10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Busan

Jagalchi Market is a traditional Busan market in Busan's Jung-gu district. Its name combines the Korean word for pebbles (jagal) and fish (chi). As you explore this seafood market, you'll be welcomed by the heart-warming smiles of the elderly female vendors, affectionately nicknamed Jagalchi ajimae.

Jagalchi Market is an excellent place to purchase live fish and shellfish, as well as dried seafood products. You can pick up raw fish and seafood from the Raw Fish Center, before taking them to an onsite restaurant to have them cooked or prepared sashimi-style. The market also hosts the Jagalchi Festival every October.

Gukje Market is a traditional market located in Busan’s central district of Jung-gu. The market earned its name by trading goods from abroad after Korea was liberated from Japan in 1945, during the Korean War, and in the post-war period.

There are hundreds of vendors operating at Gukje Market, selling tools, home appliances, kitchenware, clothing, furniture, stationery, crafts, and industrial goods. The market’s food specialties include sweet ssiat hotteok (Korean pancake stuffed with seeds) and Chungmu-style gimbap (seaweed rice rolls). It’s also connected to several smaller markets in the area, including Bupyeong Market and Kkangtong Market. Nearby attractions include Guje Alley and Changseondong Food Alley.

Bupyeong Kkangtong Market is one of Busan's most popular street markets, along with Jagalchi Market and Gukje Market. This traditional market is located in Bupyeong-dong, Jung-gu, Busan.

Bupyeong Kkangtong Market offers a wide range of goods, including vegetables, fruits, seafood, side dishes, clothing, and general merchandise during the day. It's busiest at night, as you can enjoy a variety of Korean dishes at affordable prices. Must-tries include spicy glass noodles (bibim dangmyeon) and fried tofu stuffed with glass noodles (yubu jumeoni).

Busanjin Market is within walking distance of the Bumil Station on Busan Subway Line No. 1. This historic market carries on the legacy of Busan Jang (Busan Market), which was established in the Joseon Dynasty. It has many stores trading textile products such as hanbok (traditional costume), fabrics, duvets, and yarns.

Many shops specialize in materials for accessories, interior papers, and flowers. Together with Dongdaemun Market and Seomun Market in Daegu, it is one of the top 3 markets for wedding goods in South Korea. The Jobang Octopus Alley is near Busanjin Market, so after finding what you need at the market, you can head there for exotic octopi dishes.

BIFF Square is a 428-meter-long street lined with movie theatres, fashion outlets, and Korean cosmetics shops. The boulevard is vibrant at night, with colorful lights decorating the trees and stalls. Prices are relatively affordable, but you may have to pay a little extra to buy stuff at the trendier stores. You'll find many local youths gathering and shopping at BIFF Square, especially during special occasions. Jagalchi Market is nearby, so it's convenient to visit both when you're in the area.

Shinsegae Centum City is a world-class department store in the Haeundae-gu district of Busan. One of the city's most popular shopping spots in Busan, it's a familiar place to many locals and tourists as it's often featured in Korean TV shows. The department store has an observatory, a movie theater, a Korean dry sauna (jjimjilbang), an ice rink, food courts, a golf range, and a bookstore.