Busan isn’t just about stunning beaches and lively city streets—it’s a treasure trove for anyone interested in authentic shopping and market experiences. From exploring the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market to learning how to cook traditional Korean dishes, the city offers tours that satisfy curious palates and cultural appetites alike. We particularly enjoy tours like the Busan Seafood Tour for its fresh catches and lively market atmosphere, and the Busan Tailored Korean Cooking Class for its hands-on approach and personalized menu. Whether you’re after a taste of local seafood, a chance to learn Korean cooking techniques, or simply want to soak in the lively street scenes, Busan’s market tours have something for every kind of traveler.
Quick Overview
This list features a variety of shopping and market tours, from culinary classes and market walks to street food adventures and cultural village visits. Highlights include small-group food tours at Jagalchi Fish Market, customizable cooking classes at Bujeon Market, and evening night market explorations with spectacular views. Whether you prefer hands-on cooking experiences, guided food tastings, or cultural sightseeing, these options provide authentic, local insights that go beyond tourist traps. Now, let’s dive into each tour to help you find your perfect match.
1. Busan Seafood Tour : Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner
At number 1 on our list, this small-group seafood experience combines market exploration, hands-on cooking, and a dinner prepared in your host’s home. Starting at Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea’s largest seafood market, you’ll see an impressive array of fresh catch—think live octopus, shellfish, and more. Your guide helps you select your seafood, then takes you to a local’s home for a personalized cooking session where you learn how to make authentic Korean clam soup and other dishes. With a maximum of 10 participants, the intimate setting makes for a relaxed, informative evening. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, tasty food, and local insights.
Bottom Line: Perfect for seafood lovers who want a genuine, immersive experience, this tour offers a blend of market hustle, cultural learning, and delicious food for around $45.
2. Busan Tailored Korean Cooking Class (Vegan OK) with Market Tour
Number 2 on our list is a private, customizable cooking class that includes a market tour at Bujeon Market. This experience stands out because it adapts to your taste—vegetarian, vegan, or traditional Korean dishes. Under the guidance of a friendly local host, you’ll pick ingredients directly from the market, then learn to prepare dishes like spicy sea snail salad or lesser-known Korean specialties. The class lasts about 5 hours, giving ample time to master techniques and enjoy your homemade meal. Guests love the personalized attention and the chance to shop and cook with fresh ingredients.
Bottom Line: Best suited for foodies eager to learn specific recipes and cook in a private setting, this experience delivers lasting skills and authentic flavors for $70.
3. Busan history and market food tour with local chef
Coming in at number 3, this 2-hour guided walking tour immerses you in Busan’s culinary scene and history. Led by a professional chef, you’ll explore Jagalchi Seafood Market, BIFF Square, and Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, sampling the city’s signature street foods. The guide shares stories behind each dish and the markets’ significance, making the experience both tasty and educational. Guests rave about the insider recommendations and the chance to try Busan’s most popular street foods.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a quick, lively taste of Busan’s food culture with a cultural twist, this tour is priced at around $41.
4. Busan Food Market Tour, Smash Seafoods and Street Foods
Number 4 offers an interactive seafood smash at Busan’s largest seafood market, combined with exploration of street foods. You’ll learn about Korea’s drinking culture and enjoy a seafood feast, such as grilled eel and sashimi, while wandering through bustling stalls. This tour emphasizes local market insights and provides a lively, hands-on experience with fresh seafood and local snacks.
Bottom Line: For seafood enthusiasts looking for an energetic, engaging experience at $50, this tour mixes food, culture, and lively markets effortlessly.
5. Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour
At number 5, this 4-hour shared cooking class takes you into a professional kitchen to prepare several traditional Korean dishes. After cooking, you’ll visit Bupyeong Food Market with your instructor, who explains ingredients and customs. Guests love the hands-on approach and taking recipes home, especially for dishes like local stews and side dishes. The class’s intimate setting and culture make it a favorite among culinary travelers.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a deeper dive into Korean cuisine with practical skills, this experience costs about $58 and leaves you with lasting culinary knowledge.
6. Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi fish market story telling Tour
Number 6 combines cultural sightseeing and market exploration in a 3.5-hour small-group tour. Starting at Gamcheon Culture Village, famous for its colorful houses and murals, the tour moves to Jagalchi Fish Market and includes a scenic cable car ride at Songdo Beach. The guide shares stories of Busan’s history and culture, making it both visually and intellectually enriching. Many reviews highlight the guide’s friendliness and the well-rounded experience.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a blend of art, history, and cuisine in a manageable half-day tour for around $60.
7. Busan: Gukje and Jagalchi Market Food Tour with Tastings
Number 7, priced at about $50, is a guided culinary walk through Gukje Market and Jagalchi Market. You’ll sample seafood and handmade specialties while learning about the markets’ history and culture. This tour offers a deep dive into Busan’s most iconic markets, perfect for those wanting an insider’s look at local food customs.
Bottom Line: If you want a comprehensive market experience with tastings and stories, this tour is a solid pick.
8. Busan: Food Crawl with Fish Market, Soju Tents & Local Snacks
Number 8 offers a lively evening food crawl starting at Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, then moving through Jagalchi Market, and ending at Yeongdodaegyo Bridge with soju tents and street snacks. For about $139, it’s an immersive night out, pairing street foods, local drinks, and spectacular nighttime views. Guests enjoy the social vibe and the chance to mingle with locals in soju tents.
Bottom Line: Perfect for night owls and social travelers, this tour provides an authentic, fun-filled evening for a higher price.
9. Busan Food Market Tour: Seafoods and Street Foods
At number 9, this 3-hour tour visits Jagalchi and Bupyeong Kkangtong Markets, sampling seafood and street foods. It emphasizes Korean street cuisine and the drinking culture at the seafood market. Reviewers value the friendly guide and the opportunity to learn about local food customs.
Bottom Line: For those short on time but eager for authentic seafood and street snacks, this tour delivers for about $52.
10. Busan: Jagalchi Market & Gamcheon Village Walking Tour
Number 10 is a 4-hour private tour combining Gamcheon Culture Village and Jagalchi Fish Market. Your knowledgeable guide helps you explore colorful art-filled alleys and the lively seafood market, providing cultural context along the way. It offers flexibility and a personalized experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a customizable, in-depth city overview in a manageable half-day for around $102.
$53.24 per person
11. Visit Busan night market and enjoy the night view of Busan harbor
Number 11 offers an evening tour focused on night markets and harbor views. For about $55, you’ll enjoy local late-night snacks, watch the auction of aquatic products, and see the harbor under the stars. Many reviewers mention the delicious food and informative insights about Korea’s fishing industry.
Bottom Line: Great for night owls and those interested in local fishing culture and nightscapes, this tour is both flavorful and scenic.
12. Busan: Night Tour with Jagalchi Market and Skywalk
Number 12 combines seafood tasting, skywalk, and city views in a nighttime adventure. You’ll walk along Songdo Skywalk, cross Busan Harbor Bridge, and visit Gamcheon Culture Village illuminated at night. The Hwangnyeongsan Observatory offers stunning panoramic views of the city. Priced around $62, it’s perfect for evening explorers.
Bottom Line: A scenic night tour that blends culinary delights with spectacular vistas, recommended for evening sightseers.
13. Busan Night Tour: Market, Skywalk & Optional SnapShot
Number 13 is a comprehensive night tour covering markets, skywalk, culture village, and a photo stop. For about $62, it’s an excellent way to see the city’s nighttime charm, with insights from a local guide. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a full evening experience with plenty of photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: An all-in-one night outing, suitable for those wanting maximum sights and atmosphere in one tour.
14. Busan: Jagalchi Market & Gamcheon Village Walking Tour With Guide
Number 14 offers a 4-hour guided walking tour of Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Market, and BIFF Square. You’ll explore art-filled alleys, enjoy fresh seafood, and learn about local food and culture. Many reviews highlight the friendly guide and comprehensive itinerary.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers wanting a guided, structured experience of Busan’s top sights in a manageable timeframe for $53.
$53.24 per person
15. Busan Gukje Market Shared Minivan Tour
Finally, at number 15, this 5-hour shared minivan tour covers Gukje Market, Songdo Skywalk, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Busan Harbor Bridge. It combines shopping, sightseeing, and scenic views, ending with breathtaking city lights. For about $61, it’s an efficient, comfortable option for travelers wanting to see multiple highlights without hassle.
Bottom Line: Perfect for visitors who want to see a broad swath of Busan’s attractions with minimal walking, especially in the evening.
$61.16 per person
How to Choose Your Busan Market Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, desired activity level, and interests. For example, if you’re a food lover eager to cook Korean dishes, the Tailored Korean Cooking Class is ideal. For those wanting an immersive seafood experience, the Jagalchi Seafood Tour offers fresh catches and cooking at home.
If your time is limited but you want a taste of everything, the Busan: Jagalchi Market & Gamcheon Village Walking Tour balances culture and cuisine. For night owls, the Busan Night Tour with Skywalk combines stunning vistas with lively food stops.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons, as many tours have small group sizes and limited availability. Consider your fitness level—most tours involve walking, often on uneven terrain like Gamcheon Village’s alleys or market streets. And remember, whether you want a hands-on cooking class or a culinary walk, Busan’s markets offer authentic experiences just waiting to be enjoyed.
In summary, Busan’s shopping and market tours provide a rich mix of culinary delights, cultural insights, and scenic views. From the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market to colorful Gamcheon Culture Village and scenic skywalks, there’s something to match every traveler’s curiosity. For seafood aficionados, the Seafood Tour is unbeatable, while foodies eager to learn new recipes will find the Cooking Classes irresistible. No matter your choice, early booking ensures a smooth, memorable experience in this lively port city.