SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - Nestled along the vibrant Nampo-dong beachfront in Busan, Jagalchi Market stands as an enduring symbol of the city's rich maritime heritage.
For well over a century, this bustling hub has drawn both local residents and a steady stream of international visitors, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring Busan.
The market’s origins trace back to 1922, when a consignment sales center for the Busan Fisheries Cooperative was established on this very spot. It officially opened as Jagalchi Market in 1970, swiftly growing into South Korea’s largest seafood market. Its distinctive name, “Jagalchi,” is believed to come from the small, black “jagal” (pebbles) that once dotted the nearby beach, with “chi” being a common suffix for fish. Though land reclamation during the Japanese colonial period has erased the original scenic beachfront, it was once celebrated for its stunning views.
Stepping off the subway and into the market's entrance, visitors are immediately greeted by the distinctive sight of a knife-sharpening truck. On this small vehicle, an array of blades — from compact knives for filleting to larger ones for butchering — are meticulously displayed.
Here, Hong Soon-chil, 79, a knife sharpener with 45 years of experience, tends to his craft in a small, vinyl-enclosed workspace behind the truck. His vital trade underscores the market's reliance on sharp tools for its daily operations.
The market building itself is a hive of activity. The first floor houses a vibrant emporium of fresh seafood. Here, a dizzying array of live fish, various other marine species, and imported king crabs are on offer. Purchases made on the first floor can be taken upstairs to the second-floor restaurants, where skilled chefs prepare them to order.
These dining establishments, offering both raw fish and an assortment of other seafood dishes, are consistently packed with tourists from across the globe.
For a broader perspective, the seventh-floor observatory provides a sweeping vista of Namhang Port, showcasing the impressive Namhang Bridge directly ahead, with the Busan and Yeongdo bridges to the left. To the right, fishing boats are moored, preparing for their next voyage. The continuous ebb and flow of fishing boats and cruise ships, combined with the expansive view, offers a refreshing spectacle.
Beyond the main market building, a labyrinth of street vendors beckons. This bustling alley features stalls laden with fresh and semi-dried fish, alongside restaurants specializing in charcoal-grilled delights. Some grilled fish eateries prominently display their appetizing wares, tempting passersby with their smoky aromas.
While Jagalchi Market historically began with these very street stalls, the majority of its businesses are now housed within the market building. The remaining street vendors are slated to relocate to the newly completed "Jagalchi Ajimae" market building, suggesting that this traditional element of the market may soon fade from view.
For photographers, the disappearance of such a vibrant slice of life is a regrettable loss. However, there is also a clear desire to support the resilient vendors, enabling them to conduct their daily business in a more comfortable and weather-protected environment.
reporter
Cho Bo-hee
jobo@ajuress.com
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