Busan travel has become incredibly popular in recent years. Beyond the endless blue coastline, you absolutely cannot miss the classic Korean cuisine! When talking about local delicacies, any proper Busan food guide must include pork soup rice (dwaeji-gukbap), grilled eel, and even the addictive spicy stir-fried octopus (nakji-bokkeum). Furthermore, you can enjoy grilled scallops by the sea in Nampo-dong or Haeundae, fulfilling all your K-drama fantasies while listening to the ocean breeze.
This time, I have compiled a comprehensive Busan food guide, covering everything from tourist favorites like Nampo-dong, Seomyeon, and Haeundae, to recently trending spots like Songdo beach snacks and Jeonpo Coffee Street. Let’s take a tour through Busan’s most authentic and popular restaurants!
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Must-Eat Food in Seomyeon, Busan
Songjeong 3-dae Gukbap
You can’t visit Busan without trying pork soup rice, and Songjeong 3-dae Gukbap in Seomyeon is an old-school favorite highly recommended by locals! The broth is rich yet not greasy, and the pork is stewed until tender and flavorful. Pairing it with spicy paste and chives is incredibly satisfying. With generous portions and affordable prices, it’s the perfect healing meal for breakfast or a late-night snack.
Jeonpo Coffee Street
We all know Korea is a land of cafes. If you want to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee in Busan and soak in an Instagrammable atmosphere, Jeonpo Coffee Street is a must! It gathers over 30 unique cafes, many of which are renovated from traditional old houses, factories, or warehouses. Each shop has its own style—some retro, some minimalist—making them perfect for photos.
For example, Vintage 38 was transformed from a factory, featuring an industrial interior. Besides the spacious environment, it offers a wide selection of desserts and bread, making it a great spot to rest after shopping at Seomyeon’s department stores or underground mall.
Busan Jjokgalbi (Grilled Ribs)
There are many popular BBQ restaurants around Seomyeon, but the grilled ribs are particularly famous. Thick ribs coated in a sweet and salty sauce sizzle over charcoal, making them irresistible.
Located near the Seomyeon Lotte Department Store, Busan Jjokgalbi is a famous spot with long queues. The shop offers three flavors: Salt-grilled, Original BBQ, and Spicy BBQ. You can wrap the meat in kimchi and lettuce or just wear a glove and gnaw directly on the bone. The meat is juicy with a distinct smoky charcoal flavor. Since the shop is small, I recommend visiting outside peak dining hours for a more relaxed meal.
Lee Jae-mo Pizza
Lee Jae-mo Pizza is a legendary restaurant in Busan known for its rich cheese and sausage-stuffed crust. It is always crowded during dining hours, so you need to scan the QR code at the door to join the waitlist.
Each table has an ordering tablet (with English and Chinese menus). I tried the grilled beef and garlic shrimp flavors. Honestly, it tasted like standard pizza to me; considering the long wait, I was a bit disappointed. Unless the wait is under 20 minutes, you might not need to go out of your way for it. (However, some friends recommended their pasta and kimchi fried rice, so those might be worth a try!)
Solsot Pot Rice
This pot rice brand has branches all over Korea (Seoul and Busan), and the Seomyeon station branch usually doesn’t have a long queue. Pot rice is great because you can eat it in multiple ways: plain, with broth, or wrapped in seaweed. The variety ensures you never get bored.
I ordered the fish and scallop pot rice. The ingredients were fresh, and the rice was cooked perfectly. I usually don’t finish my carbs, but I couldn’t resist this one! Adding kimchi and seaweed provided different flavor profiles with every bite. I highly recommend giving this a try.
Must-Eat Food in Haeundae, Busan
Miryang Sundae Dwaeji-gukbap
Busan is famous for pork soup rice, but if you want to try a version with a unique twist, Miryang Sundae Dwaeji-gukbap is the place! This shop has a 40-year history and is known for its version containing Korean blood sausage (sundae), which adds a deeper layer of flavor.
The shop spans three floors, yet it’s often packed. The soup is fragrant, rich, and refreshing. The sundae is not gamey at all; instead, it’s very addictive. It’s a great choice for those seeking an authentic local flavor.
Obanja (O-ban-jang) BBQ
While in Busan, you must experience the joy of eating pork belly (samgyeopsal) and drinking soju like in K-dramas! Obanja, located near Haeundae, is a high-quality Korean BBQ restaurant with 50 years of history. The shop offers both indoor and outdoor seating; when the weather is nice, eating BBQ with a sea breeze is a delightful experience.
This restaurant specializes in charcoal-grilled thick pork belly and beef. The staff assists with the grilling, ensuring the meat remains tender and juicy. Because of the great service and clean environment, it’s often crowded, so arriving early is advised.
Mat-chan-deul Wang Sogeum-gu-i (Salt Grilled Meat)
Lovers of salt-seasoned meat shouldn’t miss Mat-chan-deul. This restaurant in Haeundae focuses on “salt-grilled pork.” The thick-cut pork neck allows you to taste the natural aroma and quality of the meat. It is oily in a good way, without any gamey smell. Just dipping it in salt brings out the best in the pork. Paired with hot rice, side dishes, and soybean paste soup (doenjang-jjigae), you’ll experience a classic flavor beloved by Koreans.
Gaemi Jip (Ant House) Spicy Octopus
Spicy stir-fried octopus is a representative dish in any Busan food guide. If you enjoy spicy food, this is a must-try. Gaemi Jip, located on the main street of Haeundae, has several branches across Busan and is a very famous establishment.
The octopus is tender and flavorful, with a spicy yet sweet sauce. Stir-fried with rice cakes and vegetables, it’s served piping hot. Pair it with a glass of soju to let the spice and alcohol blend for a truly authentic Korean taste!
Haemoog (Hitsumabushi)
In the coastal city of Busan, you can’t miss out on seafood and fish dishes. If you are an eel lover, you must visit this famous spot near Haeundae Station! Haemoog specializes in charcoal-grilled eel sets. Following a Japanese-style arrangement, the set features eel rice as the main course, accompanied by a special sauce, fragrant charcoal aroma, clam soup, and salad. The eel meat is fatty and melts in your mouth—perfect for travelers seeking a healthy yet premium dining experience.
Mipookka (Seafood Platter)
This restaurant is located right next to the Haeundae Blue Line Park (Sky Capsule). I recommend visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the queue. The main attraction here is the seafood platter (minimum 2 people, so not solo-friendly). The platter features 8 different kinds of seafood served with a signature sauce. It’s fresh and delicious!
Although some of the seafood is served raw (marinated), everything was very fresh. I also had my first experience with soy-marinated crab (Ganjang Gejang) here, and the salty-umami flavor went perfectly with rice. The portions are huge, so come hungry!
Jayeondo Salt Bread
Salt bread has been very trendy lately, with branches all over Korea. I didn’t have to queue at this Busan branch! They only sell one thing: salt bread, sold in bags of four. The bread is soft with a buttery aroma and a hint of salt on the crust. The sweet and salty combination is quite delicious.
Rendeja-Vous Haeundae (랑데자뷰)
Rendeja-Vous Haeundae is an Instagram-famous cafe that you will pass while walking toward the Haeundae coastal train. The atmosphere is romantic, with large glass windows offering a clear view of the sea—making it a sanctuary for taking photos.
Additionally, the shop offers various breads and desserts that are decent in quality. It’s a great place to sip coffee, enjoy a snack, and gaze at the ocean, feeling the relaxed vibe of a Busan trip.
Puradak Chicken
If you are a fan of K-dramas or Korean stars like Jung Hae-in, Go Youn-jung, or IU, you must have heard of Puradak Chicken! This chain is famous for its “luxury” packaging and taste. They offer a wide variety of flavors that keep people coming back.
Their Black Alio (black garlic soy) series is the most popular, and they also offer unique flavors like Corn-Cheese or Mad Garlic. The chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s the perfect late-night snack with a beer. (However, I found the mayonnaise-based flavors to be quite heavy, so I recommend sharing with others.)
Dongbaekseom Hoe-jin (Sashimi Restaurant)
If you are a seafood lover, you must try Dongbaekseom Hoe-jin in Busan! Located about a 5-6 minute walk from Haeundae, they use locally caught fish to serve incredibly fresh sashimi. Whether it’s rockfish or abalone, each slice is perfectly cut and melts in your mouth.
Pairing the sashimi with their unique soy sauce and fresh ginger slices highlights the rich taste of the sea. Since it is well-known among locals, you can enjoy authentic Busan seafood while escaping the tourist crowds for a more genuine Korean dining experience.
Must-Eat Food in Gwangalli, Busan
Eonyang Bulgogi Busan Jib
Located near Gwangalli Beach, Eonyang Bulgogi is a famous local BBQ spot. It is the favorite of CNBLUE’s Jung Yong-hwa and was one of the first Busan restaurants to be listed in the Michelin Guide! While many think of Hanwoo (Korean beef) as thick-cut steak, Eonyang-style is famous for its “minced” beef, which is tender, sweet, and carries a smoky charcoal aroma that is truly addictive.
Additionally, the restaurant offers private rooms for a more upscale and private atmosphere, though those usually use electric grills which lack the charcoal scent. The staff provides professional grilling services, and at night, you can enjoy the view of Gwangalli Bridge, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely dinner.
Nasari Sigdang
This is a Busan restaurant that went viral on Instagram, mainly for its stunning view of the Gwangandaegyo Bridge and the sea from the windows! I thought it might just be a “photo-only” spot, but I actually really enjoyed the food!
I ordered the classic seafood kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) and spicy stir-fried pork. While some reviews mentioned the pepper taste in the noodles was too strong, I thought it was just right. Most importantly, it was packed with ingredients—plenty of protein, giving it a healthy feel. The spicy pork (which doesn’t come with rice) was slightly salty on its own, but the texture and seasoning were great. This spot is worth visiting for both the food and the view.
Mot Hai Ba V-BBQ
I found this place through a YouTuber. I initially wondered who goes to Busan to eat Vietnamese food, but I ended up loving it! I’m including it here for those who might be tired of Korean food after a few days 🤣.
I tried the grilled scallops, beef stir-fried noodles, and grilled octopus. Everything was delicious, but I highly recommend the grilled octopus. It’s a massive charcoal-grilled octopus that pairs perfectly with alcohol, and each bite is full of charcoal fragrance. Even though it was too much to finish and I took it home, it still tasted great cold!
Must-Eat Food in Nampo-dong, Busan
Jagalchi Market
Jagalchi Market is an internationally renowned fish market and the largest in Busan, filled with fresh fish, crabs, and various shellfish. You can choose your fresh seafood and have it cooked on the spot. Dishes like live octopus, sashimi, and grilled squid are popular choices. Additionally, the market has a cooked food section with authentic Korean street snacks and fried seafood. Travelers on a Busan trip must experience the unique local flavors here!
Nampo Samgyetang
Located in Nampo-dong, this restaurant offers rich broth and firm chicken stuffed with glutinous rice and red dates. It’s a truly healing Busan meal. When you order the ginseng chicken soup, they serve a small bottle of ginseng wine; you can either add it to the soup to enhance the flavor or drink it straight!
If you’re visiting Busan in the summer, follow the tradition of “fighting heat with heat” with this soup. In the winter, it’s the perfect way to nourish your body! We also tried the whole fried chicken, but that was just average.
Ssiat Hotteok (Seed Pancakes)
While hotteok is a famous Korean street snack everywhere, trying it in Busan’s Nampo-dong is essential! Unlike the traditional versions in Seoul, Busan’s Ssiat Hotteok is affordable and packed with seeds and syrup. The crust is crispy, and the inside is bursting with flavor. The stalls near BIFF Square are the best for a quick snack while shopping.
Nampo Sujebi
Nampo Sujebi is beloved by both locals and tourists for its unique broth and chewy hand-pulled dough. It’s also known as the favorite shop of Busan’s tourism ambassador, Kang Daniel! The broth is rich and fragrant, carefully brewed to be savory without being greasy.
The dough is handmade, providing a springy texture that pairs perfectly with the soup. Combined with chicken, tofu, and various vegetables, it’s a nutritious and satisfying meal. I recommend it to anyone in Nampo-dong looking for a simple, authentic Korean experience.
Must-Eat Food in Songdo, Busan
Undersea Shellfish Kingdom (Badatsok Jogae Wangguk)
This spot features various live grilled shellfish, including scallops, clams, and octopus, all cooked over charcoal. Compared to grilled scallop shops in Gwangalli or Haeundae, this place is more affordable, offers larger portions, and has a more authentic taste. It’s definitely a place you’ll want to visit twice.
Since the restaurant faces the sea, eating while feeling the ocean breeze is very pleasant. It’s a perfect addition to a Songdo day trip itinerary!
Other Unique Busan Specialties
Eomuk (Fish Cake)
Fish cake is a quintessential Korean street snack, and in Busan, you can find various stalls selling them at BIFF Square. They come in many flavors and shapes. Eating a piping hot fish cake in cold weather is a great way to warm up, or you can pack some back to your hotel as a late-night snack with soju to experience the local culture.
Grilled Beef Tripe (Gopchang)
Grilled tripe holds a special place in Busan’s street food scene, especially in the “Beef Tripe Alley” near Jagalchi Station, which attracts large crowds. While it looks simple, it has a rich meaty aroma and a unique texture. After special preparation, the outer layer is grilled until crispy while the inside remains juicy and tender.
In Nampo-dong, places like Baekhwa Gopchang and Haet-chan Gopchang are quite famous. If you want to try a different kind of street food, grilled beef tripe is definitely worth a shot.
Milmyeon (Wheat Noodles)
On a hot day in Busan, nothing beats a refreshing bowl of cold noodles! Milmyeon is a unique Busan specialty made from wheat and potato starch. Paired with a broth brewed from pork and beef bones, the noodles are springy and flavorful. It’s a great way to cool off in summer or nourish yourself in winter!
Establishments like Gukje Milmyeon and Haeundae Gaya Milmyeon are local favorites with long queues, beloved for their refreshing taste.
This concludes my Busan food guide recommendations! I’ve summarized 20 unique specialties and restaurants across Busan. From Nampo-dong to Haeundae, every restaurant has its own signature dish and unforgettable flavor. When you visit Busan, make sure to try these authentic local tastes!
More Busan experience you can’t miss:
📌 VISIT BUSAN PASS：KKday｜Klook
📌 Haeundae Blueline Park Sky Capsule & Beach Train：KKday｜Klook
📌 Songdo Marine Cable Car Ticket：KKday｜Klook
📌 Sea Life Busan Aquarium Ticket：KKday｜Klook
📌 Busan City Tour: Haeundae / Yacht / Gamcheon Culture Village / Taejongdae：Klook
📌 Korea SIM/eSIM Card：KKday｜Holafly
📌 KTX Korea Rail Pass (KORAIL PASS)：Klook
