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Jumunjin Port

Gangwon Bike Path

Jumunjin Port (주문진항; map) is a bustling seafood port near the top of Gangneung City’s coast. Besides a handful of attractions, it claims the largest fish markets on the East Coast.

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The entrance to Jumunjin Traditional Market, marked by a large whale sculpture atop the awning, welcomes visitors to a bustling scene of stalls selling an array of seafood products, including dried fish and squid.
The entrance to Jumunjin Traditional Market, marked by a large whale sculpture atop the awning, welcomes visitors to a bustling scene of stalls selling an array of seafood products, including dried fish and squid.
A serene view of fishing boats anchored at Jumunjin Port, with a clear blue sky stretching above, symbolizing the port's bustling marine activity.
A serene view of fishing boats anchored at Jumunjin Port, with a clear blue sky stretching above, symbolizing the port's bustling marine activity.
A round tank at Jumunjin Port filled with squids swimming, with a metal scoop resting on top, ready for the fresh catch to be selected by visitors.
A round tank at Jumunjin Port filled with squids swimming, with a metal scoop resting on top, ready for the fresh catch to be selected by visitors.
Side-by-side fishing boats rest in Jumunjin Port, with an awning-covered market nearby and sightseers gazing at the waters, while tires hang on the walls for ship protection.
Side-by-side fishing boats rest in Jumunjin Port, with an awning-covered market nearby and sightseers gazing at the waters, while tires hang on the walls for ship protection.

History

Jumunjin Port was founded in June, 1923. It sits on the confluence of warm and cold currents just off its coast in the East Sea, which provides a rich environment for squid, sea bream, pollack, herring, and anchovies to thrive.

Over the years, the port gained a reputation as the premier destination to dine on freshly caught squid. Droves of cars and tourists flocked to Jumunjin, overwhelming the port’s roads, forcing the port to demolish buildings and put up parking decks.

Jumunjin Port still retains its seafaring character, however. The Jumunjin Seafood Village (주문진 해물마을; map) is a collection of traditional seafood restaurants that surround Jumunjin Fish Market. Wander its streets and find locally owned eateries serving sea-to-table fish, molluscs, and other East Sea water critters.

The Jumunjin Port Naval Battle was a Korean War skirmish that took place near the port on June 25, 1950. The only naval battles between US and North Korean naval vessels, battle began when the North Koreans (KPA) attempted to sail supplies through a U.S. naval blockade. U.S. battleships devastated the KPA’s navy, sinking three torpedo boats and two gunboats.

Jumunjin Market

A fishing boat covered with a tarp and lifted out of the water in a dry dock at Jumunjin Port, with the breakwater visible in the distance.
A fishing boat covered with a tarp and lifted out of the water in a dry dock at Jumunjin Port, with the breakwater visible in the distance.
Snow crabs thrive in cascading water tanks at Jumunjin Port, showcasing piles of living crabs, a testament to the port's rich seafood offerings.
Snow crabs thrive in cascading water tanks at Jumunjin Port, showcasing piles of living crabs, a testament to the port's rich seafood offerings.
The observatory and wooden stairs at Sodol Adeul Rock Park, offering a panoramic view of the East Sea and its uniquely shaped rocks, including the famed Elephant Rock, near the white lighthouse of Jumunjin.
The observatory and wooden stairs at Sodol Adeul Rock Park, offering a panoramic view of the East Sea and its uniquely shaped rocks, including the famed Elephant Rock, near the white lighthouse of Jumunjin.
A picturesque seaside road just north of Jumunjin Port, nestled under a green hill with a quaint lighthouse atop, flanked by Minbak hotels beside the azure East Sea, with rocks dotting the waters.
A picturesque seaside road just north of Jumunjin Port, nestled under a green hill with a quaint lighthouse atop, flanked by Minbak hotels beside the azure East Sea, with rocks dotting the waters.

Each day, over 350 fishing boats sail out from Jumunjin Port into the wide East Sea. They return with their haul and fill the saltwater tanks of Jumunjin Fish Market (주문진수산시장; map).

First opened in 1936, Jumunjin Fish Market is the largest of its kind on Korea’s east coast. Its entrance is easy to spot. Stroll down the port’s main street by the harbor. Glance inland and spot an oversized whale statue topping a high awning (road view).

Featuring two-stories, 88 shops, and dozens of fresh seafood restaurants, Jumunjin Fish Market’s sea meat, all domestically caught, is famous for its freshness, quality, and comparatively inexpensive price. 

Closed every Wednesday, Jumunjin Fish Market is home to a dried fish market, puffer fish festival in winter, and a special 5-day market (on the 1st and 6th of each month) offering locally grown produce.

Jumunjin Lighthouse

Jumunjin Lighthouse (주문진등대; map) is the oldest lighthouse in Gangwon State. It sits about 1 kilometer north of Jumunjin Port. Originally built in 1918, workers repaired the lighthouse in 1951 after bombing and artillery damaged it during the Korean War.

Jumunjin Lighthouse is smaller than most, rising only 10 meters. But this circular brick structure with a white lime mortar exterior is prized because it is a landmark in Korea’s lighthouse construction history.

Jumunjin Lighthouse is still operational. At night, its beacon flashes every 15 seconds and reaches up to 37 kilometers into the East Sea.

Jumunjin Lighthouse, and parts of Jumunjin Port, have been featured in Korean dramas, such as Golden Empire, which aired in 2013.

  • Operating Hours:
    • Outdoor space: 09:00~18:00 (summer and winter)
    • Indoor facilities: 09:00~17:00 (summer and winter)
  • Admission: Free
A vibrant scene at Yeongjin Beach, featuring boats in the East Sea, colorful parasols in the sand, and beachgoers enjoying the day, with Jumunjin Port visible in the distance.
A vibrant scene at Yeongjin Beach, featuring boats in the East Sea, colorful parasols in the sand, and beachgoers enjoying the day, with Jumunjin Port visible in the distance.
Gazing up at the iconic squid sculpture near Jumunjin Market, a symbol of the port's rich marine life, under the expansive blue sky.
Gazing up at the iconic squid sculpture near Jumunjin Market, a symbol of the port's rich marine life, under the expansive blue sky.
The bustling seaside market at Jumunjin Port, alive with seafood restaurants and storefronts, crowned by a large crab sculpture, inviting visitors to explore the flavors of the East Sea.
The bustling seaside market at Jumunjin Port, alive with seafood restaurants and storefronts, crowned by a large crab sculpture, inviting visitors to explore the flavors of the East Sea.

Jumunjin Maritime Museum

Jumunjin Maritime Museum (주문진해양박물관; map) occupies the second floor of a parking tower near Jumunjin’s docks. Free to the public, its exhibits include rare corals and walls filled with taxidermied marine species, rare coral, and plant specimens.

  • Operating Hours: 9 AM ~ 6PM
  • Admission: Free

Jumunjin Beach

Most know Jumunjin for its port. However, Jumunjin Beach (주문진해변; map) sits just north of the busy port. It spans 700 meters and features shallow and clear waters suitable for swimming.

Hyang Lake (향호; map) lies next to the beach. It offers freshwater fishing, waterside sports parks, and camp sites below a nearby pine forest.

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