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Rason Seafood Market

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Rason Seafood Market (North Korea)

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The Rason Seafood Market is located within the Rason Special Economic Zone in northeastern North Korea, near the borders with China and Russia. It stands as one of the country's most bustling trading hubs for seafood, reflecting the economic dynamism of the region. Daily, fresh catches from the Sea of Japan (East Sea) are landed here, including crabs, squid, sea urchins, and various species of fish. The market serves not only local needs but also acts as a crucial transshipment point for exports to neighboring countries. In the large market halls, traders offer their goods in both wholesale and retail capacities. The infrastructure of the special zone enables efficient logistics and processing of the aquatic products. Visitors can witness a bustling atmosphere as fishermen and merchants negotiate prices. The market's significance is closely tied to Rason's strategic location as an ice-free port, ensuring year-round operation. It is a key symbol of North Korea's efforts to stimulate international trade through specialized zones.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-10-7071217212217101-8
Rain mm1010183982881471437644279

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Rason Seafood Market is a lively trading place for fresh and dried seafood in the Special Economic Zone. It supplies local people and traders from China and Russia with marine products.
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Visiting
The market is generally accessible to visitors, but foreign access may be restricted. An accompanied licensed tour guide is recommended.
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Where to view it
The market is located in an open hall or along the quay, allowing easy observation of the bustling activity. Stalls with displayed fish and crabs are especially photogenic.
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Local products
Fresh fish, crabs, squid, and dried sea urchin are on offer. Seasonal specialties include seaweed and certain fish species that vary with the catch period.
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Active season
The market is busiest in the early morning when fishermen return with their catch. The best time to visit is between 6 and 9 am.
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Nearby
A market visit pairs perfectly with the Port of Rason. Also, the nearby city of Rajin, which is part of the Special Economic Zone, is worth seeing.

Geography

Coordinates
42.30000, 130.30000

Facts

  • Rason is one of the few ice-free port cities in the country's northeast.
  • The market is particularly famous for exporting king crabs to China.
  • Merchants from Russia and China frequently visit the market for bulk purchases.
  • The Rason Special Economic Zone was established as early as 1991.
  • There are specialized sections dedicated to dried fish and seaweed products.
  • The market is located near the Rajin port, which is part of the Rason district.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Port of RasonPort of Rason3 km · EExplore →
Tumen RiverTumen River34 km · NExplore →
HoeryongHoeryong61 km · SExplore →
Chongjin Steel WorksChongjin Steel Works67 km · SEExplore →
ChongjinChongjin69 km · SEExplore →
Puryong ValleyPuryong Valley70 km · SExplore →
Anam Bay Tidal FlatAnam Bay Tidal Flat106 km · SEExplore →
Musan Iron MineMusan Iron Mine117 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Rason Seafood Market (1)

Unggi Bay📍 landmark

Unggi Bay has sweeping views over its calm waters, serving as a naturally sheltered inlet for local fishing boats.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the Rason seafood market?
It is one of the liveliest markets in the special economic zone, with a huge selection of fresh catch.
Can foreigners shop there?
Yes, in Rason, market visits are often allowed for tourists, and you can pay with local currencies.
What kind of seafood is sold there?
Crabs, squid, sea urchins, and various sea fish from the Sea of Japan.
When is the best time to visit the market?
Early morning is the best time when the fresh produce arrives and the market is most active.
Can you taste the seafood on-site?
Yes, many vendors prepare the seafood fresh at small food stalls on-site.
Rason Seafood Market: where is it located?
Rason Seafood Market is located in North Korea.
Rason Seafood Market: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Rason Seafood Market: why is it worth visiting?
The Rason Seafood Market is located within the Rason Special Economic Zone in northeastern North Korea, near the borders with China and Russia.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
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Nearby cities

Nampo — Rason Seafood Market (North Korea)
Nampo
Nampo is a major port city on the Yellow Sea and the maritime gateway to the capital Pyongyang.
Hoeryong — Rason Seafood Market (North Korea)
Hoeryong
Hoeryong is located directly on the Tumen border with China and is famous as the birthplace of Kim Jong-suk, Kim Jong-il's mother.
Chongjin — Rason Seafood Market (North Korea)
Chongjin
Chongjin is the third-largest city and a major center of steel production on the east coast.

Nature

Tumen River — Rason Seafood Market (North Korea)
Tumen River
A river that serves as a border with China and Russia, emptying into the Sea of Japan.

More places

Port of Rason — Rason Seafood Market (North Korea)
Port of Rason
A strategically important ice-free port in the Rason Special Economic Zone, facilitating trade with China and Russia.
Hwangryong Fortress — Rason Seafood Market (North Korea)
Hwangryong Fortress
The ruins of the Hwangryong Fortress (Yellow Dragon Fortress) stretch across the rugged coastal mountains near Nampo on the Yellow Sea.
Chongjin Steel Works — Rason Seafood Market (North Korea)
Chongjin Steel Works
A large steel plant located in the city of Chongjin, crucial for the North Korean economy.
Puryong Valley — Rason Seafood Market (North Korea)
Puryong Valley
A valley in North Hamgyong province, through which the Puryong River flows.