Welcome to Busan, Korea’s Coastal Food Paradise!
As the Senior Chief Editor at The Korea Hub, I’ve seen countless travel trends, but one thing remains constant: Busan’s culinary scene is in a league of its own. This port city isn’t just about stunning beaches and bustling markets; it’s a pilgrimage site for food lovers. Forget what you thought you knew about Korean food—Busan offers a unique gastronomic dialect, shaped by its seaside location and rich history. For 2026, we’ve curated the definitive list of 10 essential eateries, blending timeless classics with can’t-miss modern spots. Prepare your appetite for a journey through the heart and soul of Korea’s second city.
1. Ssangdungi Dwaeji Gukbap (Twin Pigs Pork Soup)
No trip to Busan is complete without trying its signature dish, Dwaeji Gukbap. This humble pork and rice soup is the city’s soul-warming comfort food. Ssangdungi Dwaeji Gukbap is an institution, famous for its rich, milky pork bone broth that has been simmered for hours to perfection. The soup is served boiling hot with generous portions of tender sliced pork and rice. You customize it at the table with salted shrimp (saeujeot), chives, and spicy paste (dadegi) to your liking. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that truly represents Busan’s culinary identity.
Practical Info: Located near Daeyeon Station. Expect lines during peak hours. Very budget-friendly.
Insider Tip: Don’t be shy with the chives! They add a crucial freshness that cuts through the richness of the broth. Mix them in right away to let them wilt slightly in the heat.
2. Gaya Milmyeon
While the rest of Korea enjoys naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles), Busan has its own unique version: Milmyeon. Made from wheat flour, the noodles are delightfully chewy and springy. Gaya Milmyeon is one of the original masters of this dish. You have two main choices: Mul Milmyeon (in a cold, savory broth) or Bibim Milmyeon (mixed with a sweet and spicy gochujang-based sauce). The dish is a perfect antidote to the city’s humid summers, offering an incredibly refreshing and flavorful experience that you can’t find anywhere else in Korea.
Practical Info: Multiple locations, with the original near Dong-eui University Station. Inexpensive and perfect for a quick lunch.
Insider Tip: Order a side of mandu (dumplings) to go with your noodles. Dipping the savory dumplings into the leftover spicy Bibim sauce or the cool broth is a pro move.
3. Suminine (Sumin’s Place) Grilled Clams
For an unforgettable seaside dining experience, head to Cheongsapo, a charming fishing village near Haeundae. Here you’ll find Suminine, a legendary spot for jogae gui (grilled clams). You sit at a table with a grill, cooking fresh clams, scallops, and abalone right in front of you. The clams are served with a signature topping of onions and cheese that melts into a savory, gooey delight. The sound of the crackling shells, the smell of the sea, and the taste of fresh seafood create a magical atmosphere that is quintessentially Busan.
Practical Info: Located in Cheongsapo. Mid-range pricing. Best visited in the evening for sunset views.
Insider Tip: After you finish the clams, order the bokkeumbap (fried rice). They’ll cook it right on your grill with leftover clam juices, seaweed, and kimchi for a spectacular finish to the meal.
4. BIFF Square Ssiat Hotteok (Seed-filled Sweet Pancake)
This isn’t a restaurant, but an unmissable street food icon. In the bustling BIFF Square in Nampo-dong, you’ll find long queues for Ssiat Hotteok. It’s a sweet pancake, but with a Busan twist. The dough is fried until golden and crisp, then slit open and generously stuffed with a mixture of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and nuts, all held together by a brown sugar syrup. The result is a perfect combination of crispy, chewy, sweet, and nutty. It’s an affordable, delicious, and iconic snack to enjoy while exploring the vibrant neighborhood.
Practical Info: Look for the stands with the longest lines in BIFF Square. Very cheap.
Insider Tip: Get one per person. It looks simple, but it’s so addictive you won’t want to share. Eat it carefully as the hot syrup inside can drip!
5. Wonjo Busan Jokbal (Original Busan Pig’s Trotters)
Located in the famous Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, this restaurant serves a unique Busan delicacy: Naengchae Jokbal. While regular Jokbal (braised pig’s trotters) is popular all over Korea, this version is served cold. The tender slices of pork are tossed with a tangy, mustard-based dressing, shredded vegetables, and jellyfish for a surprising textural crunch. It’s a refreshing and zesty dish that cuts through the richness of the pork, creating a flavor profile that is completely addictive. It’s the perfect dish to share with a group and a bottle of soju.
Practical Info: In Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, Nampo-dong. Mid-range, best for sharing.
Insider Tip: The dish comes deconstructed. Make sure to mix everything thoroughly to ensure every bite has the perfect balance of pork, vegetables, and that zesty sauce.
6. Goraesa Eomuk (Goraesa Fishcake)
Eomuk (fishcake) is a staple in Busan, and Goraesa Eomuk has elevated it to an art form. Their flagship store near Haeundae Beach is more like a museum or a bakery for fishcakes. You can find dozens of varieties, from simple fishcake skewers to premium versions stuffed with cheese, shrimp, or vegetables. They even have eomuk noodles and eomuk sushi. The quality is exceptional, made with a high fish content and no preservatives. Grab a tray, pick your favorites, and enjoy a high-quality taste of Busan’s most famous product.
Practical Info: Flagship store near Haeundae Beach. Prices vary but generally affordable.
Insider Tip: Head to the second floor where you can heat up your selections in a microwave and eat them immediately. They also offer a fishcake-making class for a fun, hands-on experience (book in advance!).
7. Dongnae Halmae Pajeon (Grandma’s Dongnae Scallion Pancake)
Forget every other pajeon (scallion pancake) you’ve ever had. The Dongnae-style pajeon is a thicker, more elaborate version that was once served to kings. Dongnae Halmae Pajeon has been preserving this tradition for generations. Their pancake is loaded with fresh green onions, seafood, and beef, and bound together with a batter of rice and eggs. It’s soft and almost custardy on the inside, with a slightly crisp exterior. It’s a far cry from the thin, crispy pajeon found elsewhere and offers a taste of authentic Busan history.
Practical Info: Located in the Dongnae district. It’s a specialty item, so it’s priced higher than typical pajeon.
Insider Tip: Pair the pajeon with a bowl of dongdongju, a traditional unfiltered rice wine. Its sweet and tangy flavor perfectly complements the savory pancake.
8. Jagalchi Fish Market
Jagalchi Market isn’t a single restaurant, but a massive, sprawling seafood mecca that is the heart of Busan’s food scene. The first floor is a wet market where you can see an incredible variety of live seafood. The real experience is to buy fresh fish, octopus, or king crab directly from a vendor and then take it upstairs to one of the many restaurants. They will prepare it for you on the spot—either raw (hoe), steamed, or in a spicy stew (maeuntang). It is the freshest seafood you will ever taste.
Practical Info: Located next to Nampo Port. Prices depend on what you buy, but haggling is part of the fun.
Insider Tip: When you buy your fish, ask for a mix of different types to be prepared as hoe. And always ask for the leftover bones and head to be made into maeuntang—it’s usually included in the preparation fee.
9. Galmegi Brewing Co.
For a taste of modern Busan, head to Galmegi Brewing Co. As one of Korea’s craft beer pioneers, they offer a fantastic range of locally brewed beers, from IPAs to stouts. Their Gwangalli Beach location provides stunning views of the Gwangan Bridge, especially at night. The food menu is equally impressive, featuring high-quality Western-style pub fare like pizza and burgers that pair perfectly with their beers. It’s a great place to unwind after a day of exploring and see how Busan’s food scene is evolving.
Practical Info: Prime location on Gwangalli Beach. Mid-range prices for food and craft beer.
Insider Tip: Get a taster flight to sample a variety of their beers. The Espresso Vanilla Stout is a local favorite if it’s on tap!
10. Leejaemo Pizza
Ending a list of traditional Korean food with pizza might seem strange, but Leejaemo Pizza is a Busan legend. This spot has been serving its unique style of pizza for decades, earning a cult following. The crust is the star—it’s made with a special cheese-infused dough, making it incredibly soft, chewy, and savory right to the very edge. Toppings are generous, and the overall style is a hearty, Korean take on the classic. The cheese-crust potato pizza is an absolute must-try. It’s a delightful departure from traditional fare and a beloved local secret.
Practical Info: Located near Nampo Station. Can have very long waits. Mid-range pricing.
Insider Tip: Go with a friend and order a half-and-half pizza to try two different flavors. Be sure to use the included pickles and hot sauce, as this is the Korean way to enjoy pizza.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the one dish I absolutely *must* try in Busan?
While it’s hard to choose just one, the most iconic and representative dish of the city is Dwaeji Gukbap (Pork and Rice Soup). It’s a comforting, delicious meal that captures the heart of Busan’s culinary culture.
Is it expensive to eat in Busan?
Busan offers a wide range of dining options. You can eat very well on a budget by focusing on street food like Ssiat Hotteok and classic dishes like Dwaeji Gukbap or Milmyeon, which are typically under ₩10,000. Fresh seafood at Jagalchi or grilled clams will be more of a mid-range to high-end expense.
Are credit cards widely accepted at these restaurants?
Yes, almost all established restaurants, including those on this list, widely accept credit cards. However, for street food stalls like the Ssiat Hotteok stands, it’s always a good idea to have some Korean Won (₩) in cash.
Do I need to speak Korean to order food?
While knowing a few Korean phrases is always appreciated, you can easily get by without it. Most popular restaurants in tourist-heavy areas have menus with pictures or English translations. You can always point to what you want!
Conclusion
Busan’s food scene is a dynamic and delicious reflection of the city itself—deeply rooted in tradition yet constantly innovating. From a humble bowl of pork soup to fresh-off-the-boat seafood and modern craft beer, there is a flavor here for every traveler. This 2026 guide is your starting point, but the real magic happens when you wander into a small alleyway and discover your own favorite spot. So, come with an empty stomach and an open mind, and let Busan’s incredible cuisine tell you its story.
Tags: #Busan #Koreanfood #Busanrestaurants #Haeundae #Nampo-dong #JagalchiMarket #DwaejiGukbap #Milmyeon #Busantravel #SouthKorea
