Must-Try Foods in Busan

Busan’s rich food culture is deeply influenced by its coastal location and historical background. With an abundance of fresh seafood and a blend of culinary traditions shaped by wartime refugees, Busan offers unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else. From hearty stews to refreshing noodles, here are some of Busan’s must-try dishes and where to find them.

1. Hearty and Flavorful Pork Soup - Dwaeji Gukbap

A steaming bowl of Dwaeji Gukbap (pork soup with rice) is a signature Busan dish. Made by simmering pork bones for hours to create a rich, milky broth, this dish is served with tender slices of pork and a bowl of rice mixed in. Diners can adjust the seasoning with shrimp paste, ground garlic, or chopped chives for a personalized flavor.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Bonjeon Dwaeji Gukbap (Nampo-dong)

• Ssangdungi Dwaeji Gukbap (Daeyeon)

• Suyeong Dwaeji Gukbap (Suyeong)

2. Chewy and Refreshing Noodles - Milmyeon

Milmyeon, a wheat-based noodle dish, was created during the Korean War when traditional buckwheat for naengmyeon was scarce. Served in a chilled beef broth with a spicy sauce, milmyeon has a chewy texture and a slightly tangy kick. During colder months, you can also try Onmilmyeon, a hot and hearty version.

Pro Tip: Don’t cut the noodles! Eating them whole enhances their chewy texture. Add vinegar and mustard for extra flavor.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Choryang Milmyeon (Nampo-dong)

• Haeundae Gaya Milmyeon (Haeundae)

• Wonjo Gaegeum Milmyeon (Busan)

3. Grilled Sea Eel - Gomjangeo Gui

Grilled gomjangeo (sea eel) is a delicacy in Busan. There are two ways to enjoy it: the Gijang-style, where fresh eels are grilled over straw for a smoky flavor and served with salt, or the Jagalchi-style, where eels are stir-fried with onions and a spicy sauce.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Jeil San Gomjangeo (Nampo-dong)

• Haeundae Jipbul Gomjangeo (Haeundae)

4. Seasonal Raw Fish - Hoe (Sashimi)

As a coastal city, Busan is a paradise for seafood lovers. While fish is available year-round, each type has its best season for peak flavor. Popular choices include flounder (September-December), rockfish (March-June), and pufferfish (November-March).

Recommended Places:

• Millak Raw Fish Town

• Jagalchi Fish Market

• Gijang Market Live Fish Center

5. Spicy Pufferfish Soup - Bokguk

A warming and nutritious soup, Bokguk is made with pufferfish, bean sprouts, and water parsley. It comes in two styles: a clear broth for a delicate taste or a spicy red broth for an extra kick.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Geumsu Bokguk (Haeundae)

• Choweon Bokguk (Busan)

• Halmae Bokguk (Haeundae)

6. Crunchy and Nutty Pancakes - Ssiat Hotteok

A popular street food in Busan, Ssiat Hotteok is a deep-fried pancake filled with sunflower seeds, peanuts, and other crunchy nuts. It’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with sweet, nutty flavors.

Where to Try:

• Nampo-dong Street Food Alley

From warm stews to refreshing noodles and delicious street food, Busan’s food scene is a feast for every traveler. Be sure to explore these local flavors on your next trip!