This winter, Koreans are heading to the wholesale markets for some fresh raw fish, known in Korean as .
This year, diners are in luck, at least, because prices are down.
Our Choi Jeong-yoon filed this report from Seoul's most famous fish market.
"This is Noryangjin fish market in Seoul. Here you can enjoy some halibut, South Korean's favorite raw fish, for the price of 18 US dollars per kilo."
This winter, the prices are lower than usual.
According to a recent report from Statistics Korea, the price of the raw fish last month fell 2 percent on-year,...marking the biggest drop in 13 years.
Halibut in particular saw a roughly 30 percent decrease in their wholesale price.
"The price fall is mainly due to oversupply. New technology has produced too much fish. To make things worse, the Seoul-Tokyo trade war has intensified export quarantine procedures... which leaves supplies concentrated in domestic markets. Measures are being taken to stabilize the price... such as Jeju-do Island purchasing and discarding of 200 tons of halibut.”
But the lower prices are attracting more customers to the fish markets.
And for travelers, Noryangjin fish market is a unique experience.
“Because it’s a lot different from German fish markets because everything is still alive, and it’s so fresh whereas in Germany it’s not really alive anymore. So it’s really good.”
“I am here trying to look for king crab to eat for my lunch. I want to try a lot of fish, the ones I see in the movies and all the exciting foods.”
The winter delicacy at the market is yellowtail.
“In winter people look for yellowtail because it's savory and full of nutrients. It's good for your brain and blood vessels as well as helping prevent osteoporosis."
Recently, it's easy to spot younger consumers around the market.
Along with active promotions through Social Networking Services, special applications provide information about the fish at the market as well as reviews from other customers.
Choi Jeong-yoon, Arirang News.