Singsingbada

About

Changsin Alley Market fishmonger known for selling freshly grilled, domestically sourced fish and seafood meal kits for convenient takeout.

Tucked inside the narrow, bustling corridor of Changsin Alley Market in Jongno, Singsing Bada functions as both a dedicated fishmonger and an indispensable neighborhood kitchen hack. Operated by Byun Geum-ok, who has traded seafood since her twenties and anchored this stall since 2014, the shop bypasses the greasy smoke and lingering odors of home cooking by grilling fresh catches right on site. It stands out in the market for its cleanliness; raw fish is kept securely wrapped to protect the catch, keeping typical fishy odors entirely at bay. The heart of the operation rests on strict principles: prioritize domestic catches, reject stale inventory, and grill strictly same-day stock for same-day sale. Singsing Bada draws patrons from across town—even pulling regulars from Gangnam and Mok-dong who seek out its thick, meaty cuts. Byun sources domestic fish from the southern and eastern seas, reserving imports strictly for species that cannot be supplied locally, like Atka mackerel (*im-yeonsu*). Trays of freshly grilled fish line the front: plump, golden South Sea mackerel (*godeungeo*), thick-cut Spanish mackerel (*samchi*), yellow corvina (*jogi*), sweet hairtail (*galchi*), and seasonal gizzard shad (*jeoneo*). The mackerel delivers thick, oily flakes with distinct savor, while the samchi yields dense, tender meat. Beyond ready-to-eat roasts, the market stall preps raw items for the home stove. Shoppers can pick up neatly prepped fish for braises, packaged skate sashimi (*hongeo-hoe*), shrimp, or meal-kit-style *maeuntang* (spicy fish stew) accompanied by house-made broth seasoning. Byun even simmers her own fermented fish sauce (*jeotgal*) for kimchi making. Customers often phone ahead to reserve their grilled parcels—ideal for keeping up to three days chilled or two months frozen—before dashing through the car-free alleyways to pick up lunch. It remains a genuine market cornerstone, trading in dependable freshness and warm neighborhood stewardship.