- Free
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Busan soju. Every restaurant and convenience store; ask for the local brand. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Haeundae | $$$$ | Busan's best-known beach, high-rise hotels and a seafood market street |
| Gwangalli | $$$ | Beachfront bars and cafés facing the illuminated Gwangan Bridge |
| Nampo-dong and Jagalchi | $$ | Old port markets, shopping streets and street-food stalls |
| Seomyeon | $$ | Central shopping and nightlife hub where subway lines 1 and 2 meet |
| Busan Station and Choryang | $$ | KTX terminal, Chinatown and hillside stairs with harbour views |
| Gijang and Osiria | $$$ | Resort hotels, seaside temple and theme parks on the east coast |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in KRW. Tipping is not customary in restaurants, taxis or hotels, and staff may refuse it. Upmarket hotels sometimes include a service charge in the bill.
- Bow slightly when greeting, and use both hands when giving or receiving money, cards or gifts.
- Lunch sets and gukbap shops are filling and inexpensive; raw fish at Jagalchi is best shared in a group.
- A T-money card gives transfer discounts between buses and the subway.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in December–February; the busiest months are July–August.
- April: Gijang Anchovy Festival at Daebyeon port (usually April)
- April: Jinhae cherry blossom festival nearby (usually early April)
- May: Haeundae Sand Festival (usually May)
- August: Busan Sea Festival on the city beaches (usually early August)
- October: Busan International Film Festival (usually early October)
- October: Busan Fireworks Festival over Gwangalli (usually late October or November)
Staying near the shops
$$ · Best for first-timers, food lovers, budget and shopping
Nampo-dong and Jagalchi
Old port markets, shopping streets and street-food stalls
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Busan?
Korean cosmetics, Busan fish cakes, Dried seafood and seaweed and Gamcheon art souvenirs.
+Where is the best shopping in Busan?
Centum City: Shinsegae Centum City and Lotte department stores with international brands, an ice rink and the Spa Land bathhouse.
+What are the best markets in Busan?
Gukje Market, Bupyeong Kkangtong Market and Jagalchi Fish Market.