Busan Jagalchi Festival
Oct 15 – Oct 18, 2026 · Busan
Overview
The Busan Jagalchi Festival is Busan's premier marine and fisheries culture festival, held every October at Jagalchi Market, Korea's leading seafood market. It begins with Yongsinje, a traditional ritual ceremony praying for a bountiful catch, and this year visitors can also enjoy a pungmulpae (traditional folk percussion troupe) performance during the gilnori street parade. The festival's opening ceremony features a spectacular fireworks show lighting up Namhang (South Port), followed by celebratory performances from popular singers, including Miss Trot winner Song Ga-in. There is also a 'festival within a festival' — the Jagalchi Dried Seafood Food Zone — offering a space for the MZ generation (millennials and Gen Z) and family visitors. A variety of hands-on events for visitors are also prepared, including the Eel Relay Race and Catch the Golden Fish, and the festival's signature event, Making the World's Largest Raw Fish Bibimbap, will be shared for free with the many citizens and visitors at the venue.
Why go
This is Busan's biggest marine and fisheries festival, centered on Jagalchi Market, Korea's leading seafood market. Highlights include a traditional Yongsinje ritual and gilnori street parade with a pungmulpae percussion troupe, an opening-night fireworks show over Namhang (South Port) with performances by popular singers including Miss Trot winner Song Ga-in, and a free communal Raw Fish Bibimbap event alongside hands-on activities like the Eel Relay Race.
Getting there from Seoul
Take the KTX from Seoul Station to Busan Station (roughly 2.5-3 hours), then walk or take a short taxi/subway ride to the Jagalchi-ro area in Jung-gu; Busan Metro Line 1 stops at Jagalchi Station near the market. Express or intercity buses to Busan (around 4-5 hours) are a budget alternative, arriving at Busan's bus terminals with a further subway or taxi connection to Jagalchi.
Tips
- Wear comfortable, closed shoes — the market area gets crowded and can be wet or slippery underfoot.
- Arrive early for the opening-night fireworks over Namhang to secure a good viewing spot.
- Expect long queues for the free Raw Fish Bibimbap event given its popularity, so plan your timing around it.
Best for: seafood lovers, families, photographers, foodies.
Photos
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Other festivals in Busan
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The Korea Maritime Mobility · Safety Expo 2026 offer hands-on activities and programs designed to help visitors learn about the importance of maritime safety in a fun and accessible way. Held around Busan Port’s Bukhang Waterfront Park, the programs include an AI-powered maritime photo zone, life jacket decorating and runway experiences, CPR training, and opportunities to try on a Korea Coast Guard uniform.
Reach travelers heading to Busan: sponsor this page.
Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go.