Planning a trip to the vibrant coastal city of Busan? Get ready for a culinary adventure! 😋 Busan is not just famous for its stunning beaches and lively markets, but also for its incredibly diverse and delicious food scene. From hearty local staples to fresh seafood straight from the ocean, and trendy cafes with breathtaking views, there’s something to tantalize every taste bud.
To help you navigate this gastronomic paradise, we’ve curated the 2024 latest edition of must-visit restaurants in Busan, based on current popularity, local favorites, and unique experiences. Get ready to feast your way through this amazing city! 🍜🍲🍤🍣🤩
I. Busan’s Iconic & Hearty Staples (Don’t Miss These!)
No trip to Busan is complete without trying these classic dishes that define the city’s culinary identity.
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🍜 Ssangdoengi Dwaeji Gukbap (쌍둥이 돼지국밥)
- What it is: A rich, creamy pork soup with rice and various cuts of tender pork.
- Why you’ll love it: This place is legendary for its deeply flavorful, milky broth and generous portions. It’s a comforting, soulful dish, perfect for any weather. Be prepared for a queue, especially during peak hours, but it’s absolutely worth the wait!
- Where to find it: Main branch in Daeyeon-dong (대연동), near Kyungsung University.
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🍝 Gaegeum Milmyeon (개금밀면)
- What it is: Busan’s famous cold wheat noodles, a refreshing and chewy alternative to Pyongyang or Hamhung Naengmyeon.
- Why you’ll love it: Served in a savory, slightly sweet, and tangy broth with slices of meat, cucumber, and a hard-boiled egg. It’s incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot day. The spicy sauce adds an extra kick!
- Where to find it: Gaegeum-dong (개금동), a bit off the main tourist track but easily accessible.
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🌶️ Gaemijip (개미집)
- What it is: Specializing in “Nak-Gob-Sae” (낙곱새), a spicy hotpot featuring 낙지 (nakji – octopus), 곱창 (gopchang – beef intestines), and 새우 (saeu – shrimp).
- Why you’ll love it: This highly addictive dish offers a delightful blend of chewy, tender, and succulent textures swimming in a fiery, savory broth. Perfect for sharing, especially with a bowl of rice. A true Busan specialty!
- Where to find it: Multiple branches, with popular ones in Nampo-dong (남포동) and Seomyeon (서면).
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🥞 Dongnae Halmae Pajeon (동래할매파전)
- What it is: The original and most famous restaurant for “Dongnae Pajeon,” a traditional Busan-style green onion pancake.
- Why you’ll love it: Unlike typical Korean pancakes, Dongnae Pajeon is thicker, softer, and incredibly savory, packed with seafood like mussels, squid, and green onions. It’s a culinary heritage experience.
- Where to find it: Dongnae-gu (동래구), a historic part of Busan.
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🐟 Samjin Eomuk (삼진어묵)
- What it is: Korea’s oldest and most renowned fish cake brand, offering a vast array of freshly made eomuk (fish cakes).
- Why you’ll love it: From classic skewers to creative twists like eomuk croquettes filled with cheese or sweet potatoes, it’s a paradise for fish cake lovers. You can grab them to go or enjoy them freshly made in-store.
- Where to find it: Flagship store in Yeongdo (영도), but also major branches in Busan Station, Bupyeong Market, and department stores.
II. Seafood Lover’s Paradise (Fresh Catches & Ocean Views!)
Being a coastal city, Busan’s seafood scene is unparalleled. Get ready for the freshest catches!
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🦞 Jagalchi Fish Market (자갈치시장)
- What it is: Not a single restaurant, but Korea’s largest seafood market where you can choose live seafood and have it prepared immediately upstairs.
- Why you’ll love it: An immersive, authentic experience! Wander through rows of vendors, pick your favorite fish, octopus, crab, or shellfish, and then head up to one of the many restaurants to have it expertly prepared as sashimi (hoe), grilled, or in a spicy stew (maeuntang).
- Where to find it: Nampo-dong (남포동), right by the port.
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🦀 Gijang Sonkhalguksu & Daege (기장손칼국수&대게)
- What it is: A popular spot in Gijang known for its fresh king crab (daege) and handmade kalguksu (knife-cut noodles).
- Why you’ll love it: Gijang is famous for its king crab. Here, you can feast on succulent, sweet king crab, often steamed to perfection, and follow it up with their comforting, chewy noodles.
- Where to find it: Gijang-gun (기장군), a bit north of central Busan, accessible by bus or taxi.
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🐡 Geumsu Bokguk (금수복국)
- What it is: A specialty restaurant focusing on “Bokguk” (복국), a clear or spicy soup made with fugu (blowfish).
- Why you’ll love it: Fugu might sound intimidating, but it’s a delicacy in Korea. Geumsu Bokguk is renowned for its expertly prepared, flavorful, and surprisingly refreshing blowfish soup, often consumed as a hangover cure.
- Where to find it: Main branch in Haeundae (해운대), very popular.
III. Trendy Bites & Chic Cafes (Modern Flavors & Instagrammable Spots)
Busan also boasts a vibrant modern dining and cafe culture, especially in areas like Haeundae and Jeonpo.
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✨ The Bay 101 (더베이101)
- What it is: A multi-cultural complex with restaurants, cafes, and pubs, famous for its stunning night views of the Haeundae skyscrapers.
- Why you’ll love it: While the food (mostly fish & chips, fried chicken) might be simple, the ambiance is unbeatable. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy casual bites, drinks, and soak in the dazzling city lights, especially in the evening.
- Where to find it: Haeundae-gu (해운대구), right next to the sea.
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☕ Jeonpo Cafe Street (전포카페거리)
- What it is: A charming alleyway brimming with unique, independently owned cafes, bakeries, and brunch spots.
- Why you’ll love it: This isn’t one restaurant, but a whole street to explore! Each cafe has its own distinct personality, from industrial chic to cozy rustic. It’s perfect for coffee lovers, dessert enthusiasts, and those looking for a stylish brunch.
- Where to find it: Jeonpo-dong (전포동), a short walk from Seomyeon Station.
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🥩 Matchandeul Wang Sogeumgui (맛찬들왕소금구이)
- What it is: A highly popular chain specializing in thick-cut, perfectly grilled pork belly (samgyeopsal) and neck meat (moksal).
- Why you’ll love it: They use high-quality, aged pork and grill it for you at your table, ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness. The side dishes are excellent too. It’s a consistently delicious Korean BBQ experience.
- Where to find it: Multiple branches, with popular ones in Seomyeon (서면) and Haeundae (해운대).
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🐄 Haeundae Somunnan Amso Galbijip (해운대소문난암소갈비집)
- What it is: A legendary restaurant famous for its traditional Korean beef ribs (galbi).
- Why you’ll love it: While pricey, it’s known for its incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef ribs marinated in a secret sauce, grilled over charcoal. It’s a special occasion spot or for those wanting to splurge on top-tier Korean BBQ.
- Where to find it: Haeundae-gu (해운대구), a short walk from Haeundae Beach.
IV. Street Food Spectacles (Taste the City on the Go!)
Busan’s street food scene is vibrant, diverse, and absolutely essential for any food lover.
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🌰 BIFF Square Ssiat Hotteok (BIFF광장 씨앗호떡)
- What it is: A sweet, chewy pancake filled with brown sugar syrup and a generous handful of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and other nuts.
- Why you’ll love it: It’s the ultimate sweet street snack! The crispy exterior, warm gooey interior, and nutty crunch are simply irresistible. There are a few famous vendors here; just look for the longest queue!
- Where to find it: BIFF Square (비프광장) in Nampo-dong (남포동).
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🍢 Bupyeong Kkangtong Market (부평 깡통시장) / Gukje Market Food Street (국제시장 먹자골목)
- What it is: Two bustling markets famous for their extensive street food offerings, especially in the evenings (Kkangtong Market transforms into a lively night market).
- Why you’ll love it: You can try almost every Korean street food imaginable: tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), eomuk (fish cake skewers), gimbap, sundae (blood sausage), pajeon, guksu (noodles), and unique items like fusion dishes at Kkangtong Night Market.
- Where to find it: Both are located close to each other in Nampo-dong (남포동).
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🐟 Goraesa Eomuk (고래사 어묵)
- What it is: Another prominent fish cake brand in Busan, known for its creative and premium fish cake products, often with a more modern feel than Samjin.
- Why you’ll love it: They offer a wide variety of baked and fried eomuk, including specialty items like eomuk pasta and eomuk pizza. Great for a quick snack or a light meal.
- Where to find it: Popular branches in Haeundae (해운대) and other major areas.
V. Unique Local Flavors & Hidden Gems (Dive Deeper into Busan’s Cuisine)
For those looking to explore beyond the most famous spots and try something truly local.
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🍚 Busan Jib (부산집)
- What it is: A well-regarded local eatery famous for its “Kimchi Jjim” (김치찜), braised kimchi with tender pork.
- Why you’ll love it: The kimchi is cooked until incredibly soft and flavorful, perfectly balancing sourness and spiciness, and the pork is fall-apart tender. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect with a bowl of rice.
- Where to find it: Nampo-dong (남포동).
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🍜 Choryang Milmyeon (초량밀면)
- What it is: Another historic and highly acclaimed Milmyeon restaurant, offering a slightly different take on the famous cold wheat noodles.
- Why you’ll love it: Many locals swear by Choryang Milmyeon for its unique broth flavor, which some find milder or more distinct than Gaegeum’s. Trying both can be a fun comparison! They also have good mandu (dumplings).
- Where to find it: Choryang-dong (초량동), near Busan Station.
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🍲 Original Seoul Kkakdugi (원조서울깍두기)
- What it is: Specializing in Seolleongtang (설렁탕), a milky white broth soup made from ox bones, and Gukbap.
- Why you’ll love it: Despite its name, this place is a Busan institution. The soup is slow-cooked for hours, resulting in a rich, collagen-rich broth. You season it to your taste with salt, pepper, and spring onions. A comforting and nutritious meal.
- Where to find it: Seomyeon (서면).
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🌊 Oryukdo Hoetjip (오륙도 횟집)
- What it is: A seafood restaurant located near the scenic Oryukdo Islands, offering fresh sashimi (hoe) with a view.
- Why you’ll love it: Enjoy super fresh raw fish while overlooking the iconic Oryukdo Islands. It’s a fantastic combination of delicious food and breathtaking natural beauty, making for a memorable dining experience.
- Where to find it: Nam-gu (남구), near Oryukdo Skywalk.
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🎨 F1963 (F1963)
- What it is: A former tire factory transformed into a vibrant cultural complex featuring art exhibitions, a library, a craft brewery (Terarosa Coffee), and several unique eateries.
- Why you’ll love it: While not a single restaurant, F1963 offers a range of dining options from gourmet Korean to cafes. It’s a fantastic place to spend a few hours, soak in the artistic atmosphere, and grab a meal or coffee in a truly unique setting.
- Where to find it: Suyeong-gu (수영구), near Costco.
Beyond the Plate: Essential Busan Dining Tips! 🍽️
- Getting Around 🗺️: Busan’s subway system is excellent. Most of these spots are near subway stations or accessible by bus. Taxis are also readily available.
- Payment & Tipping 💳: Credit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is not customary in South Korea.
- Waiting Times ⏰: Popular restaurants, especially for Dwaeji Gukbap and Milmyeon, often have queues. Try to go during off-peak hours (e.g., late lunch, early dinner) if you want to avoid long waits.
- Ordering & Etiquette 🗣️: Many popular spots will have English or picture menus. Don’t be afraid to point! Eating loudly (slurping noodles, soup) is generally accepted and even seen as a sign of enjoyment.
- Dietary Needs 🥕: If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, it’s helpful to have a Korean phrase written down or use a translation app, as English proficiency can vary.
- Operating Hours 🌙: Always double-check opening and closing times, especially on public holidays, as they can change.
- Explore Beyond 🚶♀️: While this list is a great start, don’t be afraid to wander into smaller alleys and discover your own hidden gems!
Busan’s food scene is an unforgettable part of its charm. From the bustling energy of the markets to the comforting warmth of a hearty soup, every meal tells a story. So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready to embark on an incredible culinary journey in Busan! Happy eating! ✈️🥢💖 G