🐟 A Seafood Lover’s Paradise: Visiting Samcheonpo Yonggung Fish Market for Fresh Sliced Raw Fish (Saekkochi)
During my younger brother’s visit from Malaysia with his family, we made a special trip all the way from Gimcheon to Samcheonpo with our mom. It was a long 2-hour drive, but for our family full of sashimi lovers, this was the perfect getaway.
If you’ve never been, Samcheonpo Yonggung Fish Market is a hidden treasure on Korea’s southern coast where you can buy freshly sliced saekkochi (sliced live fish), natural and farmed seafood, and enjoy the full market experience all in one place.
🌊 The View at Samcheonpo Port
Samcheonpo Port is one of the larger harbors along Korea’s southern coastline. While there’s not much sightseeing to do directly around the harbor, the fish market is absolutely worth the visit. It’s ideal whether you’re shopping for fresh fish to take home or want to enjoy sashimi on the spot.
🛍️ Strolling Through Yonggung Fish Market
The market itself stretches vertically, with stalls lining both sides and another row across the street. It takes about 30 minutes to an hour to walk through the entire market.
From dried anchovies cheaper than what you’d find online, to freshly caught sea eel and flounder, the variety here is impressive. The proximity to the port ensures that seafood is always abundant and fresh. There’s even an ATM if you’re short on cash.
🐟 Where I Always Go: Jeongmae Sanghoe (Shop #214)
Among dozens of vendors, my go-to is Jeongmae Sanghoe, located near Exit 5, second row inside. I’ve been coming here for years. The owner is incredibly kind, honest, and always prepares the freshest sashimi without overcharging.
She even packs everything up neatly for takeout, or you can walk across the aisle to a restaurant and enjoy it right away.
This time, we added thick slices of grilled sea eel to our saekkochi, and it was amazing!
🍽️ Dining at Yujin Sikdang – A Must After Buying Sashimi
Once you buy your sashimi, head directly across to Yujin Restaurant. They’ll set up a full spread including sauces, sides, and vegetables for just ₩5,000 per person. The highlight? Their spicy fish stew (maeuntang) – an absolute must after any sashimi meal, for only ₩10,000 per pot.
🐙 Bonus Dish: Nakji Tangtangi (Chopped Live Octopus)
We also ordered nakji tangtangi—live octopus chopped and served wriggling. It was so fresh it looked like it could lift the plate! Whether wrapped in sesame leaf with garlic and pepper paste, or simply dipped in sesame oil and salt, it was delicious either way.
📦 Take It Home or Have It Shipped
All sashimi and seafood can be neatly packed for resorts, guesthouses, or home. The vendor also offers nationwide courier delivery, making it easy to send dried seafood or gift sets.
💡 Insider Tips for Visiting Samcheonpo Fish Market
✅ Eat or Take Away
Buy your sashimi at the market, then either take it home or enjoy it right away at a restaurant across the aisle for a small setting fee.
✅ Free Parking
Use the nearby public parking lot, and get a 1-hour free parking voucher when you buy from a stall or dine at a restaurant.
✅ Pair With Nearby Attractions
Just a 10-minute drive away is Namildae Beach—perfect for relaxing after a seafood feast. You’ll also find the Sacheon Sea Cable Car and Sacheon Aquarium nearby. Pro tip: get the crystal floor gondola for the best views, and buy aquarium tickets on-site for better deals than online.
📌 Summary
- 📍 Market: Samcheonpo Yonggung Fish Market (Shop #214 Jeongmae Sanghoe)
- 🛒 What to buy: Fresh saekkochi, natural/farmed seafood, dried fish
- 🍽️ Where to eat: Yujin Sikdang (right across from the stalls)
- 🧭 Nearby: Namildae Beach, Sacheon Cable Car, Aquarium
- 🅿️ Free 1-hour parking with purchase or dining
- 📦 Takeout & courier shipping available
Whether you’re visiting with family or friends, or looking for a fresh seafood experience far from the touristy spots, Samcheonpo Yonggung Fish Market offers unbeatable freshness, honest pricing, and a warm local vibe that keeps me coming back again and again.