Jukdo Market in Pohang A sea-to-table seafood stop

Overview

Pohang Jukdo Market is a representative traditional market located in downtown Pohang, the Yeongil Bay area, and around Pohang Port. It is known as the largest market on the East Coast, and with countless shops gathered together, it is an important place that reflects local commerce and everyday culture. Since a fish market and various shopping sections are formed together, it is a great place to understand Pohang’s identity as a maritime city and its way of life all in one place. It is highly worth visiting for foreign travelers who want to experience the atmosphere of a large old-style market and local culture firsthand.

Highlights

• Largest traditional market on the East Coast
• Fish market and sashimi street
• Jukdo Market mulhoe
• Snow crab and gwamegi
• Sujeobi alley

Best Time to Visit

Pohang Jukdo Market is usually open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though business hours may vary slightly by shop. For foreign travelers, spring and autumn are the most recommended seasons to visit. The weather is relatively pleasant, making it good for exploring the market at length.

The most comfortable time is late morning to early afternoon. By then, most shops are open, and it tends to be less crowded than in the evening. On the other hand, evening hours can be busier as more visitors come for food.

Weekday visits are the easiest overall. On weekends and around holidays, the number of visitors increases, and the market passages and parking lots can become crowded. In particular, during peak season or holiday periods, there may be waiting times, so if you prefer fewer crowds, Tuesday to Thursday, late morning to early afternoon is best.

In short, late morning or early afternoon on weekdays in spring or autumn is the most pleasant time to explore Jukdo Market.

How Long to Stay

If you are just quickly walking through Jukdo Market, about 1 hour is enough. If you want to enjoy food and seafood shopping as well, 1 to 2 hours is appropriate. If you plan to see nearby Pohang city attractions too, it is practical to allow about half a day including travel time.

How to Get There

Jukdo Market is in downtown Pohang, so taking a bus is the most convenient option. The address is 13 Jukdosaejang 13-gil, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do.

By Subway

Pohang does not have an urban rail or subway system. If you arrive by train, take a bus from Pohang Station.

By Bus

From the Pohang Intercity Bus Terminal to Jukdo Market, take bus 206 or 900. From Pohang Station, it is also common to transfer to a city bus. After getting off the bus, you can walk to the market entrance.

On Foot

After getting off the bus for Jukdo Market, the market is relatively close. If you walk toward the entrance, you will first see clothing shops and fruit stores, and deeper inside the seafood market area continues.

For reference, operating hours are usually from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Photo Spots

• Jukdo Fish Market entrance photo zone: Try taking a photo at the seasonal photo zone near the main entrance to the market. If you stand facing the photo zone and take the picture straight on, the background will look neat. Early morning, when there are fewer people, is best.
• Outside market street: The pedestrian path outside the Jukdo Market building is quieter than the inside, making it good for relaxed photos. Do not stand with the market building behind you; instead, face the market so that the sign and exterior are both visible. Bright late morning to early afternoon light with soft shadows is ideal.
• Main exterior of Jukdo Fish Market: The market exterior about 500 meters east of the Pohang Five-Way Intersection is great for capturing the atmosphere of a 'representative Pohang market.' If you shoot from across the road or in front of the entrance facing the front of the market, the full view comes out well. Early morning, when there are relatively fewer people, is best.

Night View

After the sun sets, Jukdo Market feels even more attractive together with the surrounding seaside atmosphere. If you walk around the Songwolgyo Bridge area before heading to the market, you can enjoy the lights reflected on the water and Pohang’s night ocean scenery.

In particular, the night view becomes more dazzling during the POSCO landscape lighting and sound display hours. The operating times are usually 19:00 to 19:20, 20:00 to 20:20, and 21:00 to 21:20. If you visit around these times, the lights reflect on the sea and surrounding scenery, making it great for photos.

The recommended time is between 19:00 and 21:30. Visiting before it gets too late makes it easy to enjoy the market, dinner, and a night walk all at once.

Although official large-scale night event information is limited, the lighting display period itself is the most worthwhile night scenery point. Take a slow walk through Jukdo Fish Market and the snow crab and sashimi street to feel Pohang’s nighttime atmosphere.

Seasonal Guide

Pohang Jukdo Market is a lively large traditional market all year round, and it becomes even better when you combine it with nearby attractions by season.

• Spring: After enjoying seasonal seafood and simple snacks at Jukdo Market, visit the cherry blossoms at Naeyeonsan Bogyeongsa Temple, a walk at Yeongildae Beach, and the rapeseed flowers at Janggi Eupseong. It is a great way to combine flower viewing and a market visit into one day.
• Summer: Enjoy the beach at Yeongildae Beach, then taste refreshing seafood dishes such as mulhoe at Jukdo Market. On hot days, the market with many indoor shops is also convenient for taking a break.
• Autumn: The autumn foliage of Naeyeonsan is the biggest highlight. Before or after your foliage tour, stop by Jukdo Market to experience Pohang’s local food and seafood. It is also a comfortable season for market exploration thanks to the cooler weather.
• Winter: In winter, Pohang’s cold seaside atmosphere and the Pohang Canal cruise night view are popular. In the evening, enjoy the lights and night scenery around the canal, and during the day, experience warm market food and the lively atmosphere at Jukdo Market.

Practical tip: Jukdo Market is fairly large, so it is a good place to handle meals, snacks, and seafood shopping all at once. Visiting together with seasonal attractions helps you plan your Pohang trip efficiently.

Local Tips

• Jukdo Market is especially famous for seafood and a variety of foods, so it is a good idea to plan your visit around market food.
• Inside the market, Daehwasikdang is mentioned as a well-known restaurant, so if you are looking for a signature place to eat, it is worth considering first.
• Dongnam Hoesikdang is located deeper inside Jukdo Market-gil in Buk-gu, Pohang, and it is fairly easy to reach without getting lost from the market entrance, so accessibility is good.
• If you need to visit late at night or early in the day, Samhyeongje Hoejip, which is open 24 hours, is mentioned as an option.
• If you plan to dine with family, GALLILRI Daegae Hoesikdang, which offers family set menus, is worth noting.