International Market (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is International Market?
What makes it 81% Couple-Friendly: Couples can stroll hand-in-hand, share street foods, browse retro goods, and capture lively market scenes; the crush of people limits quiet corners or comfortable sit-down dining.
Positives:
- Covered Walkways: The market alleys are covered, so you can explore even in light rain.
- Central Location: Walk to Jagalchi and Bupyeong markets nearby for a full-day tour.
Challenges:
- Crowded Aisles: Narrow paths fill quickly after 11:00 AM, making movement slow.
- Limited English: Some vendors may not speak English; use a translation app.
What is International Market?
- A market that began during the 1950 Korean War when refugees traded imported daily necessities
- The largest and oldest marketplace in Busan, spanning multiple covered alleys and interconnected zones
- A commercial labyrinth of hundreds of vendors offering street food, souvenirs, home goods, and vintage wares
What is so special about International Market for couple trip?
- Explore covered alleys with colorful stalls.
- Share authentic street food dishes at Food Street.
- Haggle for vintage and daily goods to find unique souvenirs.
- Discover handmade chopsticks at Ihasi for meaningful gifts.
- Join a cooking class to learn Korean dishes using fresh market ingredients.
Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: 3 to 4 hours is enough to explore alleys, taste street food, and browse stalls without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in International Market
Stroll the Covered Alleys:
Walk through six linked zones filled with colorful stalls and vintage signs.
Tip: Visit before 11:00 AM to beat the crowds and capture clear photos.
Share Street Food at Food Street:
Sample small plates like Chungmu gimbap, hotteok, tteokbokki, and milmyeon alongside your partner.
Tip: Order two portions to share; expect to pay ₩2,000–₩5,000 per dish.
Bargain for Vintage Finds:
Browse clothing, kitchenware, and electronics stalls to haggle for unique souvenirs.
Tip: Start bargaining 20% below the asking price and adjust from there.
Browse Handmade Chopsticks at Ihasi Shop:
See Korean lacquer chopsticks crafted by local artisans for special gifts.
Tip: Ask about custom colors; prices start at ₩10,000 per pair.
Join a Market Cooking Class:
Pick fresh ingredients on a guided tour and learn to cook four Korean dishes together.
Tip: Book at least one day in advance; costs about ₩170,000 for two.
When is the best time to visit International Market (Busan, South Korea)?
In spring and autumn, walk comfortably in mild weather. Bring a light jacket in winter as aisles can be chilly. Carry an umbrella in the summer monsoon; some stalls have limited cover.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of International Market (Busan)
Joe McCright
I have visited many markets around the world. Most of them are similar. And I’m not looking to buy souvenirs or anything for a home or clothing so … the Gukje Market was just ok. Not unique. Coffee at Cong Caphe was terrific.
kat
Very large market located in Busan, selling a diverse variety of products and goods. Just from strolling here, you can buy blankets, clothes, pots and pans, and much more for very reasonable prices. I recommend coming here for a traditional market experience, since it had so many vendors selling very many products.
Silver C
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bupyeong Kkangtong Market and Gukje Market are two of Busan’s most famous traditional markets—and they’re right next to each other in Jung-gu, making it easy to explore both in one trip. Bupyeong Kkangtong Market (aka. 깡통시장) • address: 39 Bupyeong 1-gil, Jung-gu, Busan • business hours: Open from 9:30 AM (Night market: 7:30 PM–12:00 AM) • Known for its night market, with global street ...
Hayes Weggeman
I enjoyed walking through the market. There are many stands selling all my bfs of things. The prices are good. It's worth going to this market to get better prices. It's a covered market so if it's raining it is a good place to get in out of the rain.
J LEE
Had some of the tastiest iconic Korean street food including dumplings, spicy rice cake, fish cake, blood sausage, clam noodles, and honey ice cream. Also bought nice socks made in Korea as well as Korean instant drinks.
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Street food tasting (for two) | KRW 20,000 |
| Vintage souvenirs | KRW 30,000 |
| Handmade chopsticks | KRW 20,000 |
| Market cooking class (for two) | KRW 170,000 |
| Total Estimated | KRW 240,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to International Market
- Arrive Early: Start your visit by 9:00 AM to avoid the busiest times.
- Carry Small Bills: Bring 1,000 and 5,000 KRW notes for easier transactions.
- Use a Tote Bag: Bring a reusable bag to carry multiple small purchases.
- Download a Map: Save an offline map of Gukje Market to navigate its alleys.
Map of International Market
Address: 55 Gukjesijang 2-gil, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides International Market (Busan)?
About International Market
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+82 51-245-738910 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities