Why 5,100 Tourists Flock to 마량놀토수산시장: A Must-Visit Seafood Market This Spring

Translation result

Maryang Port in Gangjin County has come alive again with warm spring weather and eager visitors.
 
The 2026 Maryang Nolto Seafood Market, which opened on the 11th around the central breakwater of Maryang Port (152 Mihang-ro, Maryang-myeon, Gangjin County), drew steady crowds from day one. About 5,100 visitors came to the site, giving the event a strong start.
 
Organizers skipped a formal opening ceremony this year and focused on serving the visitors who showed up. Wind banners across the venue featured the market mascots Marangi and Sarangi, creating a bright, friendly vibe that boosted the atmosphere.
 
On opening day, visitors responded enthusiastically to the deals: abalone was 40% off and dried seafood was discounted by up to 20%.
 
Anchored by the outdoor stage built last year, the Saturday concert kicked off with a visitor karaoke contest, then continued with guest singers Yoo Ji-na and Punggum, followed by dance and choir performances. The mix of acts delivered lively, crowd-pleasing entertainment.
 
Since its debut in 2015, Maryang Nolto Seafood Market has become one of Gangjin’s signature attractions—by 2025 it had welcomed more than 1.12 million visitors and recorded total sales of 10.4 billion KRW (7.8 million USD), helping boost the local economy.
 
This year the market will run on Saturdays through Oct. 31, with roughly 30 events planned. The venue hosts 23 booths offering restaurants, seafood sales, dried seafood, street food, and a “Grandma Market,” serving fresh seafood and a variety of eats at reasonable prices. The Ocean View Atelier (one-day classes) using the observatory café will expand into monthly themed experiences so guests can enjoy something new each visit.
 
Marking the 500th Saturday concert in June, organizers plan to roll out richer programming, including prize giveaways and hands-on activities. During the summer, family-friendly features like an air-bounce water play area and leisure boats will be added.
 
At night, an LED sea fountain and media façade light up the harbor, offering a different, moodier view of Maryang Port.
 
A visitor at the event said, “I spent a full day watching performances and enjoying the food with my kids. I also bought fresh seafood at fair prices, so I left very satisfied. We’ll definitely come back with friends next time.”
 
Kim Yong-gu, the merchants’ association president, said, “We work hard to provide high-quality seafood and a pleasant environment so visitors can trust and enjoy Maryang Nolto Seafood Market. We’ll continue to develop Maryang’s unique offerings and make this a place many people want to visit.”