D: Busan, South Korea’s vibrant coastal city, is a seafood paradise 🦀🐟. But with countless raw fish restaurants (hoe-jip / 횟집) lining the Jagalchi Fish Market and Haeundae Beach, how do you find the real deal? As a self-proclaimed “money owner” (내 돈 내 산!), I embarked on a quest to uncover Busan’s most authentic hoe-jip—no tourist traps allowed!
Why Busan’s Raw Fish is Legendary 🌊
Busan’s location along the Korea Strait means ultra-fresh seafood daily. The city’s hoe (sliced raw fish) is:
✔ Fresher than sushi (no freezing, straight from the tank!)
✔ Served with bold side dishes (spicy moeun sauce, crispy kkwarigochu peppers 🌶️)
✔ Priced fairly—if you know where to go!
How to Spot a Fake vs. Real Hoe-Jip 🕵️♂️
🚩 Tourist Trap Red Flags
- English menus only (locals avoid these!)
- Overly flashy signs (real places keep it simple)
- Pushing “set menus” (scam alert—you pay for unnecessary sides)
✅ Authentic Hoe-Jip Green Lights
- Ajummas (middle-aged ladies) yelling orders 👵🗣️ = fresh fish!
- Tanks with live fish (point to your dinner—it’s that fresh)
- Locals drinking soju at 11 AM (a good sign)
My Top 3 Busan Hoe-Jip Picks 🏆
1. Jagalchi Market’s Hidden Gem: “할매횟집” (Halmae Hoejip)
📍 Jagalchi Station Exit 10, alley behind the main market
- Must-order: Hongeo (fermented skate 🐟—stinky but addictive!)
- Pro tip: Go before 2 PM for the day’s freshest catch.
2. Haeundae’s Local Secret: “바다횟집” (Bada Hoejip)
📍 Near Haeundae Traditional Market
- Specialty: Godeungeo (mackerel sashimi, buttery smooth 🧈)
- Bonus: Free maeuntang (spicy fish stew) if you’re nice to the owner!
3. Gijang’s Off-the-Grid Spot: “철통횟집” (Cheoltong Hoejip)
📍 Gijang County, east of Busan
- Why go? No tourists, just fishermen and their daily haul.
- Try: Jeonbokhoe (raw abalone—chewy, sweet, luxurious 💎).
Busan Hoe Eating Etiquette 🍽️
- Dip in salt + sesame oil (not soy sauce—locals cringe at this!).
- Wrap in ssam (lettuce/perilla leaves) with garlic and ssamjang.
- Chase with soju—Busan style is one shot, no sipping! 🥃
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Your Money? 💸
✅ YES—if you avoid tourist zones and follow this guide!
❌ NO—if you settle for an overpriced Jagalchi Market stall.
Remember: In Busan, “내 돈 내 산” (my money, my choice) means eating like a local—or not at all!
Got a favorite hoe-jip? Drop it below! 👇🐟