While Busan may be recognised for its beautiful beaches, rocky seaside views, traditional temples, and colourful sky capsules, it is also known for its exciting gastronomic scene. With more than ample access to fresh seafood and a range of local delicacies from pork soup to cold noodles, diners will be spoiled for choice at this food destination.
Having visited Busan for the first time this April, here are my top picks when it comes to dining in the port city, from cafés to local fare.
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Indulge in fresh seafood at Jagalchi Market
It is not everywhere you are able to select live seafood from tanks and have it cooked for you on the spot. At Jagalchi Market, seafood swims in tanks downstairs—select from the variety, and it is brought upstairs and prepared to your liking. It doesn’t get fresher than this!
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Tuck into a hearty bowl of dwaeji gukbap at Namakzip
A trip to Busan is incomplete without trying the local delicacy of dwaeji gukbap, a pork-based soup served with rice and topped with thin pork slices. The restaurant also serves kalguksu (handmade knife-cut noodles) and grilled pork belly. Try all three for a satisfying meal.
Enjoy unobstructed views of the sea at Broni
After a ride on the iconic sky capsule to Cheongsapo, visit one of the many sea-facing cafés or restaurants. With individual glass panels surrounded by plush beanbags and fresh pastries, Broni is a great place to unwind with a cup of coffee while enjoying the lapping waves on a clear day.
Slurp a bowl of cold noodles at Buda Milmyeon
There are few things as refreshing as milmyeon, Busan’s take on naengmyeon (North Korean cold noodles in a chilled broth), which instead uses wheat noodles and is served with a cold meat broth or spicy sauce. Buda Milmyeon serves all its noodles with cups of a moreish house-made stock and assorted kimchi on the side.
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End your day at Handasot Haeundae
Handasot Haeundae is known for its variety of rice bowls, served with a large variety of unusual, assorted banchan (side dishes). Choose from toppings such as eel, crab, and short ribs on rice, which pair well with the flavourful sides and soups.
Watch the sun go down at Coralani
Coralani may be Busan’s most well-known café, and for good reason—with sprawling views of the ocean, there are few better places to watch the sky change colour during sunset. The staggered decks filled with beanbags face the open sea, and the selection of pastries and drinks is plenty.
Eat your heart out at Matchandeul Wang Sogeum Gui
Known for its pork barbecue, this restaurant offers cuts of neck, belly, or a combination of assorted slices. The staff is well-trained to cook the thick slabs to crisp yet tender perfection, best served with hot stone rice, kimchi soup, or even cold noodles.
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