When does Guryongpo Market's five-day market open, and what should I consider when visiting?

Guryongpo Market's five-day market is held on the 3rd and 8th of every month. However, when I visited on a weekday, it felt quiet, and if you're expecting the bustling atmosphere of a five-day market, you might be disappointed. I recommend visiting it as a regular market to enjoy fresh seafood and local delicacies year-round, rather than specifically for the five-day market dates.

What are Guryongpo Market's operating hours, and where can I park?

Guryongpo Market operates daily from 8 AM to 7 PM, but individual store hours and closing days may vary. For parking, it's convenient to use the Guryongpo Naehang Public Parking Lot, located directly in front of the market.

What is the representative local dish of Pohang Guryongpo that I can taste at Guryongpo Market?

The local dish of Pohang Guryongpo that you can taste at Guryongpo Market is Mori Guksu. Mori Guksu is a spicy and thick noodle soup cooked with seasonal fish, seafood, kalguksu (knife-cut noodles), bean sprouts, and more, similar to a maeuntang (spicy fish stew).

Guryongpo Market Pohang 2026: An Authentic Taste of…

Whenever I travel, one of my absolute favorite places to explore is the local market. On my recent trip to Pohang, I had the pleasure of visiting both Guryongpo Market and Jukdo Market. Today, I'm excited to share my experience at Guryongpo Market, which truly offered a deeper dive into the local culture and flavors.

Nestled right in front of Guryongpo Port, Guryongpo Market is a vibrant hub where you can find an incredible array of fresh seafood throughout all four seasons.

Guryongpo Market: Essential Info & Parking Tips

Guryongpo Market

Address

12 Homiro221beon-gil, Guryongpo-eup, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

Operating Hours

Daily: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

*Please note that individual store hours and closing days may vary.

Phone Number

054-284-9040

📍 Guryongpo Market
2nd Floor, 12 Homiro221beon-gil, Guryongpo-eup, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (Guryongpo Market Merchant Office)

📍 Guryongpo Naehang Public Parking Lot
222 Homiro, Guryongpo-eup, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Parking here was incredibly convenient, thanks to the public parking lot located directly in front of the market.

My Visit to Guryongpo's 5-Day Market

This market is perfectly situated, close to the historic Guryongpo Japanese Modern Street and right by Guryongpo Port, making it an ideal stop on any Pohang itinerary.

There's truly no better place than a market to soak in the local energy and vibrancy. I had read that Guryongpo hosts a traditional 5-day market on dates ending in 3 and 8 (e.g., August 3rd, August 8th). I timed my visit for one of these days, hoping for a bustling, lively atmosphere.

However, I was a little disappointed to find it quite tranquil. Since my visit didn't fall on a public holiday or weekend, but rather a regular weekday, it felt much quieter and not significantly different from the everyday permanent market. If you're specifically hoping for the boisterous charm of a traditional countryside 5-day market, you might find it a bit underwhelming on a weekday.

Instead, I highly recommend visiting to enjoy the fresh seasonal seafood and local delicacies available daily, rather than solely focusing on the 5-day market dates.

From Fresh Catches to Dried Delicacies: Exploring the Market

What truly stood out, as expected, were the numerous stalls selling Gwamegi – Pohang's iconic semi-dried Pacific saury or herring. It's a must-try local specialty!

I spotted some delicious-looking steamed whole squid or perhaps it was squid sundae (a Korean sausage made with squid). I desperately wanted to try one, but I had just eaten and had to resist!

Being a coastal town, there were also plenty of shops specializing in pidegi (semi-dried fish) and various other dried seafood products.

And, of course, you'll find an abundance of incredibly fresh live fish and even impressive king crabs, ready for sale and consumption.

A great advantage of Guryongpo Market is its well-maintained arcade, meaning you can comfortably explore, shop, and eat regardless of the weather – come rain or shine!

Must-Try Delicacies at Guryongpo Market

Beyond the daily fresh catches, a truly recommended local dish is Mori Guksu. This hearty, spicy, and thick stew is packed with seasonal fish, seafood, noodles, and bean sprouts. It's one of Pohang Guryongpo's beloved local specialties.

A quick online search will likely reveal several famous Mori Guksu spots. But there's something special about enjoying it right in the market, where the freshness and generous portions truly enhance the flavor!

Alternatively, a grilled fish restaurant like this one (I just snapped a photo of the sign as I passed by) is always a fantastic option, especially if you're traveling with kids. There's something wonderfully authentic about enjoying a meal in one of these cozy market alley eateries during your travels.

Mellowtrip's Takeaway

Guryongpo Market offers a delightful opportunity to leisurely experience the salty sea air and the charming, rustic ambiance of a traditional fishing village in Pohang. It's an excellent spot to grab some local eats and shop for dried seafood after you've explored the nearby Guryongpo Japanese Modern Street.