Jung-gu is one of 16 cities, counties and districts in Busan. It has 9 neighborhoods (9 dong) and 36,010 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Bosu-dong with 9,650.
9neighborhoods
36,010residents
Landmark stamp: Jagalchi Market
Located right along the Busan port, this bustling coastal seafood market sells fresh fish, crabs, and oysters while offering lively waterfront dining options.
What to see
Walking along the harbor pier immerses travelers in the lively sights of fresh catches and spirited local vendors.
Food nearby
Visitors can savor sliced raw fish prepared on the spot or visit nearby alleys famous for grilled seafood.
Legends & stories
The gravel shore holds touching memories of resilient mothers who worked tirelessly to support families after the Korean War.
Food, festivals and stories of Jung-gu
Local food
In the alleys of Gukje Market in Nampo-dong, visitors can enjoy spicy bibim dangmyeon glass noodles and sweet seed hotteok.
On screen
Gukje Market in Jung-gu served as the central background and filming location for the famous hit movie Ode to My Father.
Festivals
Every autumn, the Busan Jagalchi Festival takes place around Jagalchi Market, offering fresh seafood and lively traditional street performances.
Did you know?
Yongdusan Park in downtown Jung-gu offers an observation tower with panoramic views overlooking the vibrant Busan port and coastline.
Neighborhoods of Jung-gu (9)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Jungang-dong중앙동dong · 3,124 residents
Name: Built on reclaimed land after the port opening, this area earned its name by serving as a hub for trade and maritime logistics.
Food: You can taste spicy grilled webfoot octopus along the classic retro pub alleyways where harbor workers once unwound after a long day.
Fun fact: The restored red-brick spire of the historic Busan Customs office vividly showcases the city's modern port and shipping history.
Story: Refugees during the Korean War gathered daily at the forty steps hoping to hear news and reunite with their missing family members.
Photo spot: Lined with evocative bronze sculptures depicting wartime refugee life, the Forty Steps Street offers an engaging backdrop for taking vintage photos.
Name: Following national liberation, the neighborhood received its name embodying bright wishes for the eastern section of the port city to prosper greatly.
Name: The neighborhood draws its name from Yeonhyangdaecheong, an official banquet pavilion in the historical Japanese compound used for welcoming envoys.
Fun fact: The historic building of the Oriental Development Company has been preserved and transformed into an engaging modern history museum.
Photo spot: You can capture atmospheric photos in front of the round tower and Western architecture of the old meteorological observatory on Bokbyeongsan.
Name: The neighborhood took its name from the clear waters of Bosucheon Stream that flowed down from the slopes of Gudeoksan Mountain.
Story: During the Korean War, vendors laid out used books and foreign magazines on street stalls, giving rise to the vibrant book street.
Photo spot: Stacked high with countless second-hand books along narrow lanes, Bosu-dong Book Street provides a photogenic setting full of nostalgic charm.
Name: The name Nampo originated from the southern harbor shores once covered in pebbles, symbolizing its enduring bond with the sea.
Food: Jagalchi Market welcomes visitors with generous platters of freshly sliced sashimi and delightfully savory grilled seafood served right by the docks.
Story: The legendary phrase Jagalchi Ajimae was born from the tireless devotion of mothers selling seafood along the pebble shores during post-war times.
Name: The neighborhood was named after Mount Yeongju, a legendary peak where Taoist immortals were said to reside in harmony with nature.
Photo spot: The quaint hillside monorail traveling up steep stairs offers an authentic vantage point for capturing scenic snapshots of hillside neighborhoods.
Story: In the Joseon era, sentinels staffed high observation posts across these slopes to watch over coastal waters and guard against sea invaders.
Story: Heartwarming tales remain of refugees who built stone terraces on steep ridges, working together to carve out a tightly knit community.
Photo spot: Visiting Democracy Park on the ridge rewards you with expansive open views overlooking Busan Port Bridge and the shimmering blue sea.
Fun fact: Democracy Park and the Chung-hontap memorial tower are established here, honoring fallen patriots and the noble spirit of democratic struggles.
Local notes were drafted with the help of AI from public information. Population: Ministry of the Interior and Safety resident registration, September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.