"You Need to Go Before It Gets Cold"... "Hoeknik by Han River" Draws Crowds of People in Their 20s and 30s

Packing Sashimi at Noryangjin and Heading to Hangang Park
New Products Launched, Including Pickup Services and Group Purchases

"First, I get sashimi packed at Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market. Next, I rent a picnic set, pick up Bokso-sa (Bokbunja wine + soju + cider) at a convenience store, and then head to Nodeulseom."

As the cool autumn weather continues, the so-called "Hoeknik" (sashimi + picnic), where people pack sashimi from Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market and enjoy it at Hangang Park, is emerging as a new leisure trend among people in their 20s and 30s.

Videos found under the keyword 'Hoecknik'. Instagram capture

Recently, social networking services (SNS) have been filled with recommended routes and certification photos showing people packing sashimi at Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market and heading to Han River parks such as Yeouido or Nodeulseom.

The typical style is to spread out a picnic mat by the open Han River and pair sashimi with ramyeon or canned beer. This combination, distinct from the traditional "Chimaek" (chicken + beer), is easily enjoyed in the city and is drawing the attention of young people.

"From Sashimi to Inline Skating"... 'Hoeknik' Tailored to Individual Preferences

There are many ways to enjoy Hoeknik. In their 20s, Jang, an SNS user, said, "When I want to relax somewhere less crowded, I go to the camping area in Jamsil Hangang Park. If I want to go inline skating after eating sashimi, Yeouido Hangang Park is also a great route."

Tips for enjoying more sashimi at a lower cost are also being shared through SNS. Yoo, in her 30s, explained, "If you visit a fishmonger who sources seafood through auctions every morning, the sashimi is thick and fresh. If you order in advance on Naver, you can pick it up without waiting."

They are enjoying "Boksoju (Bokbunja + Soju + Cider)" alongside sashimi. Screenshot from Instagram

Another user introduced, "You can rent a picnic set that includes a mini table, picnic mat, and lighting, then buy ice cups, Bokbunja wine, soju, and cider at the nearby convenience store. If you have three or more people, buying block ice and making a large batch of drinks is another option."

"80% of Sales Come from Hoeknik Customers"... Even Pickup Services Appear

Fish market vendors are also noticing the growing demand for Hoeknik. An official from a fisheries company that began selling Hoeknik products at Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market this spring said, "Recently, 80% of our sales have been from Hoeknik customers."

The official added, "While most customers are in their 20s and 30s, recently, men in their 40s and 50s and families have also been buying Hoeknik products. The increasing demand is helping our sales as well."

Purchasing sashimi at Noryangjin Fish Market. Instagram capture

As Hoeknik continues to gain popularity, waiting times are getting longer. He explained, "If you order on-site, you could wait up to an hour. Because the wait can be long during lunchtime, we now contact customers and prepare their packages 20 to 30 minutes in advance."

To meet the demand for Hoeknik, new services are appearing at Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market. There are now pickup services that let you pick up your sashimi without visiting the market yourself, as well as group purchases where multiple people buy together. The number of products and services targeting consumers planning to enjoy sashimi by the Han River is steadily increasing.

"The Only Thing Left Behind Is Trash"... Hangang Park Management Faces Challenges

Meanwhile, as outdoor picnic culture spreads, concerns about environmental pollution are also rising. The process of packing sashimi produces large plastic containers, plastic bags, and cold packs, and various condiments and food waste get generated as well. If the waste is not properly sorted and disposed of, it can damage the park's environment.

Garbage scheduled to be collected after the '2026 Seoul International Fireworks Festival' is piled up at Yeouido Hangang Park. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

In fact, in the past, Busan's Millak Waterside Park became a popular place to eat while looking at the sea, but complaints about trash and noise led authorities to tighten management of eating and drinking in the park.

An official from the Seoul Future Hangang Headquarters commented, "Outdoor eating itself is not a problem inside Hangang Park," but appealed to visitors, "Please separate and properly dispose of containers and food waste." The official emphasized that in order for Hoeknik to settle as a new form of urban leisure culture, users must act responsibly when using the park.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.