Introduction: Why Jumunjin Seafood Market Is Famous for Squid Sashimi
If you’re traveling to Gangneung and searching for fresh squid sashimi, there’s one place that locals consistently recommend: Jumunjin Seafood Market.
This Jumunjin Seafood Market squid sashimi review will walk you through everything you need to know—from parking and operating hours to how the market system works and why it’s better than a typical sashimi restaurant.
Instead of visiting a regular raw fish restaurant, we chose Jumunjin Seafood Market for one simple reason: raw squid sashimi (ojingeo hoe). Fresh squid is not always available at standard sashimi restaurants, but at this market, it’s one of the highlights.
Location & Basic Information
Jumunjin Seafood Market 1758-10 Haean-ro, Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
- Weekdays: Open until 7:00 PM
- Weekends: Open until 8:00 PM
- Parking: Jumunjin Coastal Parking Tower (paid public parking)
👉 You can find the official Gangneung tourism information here:
🔗 https://www.gn.go.kr/eng/index.do
Market Layout & First Impressions
One thing that immediately stood out was how well-organized the market is. There’s a clear market map showing where to buy sashimi, king crab, squid, and other seafood. This makes the experience far less intimidating for first-time visitors.
Walking through the aisles, you’ll see tanks and trays filled with incredibly fresh seafood. The squid looks glossy and firm, sea urchins are packed with roe, and every stall feels competitive in quality.
Buying Squid Sashimi: Prices & Process
We purchased our squid from a stall called Yerimine (예림이네).
The good news? Squid prices are standardized based on size, so there’s no need to worry about overpaying no matter which stall you choose.
After purchasing, the vendor guides you to a designated sashimi preparation shop. There is a separate preparation fee, but again, prices are fixed across the market—no tourist traps here.
Interestingly, the preparation shop recommended by Yerimine was extremely popular. The staff was so skilled that they were occasionally turning customers away because they already had too many baskets waiting. That alone says a lot about their reputation.
Takeout Options & Convenience
If you don’t plan to eat immediately, you can get everything packed near the market entrance. You can also buy chojang (spicy vinegar sauce) and other seasonings right inside the market, making it easy to prepare a complete seafood meal without leaving the area.
Internal link suggestion:
If you’re planning a Gangneung food trip, check out our guide to 👉 Gangneung Local Food Spots (internal blog link).
Taste Test at the Accommodation
We also bought mackerel sashimi along with the squid and ate it later at our accommodation. At first, the color looked slightly yellowish, which made us nervous—but that worry disappeared after the first bite.
The sashimi was exceptionally fresh, rich, and clean in flavor. Pairing it with rosé wine turned it into a perfect dinner.
For two people, one small mackerel and four small squids were more than enough to leave us completely satisfied.
Why Jumunjin Seafood Market Is Worth It
Eating sashimi at restaurants can be expensive, but buying directly from the seafood market offers two major advantages:
- Better prices
- Unmatched freshness
This is why Jumunjin Seafood Market remains one of the top Gangneung food destinations, especially for seafood lovers.
For more Korean market culture, you can explore: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr
Final Thoughts
If you love seafood and want an authentic local experience, this Jumunjin Seafood Market squid sashimi review should convince you to add it to your itinerary. From the organized system to the incredibly fresh squid, it’s a place that delivers both quality and value.
Highly recommended for weekend travelers—just arrive a bit early to avoid waiting!
