Ulsan Farmers Market

Located between Emart and the Lotte Wheel/ department store sits Ulsan’s Farmers Market. It is the place to get your fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood. While it is a lot smaller than Noryangjin Fish Market in Seoul or even Jagalchi Market in Busan, it is a heck of a lot closer and in some ways, just as good.

This market opens early and is filled with people by 7 am. Upon entering the market from the main street (heading towards the Taehwa Train Station) on the left you will have the fruits and vegetables market and on the right, the seafood market. Typically, you would want to get there early in the morning, especially on the weekends as most of the vendors close early.

Most of the vendors deal only with cash, so it is a good idea to bring some with you. There is a Nonghyup bank located in the fruits and vegetables market that you can withdraw cash from.

This market is not the most exciting place and you probably won’t find anything out of the ordinary there. However, you may be able to get some deals from some of the vendors. Much of the produce is grown locally but there are some places that import from different countries. Thus, it is much like shopping at your regular supermarket but with a more personal touch. With that comes a bit of a language problem.

Most of the prices will be clearly marked but the descriptions will be written in Korean. It would be wise to brush up on your basic korean shopping language before you go. However, usually the vendors are quite friendly, so don’t be scared when making a purchase for the first time.

Now that the korean appetite for big box stores is ramping up, places like this are starting to disappear. I have noticed a decline in vendors over the years as more people shop at costco or even online. However, now that I live near the market, I try to visit there at least once or twice a month to pick up some fresh veggies.

To get there head about 2 blocks down from the Skyrex/ Lotte Department Store intersection. It will be on the right side and will have the parking gates in front. The bus stop in front of the market is a major stop and most buses will make a stop there. Parking is usually free in the mornings and there is a decent amount of parking within the market complex.