Gukje Market, an International Market in Busan

Aside from Jagalchi Market, another most-visited market in Busan is the Gukje Market – an international market with a living history that connects the past and the present.  

About Gukje Market (국제시장)

Gukje Market is a market in Sinchang-dong, Jung District in Busan. It is also called as Namposong International Market. Located in the heart of Busan, Jung-gu, Gukje Market is Busan’s representative traditional market.

Here is a brief history of Gukje Market.

The history of the international market begins with the current location as a marketplace to trade goods left behind by the Japanese and goods brought by overseas compatriots after liberation in 1945. Following the Korean War, refugees who fled to Busan set up stalls to make a living by selling imported or smuggled products, which developed into the Gukje Market of today. Also, in Korean, ‘Gukje’ means ‘international’. Due to the continuous development of the market, a global complex cultural space has also been formed. 

In fact, Gukje Market is one of Korea’s largest markets. The market’s alleyways are lined with stalls selling various goods, particularly machinery tools, kitchenware, and clothing. To the market’s left is Kkangtong Market and to the right is an alleyway lined with charity stores. This market offers a variety of products starting from electronics, kitchen appliances, clothing, food, agricultural products, industrial products, fish, dairy goods, and so much more.

The global complex cultural space is a space that draws the present and future of the international market. It offers a variety of shopping stores, cute and interesting products, and attractions where most young people’s ideas, passion, and dreams gathered together. Plus, you can also enjoy traditional and special foods here as it offers a wide variety of delicious foods. 

In this market, you can meet artisans who have worked with hanbok for the rest of their lives. There are many types of hanbok that you can find here. You can find hanbok that suits your taste, from Yedan, royal hanbok, and modernized hanbok at a reasonable price. 

Korean Movie Filmed in Gukje Market

Are you familiar with the Korean movie ‘Ode to My Father’ (국제시장) or ‘Gukje (International) Market’)? The movie depicts South Korean history from the 1950s to the present day through the life of an ordinary man, as he experiences events such as the Hungnam Evacuation during the Korean War, the government’s decision to dispatch nurses and miners to West Germany and the Vietnam War. It is currently one of the top highest-grossing films in the history of South Korean cinema. As a matter of fact, the movie was primarily shot in Busan, notably at the so-called Gukje Market.

Operating Hours

Open all year round from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM ***Closed on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of every month ****Opening and closing times may vary by store.

Address: Area of Sinchang-ro 4-ga, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea (부산광역시 중구 신창로4가 일원)

How to Get There

By Subway: You can take the Busan Subway Line 1, then get off at Jagalchi Station, and exit via Exit 7. Walk 30 meters and then turn left. Walk straight again for approximately 5 minutes. Or, get off at Napo Station and exit via Exit 1.

By Bus:  From Busan Station, you can take Bus No. 81, 86 or 40 and get off at Gukje Market Bus stop. Or, take Bus No. 27, 87, or 134 and get off at the Jagalchi Market Bus stop and walk towards Gukje Market. 

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