Friday–Sunday at Dasom Square, Busan Citizens Park

Co-hosted by Busan and South Jeolla Province merchant federations

Promotional poster for the 2026 Yeonghonam Traditional Market Fair [Provided by Busan city government]
Promotional poster for the 2026 Yeonghonam Traditional Market Fair [Provided by Busan city government]

Busan will hold the 2026 Yeonghonam Traditional Market Fair at Dasom Square in Busan Citizens Park over three days from Friday to Sunday, the city announced Wednesday. Co-hosted by the Busan Merchants Federation and the South Jeolla Province Merchants Federation, the fair aims to showcase quality products and regional specialties from traditional markets across the country, while fostering exchanges among vendors and expanding sales channels to revitalize local commerce.

A total of 49 traditional markets and more than 50 businesses from 10 cities and provinces nationwide will set up about 90 booths. Offerings from Busan include seaweed and kelp from Gijang Market, sesame oil from Mangmi Jungang Market, and live abalone from Jagalchi Haean Market. Visitors can also find regional specialties such as gulbi dried yellow croaker from Yeonggwang in South Jeolla Province, pears from Naju, fermented salted seafood from Gwangcheon in South Chungcheong Province, and ginseng and red ginseng from Punggi in North Gyeongsang Province. The food market section will offer dishes including janchi guksu noodles, fish cake and pajeon from Gupo Market, and seasoned makchang grilled intestines from Doma Keun Market in Daejeon.

During the fair, market representatives will take the stage to promote their markets in a nationwide market showcase segment, along with a traditional market quiz competition, a performance by the South Jeolla Province Jangter Yurangdan troupe, and daily prize draws. Family-oriented hands-on programs will also run throughout the event, including rice cake pounding, calligraphy-style family motto writing and a retro photo booth.

On the final day, Sunday, a ceremony marking the 4th Busan Merchants' Day will open at 10 a.m. The annual event, held by the Busan Merchants Federation since 2023, will feature a merchants' entrance procession, commendations for outstanding contributors and an opening performance, followed in the afternoon by a merchants' talent show and a celebratory concert by invited singers.

The city said it hopes the event will strengthen inter-regional cooperation and draw greater public attention and foot traffic to traditional markets. Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo urged residents to visit the venue, experience the diverse appeal of traditional markets and make purchases to help energize the local economy.


kaf2002@heraldcorp.com