What payment methods are accepted at Jo-ssi Halmae-jip in Gijang Yeonhwari Haenyeo Village?

Jo-ssi Halmae-jip does not accept card payments. You can only pay by bank transfer or cash. It is recommended to confirm payment methods before your visit.

What are the operating hours and actual closing atmosphere of Jo-ssi Halmae-jip in Gijang Yeonhwari Haenyeo Village?

The entire Haenyeo Village is generally open from 9 AM to 6 PM. However, shops tend to start closing around 5 PM, so please keep this in mind when you visit.

What seafood items are included in Jo-ssi Halmae-jip's 'Seafood Platter (Medium)', and what other menu items are recommended?

The Seafood Platter (Medium) includes live octopus, spoon worms, horned turban shells, abalone, scallops, sea cucumbers, sea squirts, clams, seaweed, and mussel soup. We especially recommend the 'Rich Special Nutritional Abalone Porridge', which costs ~$14 per serving, is generous in portion, and tastes excellent.

How long does it take to get from accommodation in Haeundae to Gijang Yeonhwari Haenyeo Village?

According to an article, it takes about 20 minutes by taxi from accommodation in Haeundae.

Gijang Yeonhwari Haenyeo Village: Jo's Grandma's House…

Gijang Yeonhwari Haenyeo Village

Jo's Grandma's House: An Honest Review

Words/Photos by Jinsaengsu

Hello, Jinsaengsu here :)

For our first stop on our summer Busan trip, we headed straight to Gijang Yeonhwari Haenyeo Village!

In Gijang Yeonhwari, you'll find a lively cluster of tented seafood stalls, known as *pojangmacha*, specializing in assorted fresh seafood platters. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a variety of delicious seafood while soaking in the refreshing sea breeze.

Seriously, it's one of those must-visit places you simply can't skip when traveling to Busan.

We took a taxi from our hotel in Haeundae, and it was about a 20-minute ride. Once you arrive at Gijang Yeonhwari Haenyeo Village, you'll see seafood stalls packed tightly together, one after another. Since they all offer similar menus and views, feel free to pick any spot that catches your eye!

✔️The Haenyeo Village stalls typically operate from 9 AM to 6 PM, but be aware that they often start closing down around 5 PM. Keep this in mind for your visit!

We initially planned to go to "Mijini Halmaejip," the last stall on the right, but all the ocean-view seats were taken. So, we popped into the very next door neighbor, Haenyeo Jo's Grandma's House.

As you walk around, some vendors might try to entice you in, but it's not overly pushy. We were wearing baseball jerseys because we were heading to a game afterward, and one of the *ajummas* (older ladies) adorably called out, "Im Chan-gyu! Come on in!" It was a fun, lighthearted welcome. 👀ㅋㅋ

This is what the inside of Jo's Grandma's House looks like. Like all the other stalls, the seats furthest inside, offering the best ocean view, are the most popular. It seemed like locals were happy to sit anywhere, while tourists like us were really focused on snagging those prime waterfront spots.

Here's a look at Jo's Grandma's House menu.

We heard the assorted seafood platter is a must-try, so we ordered the medium-sized seafood platter. We also couldn't resist trying the Rich & Nutritious Abalone Porridge, which everyone raves about!

Cash or Bank Transfer Only‼️

Just a heads-up, they don't accept card payments, so make sure to have cash or be ready for a bank transfer. They'll usually let you know when you order, too.

Soft drinks, *soju*, and beer are self-service from the icebox. We picked out the coldest ones!

They had Cass and Terra beer, and Jinro, Good Day, and Daesun *soju* available.

Here's the view from our inner table at Jo's Grandma's House. It's not directly on the water, but there's a walkway, and then the ocean stretches out behind it. Still, seeing that expansive ocean view really made our Busan trip feel real and amazing! 👍🏻

Since we were in Busan, we had to try Daesun *soju*! Haha.

Assorted Seafood Platter (Medium)

They say two people usually order a small or medium platter. We deliberated, but since we're big eaters, we went for the medium! Apparently, the size affects both the quantity and variety of seafood.

Our platter included: live octopus, sea squirt, horned turban shell, abalone, scallop, sea cucumber, stone sea squirt, clams, sea vegetables, and even a complimentary mussel soup!

The presentation was absolutely stunning! Every single item looked incredibly fresh and appetizing. You can probably tell from my excited face in the photos – it was all mine!

The sea cucumber and abalone had an incredible texture. The stone sea squirt wasn't fishy at all and burst with the taste of the ocean – truly delicious. But my absolute favorite was the sea squirt (*gaebul*)! Dipped in sesame oil and salt, it was heavenly. So, so good! 😭

And the mussel soup? I had no high expectations, but it was out of this world! I've never had such a flavorful mussel soup before. The mussels themselves were plump and tender.

With such amazing food, how could we not have a drink?! I tried Daesun *soju* for the first time, and it was incredibly smooth and tasty. Both the drinks and the food were perfectly satisfying.

Even the onions were delicious! Dipped in *ssamjang* (Korean dipping sauce), they were sweet with no sharp bite. Who said onions are bland? For me, these Busan onions were a revelation! ㅠ

And then there was the Rich & Nutritious Abalone Porridge! It arrived while we were enjoying the seafood platter, and this is just a single serving, believe it or not! The portion size is insane!

At ~$14 for one serving, I initially thought it was pricey, but seeing the generous amount, it felt like a steal!

We dished out about three bowls of this size. It was packed with abalone and tasted absolutely wonderful. Now I understand why everyone says you'll regret it if you don't try it!

If you visit Jo's Grandma's House in Gijang Yeonhwari Haenyeo Village, make sure to order the abalone porridge.