BIFF Square & Jagalchi Fish Market

BIFF Square is the heart of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), officially named in August 1996 to celebrate the city's vibrant film culture. Located between Daeyeong Cinema and MEGABOX Busan Theater, the square features a stage at the end of an extended alley where various events are held during the festival. Adding to its cinematic allure, visitors can find the handprints of famous actors and actresses, making it a popular destination for movie lovers and fans alike.

For street food enthusiasts, BIFF Square is also a renowned food paradise. One of its most iconic treats is Ssiat Hotteok (Korean sweet pancake filled with seeds), which has gained widespread popularity through appearances on Korean TV shows such as Running Man and various Asian travel and food programs. Visitors often find long queues at the famous stalls, including those visited by celebrities. This delicious Ssiat Hotteok is a must-try for anyone visiting Busan!

Whether or not you're a seafood lover, a visit to Jagalchi Market is a sensory adventure. As the largest seafood market in South Korea, exploring its sprawling, multistory layout feels like wandering through an open-air aquarium—minus the glass. Octopuses splash in buckets, and fish occasionally flop onto the pavement, all destined to be someone’s next meal. To truly experience Jagalchi, set aside an afternoon to explore both its outdoor stalls along the port and the expansive indoor market hall.

Located next to Nampo Port, Jagalchi Market receives fresh seafood deliveries daily. You can watch fishing boats unload their catch—octopus, cod, and much more—right by the port. As you stroll through the market, you'll discover a vast array of sea creatures, including species you may never have seen before.
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Many vendors offer free samples, giving you the chance to try before you buy. The key to enjoying Jagalchi is embracing the unfamiliar—even if some offerings don’t look immediately appetizing. If you find something you like, the vendor will expertly prepare it for you on the spot.

Most of the vendors at Jagalchi are women, known as Jagalchi ajumas (married women). These skilled fishmongers, many of whom stepped into this role after the Korean War, are masters at filleting and preparing seafood. Be prepared if you decide to haggle—their bargaining skills are as sharp as their knives.

Jagalchi Market is open from early morning until late at night, every day of the year, except on the last Tuesday of each month when it closes. Hours may vary depending on the stall.

BIFF Square - ​https://g.co/kgs/NEP4tbX
Jagalchi Fish Market - ​https://g.co/kgs/JRjPaaj