Gukje Market

Gukje Market (Korean: 국제시장) or Nampodong International Market is a market in Sinchang-dong, Jung District, Busan, South Korea.[1] It was originally known by the name Dottaegi Market, and later as Jayu Market.

This article is about the retail market. For the film, see Ode to My Father.
Gukje Market
The market at night (2019)
Coordinates35.101°N 129.028°E / 35.101; 129.028
AddressSinchang-dong 4-ga, Jung District, Busan, South Korea
ParkingYongdusan Park Public Parking
Websiteeng.gukjemarket.co.kr (in English)
Korean name
Hangul
국제시장
Hanja
國際市場
Revised RomanizationGukje Sijang
McCune–ReischauerKukche Sijang

The market was founded in 1945. During the 1950–1953 Korean War, the market became a hotspot for commerce and culture, as people from all over the Korean peninsula sought refuge in the Busan area.

The market now sells a diverse array of goods, particularly machinery tools, kitchenware, and clothing.[2] It is accessible from the Jagalchi and Nampo subway stations.[3] It is within walking distance to two other markets, Bupyeong Market and Jagalchi Market.[4]

The market was famously depicted in the 2014 film of the same Korean name (English title Ode to My Father). The film is currently the fourth highest-grossing film in the history of South Korean cinema, with 14.2 million tickets sold.[5]

History

It is one of the oldest continuously operating marketplaces in South Korea, having started in 1945, just after the Japanese colonial period.[6][7] Its original name was Dottaegi Market (도떼기시장; lit. Bustling Market).[8][9] In 1948, it changed its name to Jayu Market (자유시장; lit. Freedom Market).[9][7] The market received its current name in May 1950.[7]

The market changed drastically in character in the 1950s, during the Korean War. Busan (then associated with the Pusan Perimeter), was a hub for refugees escaping the war. There, refugees set up stalls to sell goods and make a living. Of particular popularity was imported or foreign goods (particularly from the U.S. Army), which were generally forbidden for Koreans to own, let alone sell.[8][2][9] Koreans from across the peninsula, as well as Koreans who were just returning from Japan, settled down in Busan and started new lives there. Many people had no family support network to lean on.[9]

The market experienced significant fires in December 1950 and January 1953. The market, which had been extremely large and bustling, didn't regain its former size and status after the 1953 fire, especially as the Korean War was cooling down and people were returning home.[9]

Until the 1990s, the market was considered a key place to acquire foreign goods. With the advent of the internet, that role has diminished.[4] In 2023, it was reported that many traditional businesses in the market have closed or are struggling. They have been replaced with stores that cater to younger people, with clothing thrift stores and hobby stores.[4]

The Korean title of the 2014 film Ode to My Father is actually the name of this market. The film centers around a family who owns a shop in the market ("Kkotbunine"),[6] and their experience from the Korean War until the present day.[10]

  • The ruined market shortly after the January 30, 1953 fire
    The ruined market shortly after the January 30, 1953 fire
  • The market, with renewed activity around just a week after the fire (February 8, 1953)
    The market, with renewed activity around just a week after the fire (February 8, 1953)
  • A sign for the market (2018)
    A sign for the market (2018)
  • Manmul Street in the market (2018)
    Manmul Street in the market (2018)
  • A street in the market (2018)
    A street in the market (2018)
  • A covered shopping street (2018)
    A covered shopping street (2018)

See also

References
  1. Cha, Frances (July 29, 2013). "Best of Busan: What to do in Korea's 'second city'". CNN. Retrieved December 4, 2014.
  2. "Gukje Market (국제시장) : VISITKOREA". Gukje Market (국제시장). Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  3. "국제시장 오시는길". eng.gukjemarket.co.kr. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  4. Min-kyung, Jung (2023-07-27). "[Subway Stories] Jagalchi Station: Busan's vibrant market hub". The Korea Herald. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  5. "KOBIS(발권)통계". Korean Film Council. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
  6. Min-sik, Yoon (2019-11-14). "Shopping for herring: Marketplaces in Busan". The Korea Herald. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  7. "국제시장의 역사". eng.gukjemarket.co.kr. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  8. "Gukje Market bustling with energy". www.visitbusan.net. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  9. "부산 국제시장". encykorea.aks.ac.kr (in Korean). Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  10. "Ode to My Father: A depiction of the history of modern Korea". The Business Standard. 2020-12-03. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
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