Daebyeon Port, Busan
The Story of Korea's Anchovy Harbor
Gijang's only national fishing port, where the rhythm of anchovy shaking fills the spring air
Daebyeon Port sits on the coast of Daebyeon-ri in Gijang-eup, Gijang County, on the eastern edge of Busan. It is the only state-designated national fishing port in Gijang, and more than 60% of Korea's drift gillnet anchovy catch lands here, which is why locals simply call it the anchovy port.
Come spring, the harbor gets busier by the day. Crews line up along the quay and shake the anchovies loose from their nets in unison, a rhythmic scene known as myeolchi-teori, and silver scales flash in the morning light. Even travelers just passing through find themselves stopping to watch.
The name carries a bit of history too. During the Joseon dynasty, a government storehouse called Daedonggo stood near here, holding rice collected as tax. The harbor beside it was called Daedonggo-byeonpo, meaning the port next to the storehouse, and over time that long name was shortened into the Daebyeon we use today.
The port sits right next door to Yeonhwa-ri, the haenyeo village, so the two pair naturally into one seaside outing. At our restaurant, Jangssi Haenyeo-jip in Yeonhwa-ri, we can feel the energy of the neighboring harbor drift over on spring mornings. In this guide, we walk you through the history of the port, its scale in numbers, and what to see in each season.
How did Daebyeon Port become the anchovy port?
The short answer: a fishing village with centuries of history gained national fishing port status, and later an anchovy festival, and the two together shaped the harbor you see today. Here is the story in order.
- Goryeo eraThe village of Daebyeon is said to have taken shape during the Goryeo dynasty, a community that has lived from the sea for many centuries. (Busan History and Culture Encyclopedia)
- Joseon eraA storehouse called Daedonggo held government rice near the shore, and the harbor beside it was known as Daedonggo-byeonpo, the port next to the storehouse. That name was later shortened to Daebyeon.
- 1971Daebyeon was designated a national fishing port (per Busan Metropolitan City records). It remains the only one in Gijang County.
- 1997The first Gijang Anchovy Festival was held. Every spring since, the harbor area has turned into festival grounds. (Local N Culture, Korea Culture Information Service Agency)
- TodayMore than 60% of Korea's drift gillnet anchovy catch comes through this port, and visitors keep arriving each spring to watch the anchovy shaking.
Daebyeon Port in numbers
60%+
Share of Korea's drift gillnet anchovy catch
This figure refers to the drift gillnet fishery, a different method from the boat seine anchovy fishing of the south coast (Busan Metropolitan City records).
1971
Designated a national fishing port
Per Busan Metropolitan City records. It is Gijang County's only national fishing port.
1997
First Gijang Anchovy Festival
Held around the harbor every spring. Exact dates shift a little from year to year.
Apr to Jun
Best months to see anchovy shaking
Spring anchovies, plump ahead of spawning, come into port during these months.
What is worth seeing at Daebyeon Port?
First things first: the anchovy shaking on a spring morning is the highlight. Beyond that, the harbor offers different scenes depending on the season and time of day.
- Anchovy shaking (spring, Apr to Jun, mornings)Crews work in rhythm to shake anchovies free from their nets, sending up sprays of silver. It is a scene you will only find at this harbor. If you want a close look or a close-up photo, please ask the crews for permission first.
- The harbor at first lightThe liveliest hours run from before dawn through mid-morning, when boats come and go, the fresh catch is unloaded, and flocks of gulls wheel overhead.
- A walk along the breakwatersFollow the breakwaters on either side of the harbor and the Gijang sea opens wide in front of you. On windy days waves can wash over, so please stay inside the safety line.
- The harbor during festival seasonDuring the spring festival the whole harbor becomes one big fairground. Dates and programs change every year, so check the Gijang County Office Culture & Tourism notices before you visit.
Where does the name Daebyeon come from?
It is said to come from Daedonggo-byeonpo, the harbor beside the Daedonggo, a Joseon-era storehouse for government rice. When administrative districts were reorganized in 1914, the shortened form Daebyeon became the official name. A whole village named after one storehouse; once you know that, the name sounds a little warmer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Daebyeon Port from Busan?
Daebyeon Port is on the coast of Daebyeon-ri, Gijang-eup, in Gijang County on the eastern side of Busan. By car, follow the Gijang coastal road (Gijanghaean-ro). By public transport, take the Donghae Line to Gijang Station, then transfer to a local bus heading toward Daebyeon. The haenyeo village of Yeonhwa-ri is right next door, so the two are easy to visit together.
Why is Daebyeon Port called the anchovy port?
Because more than 60% of Korea's drift gillnet anchovy catch lands here (Busan Metropolitan City records). In spring, anchovy shaking takes place all around the harbor, making it one of the best-known anchovy landing ports in the country.
Is Daebyeon Port a national fishing port?
Yes. It is the only national fishing port in Gijang County, designated in 1971 according to Busan Metropolitan City records.
What is the origin of the name Daebyeon?
The name is said to derive from Daedonggo-byeonpo, meaning the harbor beside the Daedonggo, a Joseon-era storehouse for government rice. The shortened form eventually became the official place name.
When is the Gijang Anchovy Festival held?
The festival began in 1997 and takes place around the harbor every spring, usually between April and May. Exact dates change each year, so check the Gijang County Office Culture & Tourism notices before you go.
When can I see the anchovy shaking?
Your best chance is on mornings from around April to June, when spring anchovies come into port ahead of spawning. It depends on the catch and the weather, so some days there is none. Build a little flexibility into your plans.
When is anchovy sashimi in season?
April to June is considered the prime season, when spring anchovies are at their plumpest. Anchovies are caught in autumn too, but the rich flavor of spring anchovies is held in the highest regard.
Is parking difficult at Daebyeon Port?
On weekdays and in the early hours there is usually room, but weekends and festival days get very crowded around the harbor. On those days, arriving early in the morning or using public transport is the more relaxed option.
What else is worth visiting near Daebyeon Port?
Follow the coast toward Jukseong and you will find Jukseong Cathedral, built as a drama filming set, and the Jukseong-ri Japanese fortress. In the other direction lies the haenyeo village of Yeonhwa-ri. Together they make a pleasant half-day route.
What is Daebyeon Port famous for besides anchovies?
Gijang is well known for its miyeok (sea mustard) and dasima (kelp), and the stalls around the harbor change with the seasons. In neighboring Yeonhwa-ri you can find seafood brought up by the haenyeo, the free-diving women of the village.
To finish your harbor walk
Once you have finished exploring the harbor, cross over to the neighboring village of Yeonhwa-ri. A seafood table checked by our haenyeo mother, who has 51 years of diving experience, and iron pot abalone porridge make a fitting end to a harbor walk.
→ See our Yeonhwa-ri restaurant, Jangssi Haenyeo-jipA closing note
A small harbor beside a rice storehouse became a state-designated fishing port, and then the anchovy port that draws visitors from all over Korea each spring. Walk the breakwater with that story in mind and the same view reads differently. Time your visit for a spring morning and you may catch the energy of the anchovy shaking as a bonus. This page draws on public materials from the Gijang County Office Culture & Tourism, Busan Metropolitan City, and the Korea Culture Information Service Agency. Details that change yearly, such as festival dates, are worth reconfirming before you visit.
Open our location in Google Maps →Sources · Updates
- Gijang County Office Culture & Tourism (Korea Open Government License)
- Busan Metropolitan City Story Report
- Local N Culture (Korea Culture Information Service Agency)
Last checked 2026-09 · Festival dates and harbor scenes change from year to year. Please recheck official notices before your visit.