What to eat in Busan: what's worth your calories and what's not! (With an emphasis on specific Korean cuisine that was invented in Busan, such as Korean fish cake, but also covering some of Korea's most famous foods.)
A list of the famous foods to try in Busan, the second largest city in Korea.
Most can be eaten in Seoul as well, but why not have the original whilst you're in Busan? (I've focused on foods that were invented in Busan OR that have a unique Busan variation.)
Gukbap (국밥)
A soup with rice, usually made with beef broth. Busan's version sometimes also contains fresh seafood. (It is a port city, after all.) This soup is a warm, comforting meal that I always eat when I'm in Busan. (It's also the perfect meal for solo diners.)
If you like Cantonese Jook (congee), you'll enjoy Gukbap.
Dwaeji Gukbap
Dwaeji Gukbap is a traditional Busan dish made with pork and rice.
This hearty meal is created by simmering pieces of pork in a broth until tender, then serving with rice along with various seasonings and vegetables. This pork soup was actually invented out of necessity after the Korean War: there was a lot of poverty, so the Koreans used the unwanted food of the American army (basically pork bones) to make this dish.
This Korean pork dish is known for its satisfying and savory flavors, making it a favorite among both Busan locals and tourists. They even have it for breakfast!
It's also one of the few Korean dishes that is not spicy- it comes with a spicy seasoning that you can choose not to add to the soup- so great for tourists!
I recommend heading to Seomyeon Market (near Seomyeon Station) where you will several Gukbap shops in a row. (I've tried them in other parts of Busan- such as around Nampo- but those didn't taste as good.)
Milmyeon (밀면)
This wheat-flour noodle dish is a specialty of the Busan area.
Similar to naeng myeon cold noodles, these wheat noodles are served in a cold broth with veggies and meat or seafood.
Dongnae Pajeon (동래파전)
A savory scallion pancake dish named after the Dongnae district of Busan where it originated. Crispy on the outside, this green onion pancake are filled with scallions/ green onions, seafood, and other ingredients.
Seafood
Busan, Korea's second city, is a coastal city and thus a great place to eat fresh and delicious seafood.
One popular destination for seafood lovers is the Jagalchi Market, where visitors can find fresh fish caught daily and various seafood dishes prepared by local vendors. It is a must-visit attraction for foodies eager to explore the rich flavors of Busan's seafood cuisine. (The closest subway is Jagalchi Station.)
However, note that some people feel cheated after they pay the bill due to miscommunication so always check the prices first. And note that there are 2 charges: 1 for the seafood (on the ground floor) and another for the cooking (there are "restaurants" upstairs.)
Eomuk Fish Cakes & Odeng 오뎅
Fish cakes, known as Eomuk in Korean, are a popular street food item found throughout Busan. In fact, they were invented here!
These delicious snacks consist of ground fish mixed with starch, vegetables, and seasonings. They are then shaped, cooked, and served on a wooden skewer, often with a side dip or sauce.
Fish cakes can be found at Busan street foods stalls and markets, making them a perfect choice for a quick, tasty bite on the go. I suggest trying some of the specialty fishcake shops, such as Samjin, to try their unique flavors. (There are a TON.)
You can even buy them vacuum packed!
Tip: if eating in the fishcake shop, you can heat them up in the microwave, and don't forget to help yourself to the free soup!
Raw fish (회)
As a coastal city, Busan is renowned for its fresh raw seafood.
People say to try the raw sea bream (농어회) or raw octopus (산낙지회) but I have to tell you, I was not impressed! I tried Hoe/ Hwey at a very famous restaurant at Songdo Beach, one of Busan's most famous beaches, that was featured on either KBS, MBC, SBS, or one of the local Korean channels.
However, it tasted rather fishy- and this is coming from someone who LOVES sashimi! I wouldn't choose to eat it again... (To learn more about Japanese vs Korean food, click here.)
I'd suggest also wandering Busan's seafood markets, such as Jagalchi Seafood Market, and food stalls to try even more unique local specialties!
Agwi-jjim (아귀찜)
Braised spicy baby octopus is a popular drinking snack.
Gejang (게장)
Raw crabs marinated in a spicy soy sauce is another Busan specialty, although you can get it in Seoul and other parts of Korea too.
Ssiat-Hotteok
Hotteok is one of my favorite Korean treats- it's a sweet pancake filled with cinnamon and brown sugar. (You can make them from scratch at home, use a hotteok box mix, or pay 1000-1500Won on the Korean streets.)
Busan Ssiat Hotteok are special as they're filled with pumpkin seeds and nuts too, making them slightly healthier. However, I'll be honest, ssiat hotteok don't taste as good as regular hotteok, and I won't have them again. (Save the calories!)
If you want to try them, you can find several street vendors selling ssiatt-hotteok around BIFF Square.
Nakgopsae
Nakgopsae 낙곱새 is a stir-fried octopus, small intestine's (from the cow), and shrimp dish. It's name is an amalgamation of the 3 Korean names: nakji (octopus), gopchang (beef small intestines) and saeu (shrimp).
The dish is popular because of the contrast in the different textures of the 3 ingredients, as well as its sweet-and-spicy sauce.
It was mentioned in the Korean drama, Dr. Slump! (When Haneul's Uncle met his ex-girlfriend: apparently they used to eat it on their dates!)
Japanese Food
These may seem weird, but Busan is closer to Japan than Seoul so there are a lot of Japanese restaurants there!
Not Special to Busan (But Still a Must Try)
Samgyetang
This wasn't invented in Busan, but I had the BEST samgyetang I've ever tried at Samojeong, near Seomyeon Market. It came with octopus and abalone and tasted SO good!
Traditional Kimchi
Kimchi isn't a Busan delicacy but if this is your first time in Korea- or if Busan is the only Korean city you're visiting this trip- then you should definitely try traditional Korean Kimchi.
It's a staple Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables, most commonly cabbage or radish. Kimchi is loaded with bold flavors, including spicy, salty, and tangy notes, all of which complement the city's vibrant food offerings. It is usually served alongside a variety of dishes, adding a depth of flavor and a hint of spice to each meal.
You can even take a class to learn to make your own.
Kimbap
The Korean equivalent of sushi, but more savory! They're tasty and inexpensive.
On my first trip to Busan over a decade ago, my Korean couch-surfing friend brought me to try it. One of the best places to try this is at a traditional food market.
What NOT to Try
I recommend trying everything once- perhaps with the exception of live octopus since it can kill you- but since we won't have enough stomach to eat everything in Busan, here are the things I don't recommend trying on your first visit.
- Raw Seafood (Hoe): tastes fishy and unappetizing (I had it at a famous restaurant.) Nothing like Korean Sashimi, FYI- it's much more gritty.
- Abalone Porridge: I LOVED this in Seoul but in Busan and Jeju, you get the real deal, so lots of abalone guts in the porridge, which makes it quite bitter. (Also most places don't seem to add salt, so there's not much taste too!)
- Ssiatt-hotteok: doesn't taste as good as regular hotteok, so a waste of calories!
- King Kong Budae Jjigae: this is great value for money but the taste wasn't the most amazing. A fun experience though, and one of the few places in central Busan that takes the solo diner.
Must-Visit Markets
Busan is a thriving city known for its vibrant markets that offer visitors a glimpse into authentic Korean culture, as well as good food.
In this section, I'll tell you more about a few popular markets in Busan: Jagalchi Fish Market (see above), Haeundae Market, and Gwangbokdong Food Street.
Haeundae Market
Near Haeundae Beach is a traditional food market, Haeundae Market. It's not as big as some markets, but it's a little prettier, as it has lit-up fairy lights at night.
Gwangbokdong Food Street
Another popular market in Busan is Gwangbokdong Food Street.
Located near Nampo and Gukje Market, this bustling area offers visitors a delightful array of tasty street food options. Tourists can sample many Korean dishes such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and a variety of grilled and fried foods.
Getting Around Busan
Public Transportation
Busan's public transportation system is relatively efficient and convenient, making it easy for visitors to explore the city.
The Busan Metro is the easiest mode of public transportation- buses can be a bit confusing, they jerk a lot, and it's hard to get seats during peak hours.Line 1 (orange line) and Line 2 (green line) are perhaps the most frequently used by tourists, as they pass through popular attractions and areas within Busan. However, not all attractions have a subway station nearby: for example, you will need to transfer to a bus to get to Gamcheon Village and Songdo Beach.
Note: Children under 12 can use public transportation for free with transportation cards.
Although transport prices were increased in 2023, the subway is still affordable, with one-way rides costing around ₩1,500. (The subway fare is 1,450 won for trips of up to 10 kilometers, or 1,650 won for longer trips. An additional 100 won is charged if you don't have a T-money card and use cash instead. You can also purchase a Busan Metro pass if you plan to make several trips in a day.) Taxis can be hailed on the streets or found at dedicated taxi stands near popular areas such as Busan Station. It is also possible to use smartphone apps or call for a taxi if you prefer that method. It's important to note that not all taxi drivers speak English, so it's a good idea to have your destination written in Korean or use a translation app to communicate with the driver.
In addition to the metro, Busan has an extensive network of buses that connect different parts of the city. Bus fares cost around ₩1,550, with express services costing ₩2,050.
If traveling with seniors, or in a group of 3-4, you may want to go by taxi as they're inexpensive in Korea (compared to other big cities, such as Singapore and London.)
Taxis can be hailed on the streets or found at dedicated taxi stands near popular areas such as Busan Station. The best way, however, is to use a Smartphone app (one of the must-download apps for your trip to Korea) or ask your hotel concierge to call one for you.
It's important to note that most taxi drivers will not speak English, so it's a good idea to have your destination written in Korean. (You can use a translation app to communicate with the driver but these are rarely fool-proof: just look at what Papago translated for me below.)
| Transportation Mode | Cost |
|---|---|
| Metro (single ride) | ₩1,450- 1650 |
| Bus (single ride) | ₩1,550-2,050 |
| Taxi | Depends on distance but inexpensive |
Note: remember Google maps does not work in Korea! You'll need Naver or Kakao maps.
Any questions about what food to eat in Busan? Let me know in the comments!
Leave a Reply