Gangjin-gun, 7,000 Visitors on Opening Day of Maryang Nolto Fish Market... Forecasting a Big Hit

"Miss You, My Dear, I Want to Go to Maryang"... Maryang Nolto Fish Market Opens

Creating Weekly Enthusiasts, Enhancing Content for MZ and Family Tourists

On the 27th, Jeonnam Gangjin-gun welcomed approximately 7,000 visitors on the opening day of the Maryang Nolto Seafood Market, signaling a prosperous year ahead.

According to the county on the 29th, the opening event proceeded with the reading of the declaration for the implementation of the ‘3 Most Determinations · 3 No Promises’ and a success prayer performance, along with a live recording of Mokpo MBC Radio’s “Joyful 2 PM.”

At the event, popular singers including “Burning Trotman TOP1” Son Tae-jin, Bae Il-ho, Lee So-na, as well as Moon Cho-hee, Punggeum, and Kim Hyun-jin performed congratulatory shows, heating up the atmosphere on site.

Since its opening in 2015, Maryang Nolto Seafood Market has attracted over 1.05 million visitors through 2023, recording total sales of 10 billion KRW, playing a vital role in revitalizing the local economy.

During the event period, 29 booths across 5 categories operate, including restaurants such as sashimi houses (4), seafood corners (7), dried seafood shops (2), street food vendors (6), and grandmother’s market stalls (10), where fresh seafood and various foods can be enjoyed at affordable prices every Saturday.

The opening ceremony of Maryang Nolto Fish Market was held on the 27th. [Photo by Gangjin-gun]

The county introduced new programs targeting MZ generation and family visitors, such as an AI photo booth that can generate stylish profile images by changing body shape, clothing, and poses, a zero-gravity performance, an aerial levitation photo zone, and nighttime attractions including an LED sea fountain and media facade installations.

Additionally, the Saturday music concert features diverse performances including dance shows, fusion Korean traditional music, magic shows, and bubble shows. A tourist singing contest was also organized to provide a harmonious space for visitors to express their hidden talents and charms, expanding entertainment options.

At the Maryang Observatory Cafe, visitors can enjoy coffee brewed by a robot coffee machine while admiring the beautiful scenery of Maryang’s landmarks such as Kkamak Island, a natural monument, and Gogeum Bridge. A Color Day event was also held, offering a free cup of coffee to visitors who wore clothes of a specific color when visiting the observatory cafe.

Maryang Nolto Seafood Market, operated within the Jungbang Breakwater on Mihang-ro, Maryang-myeon, Gangjin-gun, has adhered to the operational strategy of the 3 Mosts (highest freshness, highest quality, lowest price) and 3 Nos (no foreign products, no Vibrio bacteria, no overcharging). Over the years, it has gained popularity not only among locals but also external tourists, cultivating a loyal fan base that visits Maryang Port every Saturday.

Originally, Gangjin-gun created the Saturday music concert to overcome the decline of the Maryang commercial district caused by the construction of the Gogeum Bridge. In 2015, Maryang Nolto Seafood Market was selected as one of Gangjin-gun’s four major core projects. Through advanced strategies and full support, Maryang has grown into an indispensable attraction in Gangjin.

In particular, Maryang Port is praised for building a solid demand base as visitors who have been there once return again and gradually increase through word of mouth.

This year’s Maryang Nolto Seafood Market operates every Saturday from the opening ceremony on the 27th until October 26th. Meanwhile, Byeongyeong Bulgeumbulpa runs every Friday and Saturday from 4 PM to 7:30 PM in the Byeongyeong Market area since the 22nd.

Kim Yong-gu, president of the merchants’ association, stated, “We will do our best to provide fresh and delicious seafood with friendly service to visitors of Maryang Nolto Seafood Market this year as well.”

Gang Jin-won, the county governor, said, “This year, through the Gangjin Half-Price Family Travel program, you can enjoy Maryang Nolto Seafood Market with better cost-effectiveness than ever before. I hope you have a great time at Byeongyeong Bulgeumbulpa on Fridays and at Maryang Port on Saturdays.”

Especially this year, with the added benefits of the county’s key initiative to increase population and create equivalent economic effects through the ‘Gangjin Half-Price Tourism Travel’ program, the number of tourists visiting Maryang Port is expected to rise more than ever.