Food
Busan on a plate: 3 must-try restaurants
Is Busan good for gourmet explorations? Absolutely!
"Bite Into Busan," a new monthly column from Busan is Good, celebrates the city's culinary gems, from beloved local eateries to fine dining establishments. Each featured spot is proudly listed in the Michelin Guide and Taste of Busan, the city's official gourmet guidebook, and is known for its signature dishes.
This edition highlights three standout destinations, from comforting gukbap and smoky bulgogi to elegant fine dining that captures the essence of Korean cuisine.
Try the suyuk, thick slices of boiled pork, at Hapcheon Gukbapjip
■ Hapcheon Gukbapjip 합천국밥집
For a proper introduction to Busan's iconic dish, "dwaeji gukbap," or pork soup with rice, Hapcheon Gukbapjip in the Yongho-dong neighborhood is the place to start. This spot is famous for its clear broth, which neutralizes the strong smell often associated with pork, while delivering deep, savory flavor. Thick slices of tender pork accompany every spoonful.
Crafting such a clean-tasting broth requires careful timing. The chefs simmer pork bones just long enough to draw out flavor, then remove them to maintain the soup's clarity. The restaurant also uses the "toryeom" method, where hot broth is poured repeatedly over meat and rice to warm them before serving.
Another standout is the "suyuk," boiled pork, served in thick, juicy slices. It's a popular item, so come early as quantities are limited. Note: solo diners are not accommodated during lunch, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
＊Address: 235 Yongho-ro, Nam-gu
＊Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2:30 to 8 p.m. Closed on public holidays.
＊Prices: Dwaeji gukbap ￦12,000; suyuk ￦40,000.
＊Available: Takeout, foreign language menus.
The finely chopped meat at Eonyang Bulgogi captures the smoky flavors from a charcoal grill
■ Gwangalli Eonyang Bulgogi Busanjip 광안리 언양불고기 부산집
Eonyang bulgogi is a specialty from the Ulsan region, made by finely chopping beef and grilling it over charcoal to create a smoky, rich flavor. What started as a local favorite became nationally known after construction workers building the Gyeongbu Expressway spread the word.
Thankfully, Busanites don't need to leave town to enjoy this beloved dish. Gwangalli Eonyang Bulgogi Busanjip, affectionately known as "Busanjip," has been serving the Ulsan specialty for over 30 years. The restaurant uses only premium Korean beef and serves organic produce from its farm. Once grilled, the lightly marinated bulgogi releases a mouthwatering aroma, and its tender texture and subtle seasoning let the beef's natural richness shine.
The menu also includes sirloin, ribs and skirt steak. Diners also swear by the "yuk sashimi," a Korean beef tartare.
＊Address: 32 Namcheonbada-ro, Suyeong-gu
＊Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
＊Prices: Bulgogi (200g) ￦39,000.
＊Available: Parking, takeout, foreign language menus.
Sogonggan's buckwheat noodles and hanwoo steak are perfect dinner companions
■ Sogonggan 소공간
Sogonggan, which can mean "small space" or "beef space," offers a refined, intimate dining experience centered around Hanwoo, Korean beef. This fine-dining restaurant reinterprets traditional Korean flavors with elegant presentation and seasonal flair.
The restaurant offers multicourse prix fixe lunch and dinner menus that showcase the highest-grade, premium Korean beef. Diners can enjoy a rib eye or tenderloin steak and a bowl of "gomtang," a hearty beef-bone broth. Seasonal appetizers and desserts celebrate the best local ingredients, ensuring each visit feels fresh and new.
Guests can bring their preferred wine, whisky or sake to pair with their meals and pay a corkage fee. Families will appreciate the kid-friendly menu, tableware, and high chairs. To personalize the experience, the restaurant encourages guests to share dietary restrictions or allergies when booking.
＊Address: 4F, 47 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 298beon-gil, Haeundae-gu
＊Hours: Noon to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9:30 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays.
＊Menu: Dinner 11 Course ￦182,000 per person. Lunch 8 Course ￦92,000 per person
＊Available: Parking, takeout, foreign language menus.
※ Please note that information, such as a restaurant's address, hours of operation, menu, and contact details, may be subject to change.