Meeting the Autumn Sea at Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market(Noryangjin Susan Sijang), The 8th Ocean Festival in the City

Amidst a Forest of Buildings, a Time Where the Scent of the Sea Ripples

In the heart of Seoul, densely packed with gray buildings, the day at Noryangjin(Noryangjin) is a little more vibrant than usual. This place, where the salty scent of the sea brushes against the tip of the nose and blends with the savory aroma of freshly grilled fish, is currently in the middle of the ‘8th Ocean Festival in the City’. Running for just two days from October 25th to 26th, this festival seems to have brought fresh waves to the desolate city, just like its theme, ‘Re, Wave: Ocean in the City, the Start of a New Wave’.

As soon as I entered the market entrance, the lively shouts of merchants and the sound of people’s laughter made me feel as if I had arrived at a distant seaside port. I felt the same excitement I had as a child visiting the fish market with my family, and a smile lingered on my face the entire time I walked.

The Charm of a Seafood Festival Enjoyed with All Five Senses

This festival was truly an event where all five senses were delighted. In particular, the large tuna dismantling show unfolding before my eyes was a spectacle I couldn't take my eyes off of. The sound of the professional chef’s flashy knife skills lingered in my ears, and the bright red tuna sashimi placed on the plate made my mouth water just by looking at it. Children giggled and splashed in the shrimp scoop fishing zone, and in one corner, handmade fish-shaped lanterns were lit one by one, adding to the romance of the festival as the night deepened.

Performances that properly bring out the festival atmosphere cannot be missed either. On the first day, at the ‘Blue Sea Concert’, talented singers such as Lee Chan-won, No Brain, Lee Ji-hoon, and Wax filled the stage with incredible passion. On the second day, the ‘Nodeul Song Festival(Nodeul Gayoje)’ and the melodious songs of Tae Jin-ah and Kim Jung-yeon created a heartwarming scene where people of all ages couldn't help but dance along. Sitting down after ordering grilled gizzard shad(jeoneo) at the food market, the oily savoriness bursting from the crispy skin felt like it was washing away all the fatigue in my body.

Practical Steps for a Trip to Noryangjin(Noryangjin)

Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market(Noryangjin Susan Sijang) can be easily reached by using Seoul Subway Line 1 and Line 9 to Noryangjin Station(Noryangjin-yeok). After getting off at the station and walking for a while, the massive market building appears before your eyes. Since many people flock to the area during the festival, I recommend using public transportation. At the direct seafood market, you can find fresh local specialties from Fisheries Cooperatives(Suhyeop) nationwide at more reasonable prices than on the market, so it’s good to bring a spacious shopping bag.

At sunset, if you step out of the market and walk a little along the Hangang River, you will find a walking path leading to Nodeul Island(Nodeulseom). I recommend a course where you finish your day by looking at the glowing sunset over the Hangang River after happily eating and enjoying yourself at the festival. As you organize your vibrant day spent in Noryangjin(Noryangjin) while feeling the cold river breeze, you finally fully understand the romance of the city of Seoul. How about embarking on a special journey to meet the sea in the heart of the city this autumn?