A Guide to Seogwipo Oil Market: From the 1st to the 9th

In Seogwipo, you can only experience the Oil Market by first knowing the dates. The Daejeong Oil Market is held on the 1st and 6th, the Pyoseon Folk Oil Market on the 2nd and 7th, the Jungmun Local Oil Market on the 3rd and 8th, and the Seogwipo Local Oil Market on the 4th and 9th. The Goseong Oil Market is a smaller market frequented by residents of Seongsan, held on the 4th and 9th, and you should check local notices on operating days as well.

Each market offers a variety of products beyond just similar agricultural goods. Daejeong focuses on western agriculture and Mosulpo’s lifestyle, Pyoseon offers seafood close to the harbor, Jungmun is a market behind the tourist area, Seogwipo boasts a wide assortment of items and restaurants, while Goseong is particularly significant for everyday living supplies for Seongsan residents. The atmosphere varies between the morning of the market day and closing time, so consider reducing travel and delve deeper into one location.

Placing all five Oil Markets on a calendar reveals the cyclical nature of market days in Seogwipo, where rural products are exchanged regionally. If you focus on seasonal vegetables, seedlings, fishing gear, farming tools, and side dishes—items that locals actually buy—rather than tourist souvenirs, the market's role becomes clear. Even the same food can differ in ingredients and selling methods based on the scale of the market and the surrounding harbors and farmland.

Market days may have exceptions due to the end of the month, closures, or weather conditions, so it’s best to check the official tourism guides or contact the markets just before your visit. Visit in the morning, avoid taking photos of merchants' faces and price tags without permission, and it’s advisable to bring cash and a shopping basket. After tasting samples, don't pressure for purchases or block pathways, and only buy as much agricultural and seafood products as you can appropriately store and transport via air.