2026-03-26
A new star joins the show
Busan’s gourmet scene is blooming like a meticulously curated garden. The city is now home to four Michelin-starred restaurants, marking a new era for local gastronomy. Le DORER, a contemporary Korean fine-dining establishment, recently earned one star in the 2026 Michelin Guide Seoul and Busan, released on March 5. The restaurant joins Mori, Palate and Fiotto – all boasting one star – atop Busan’s dining landscape.Furthermore, Busan welcomed a diverse array of eateries officially selected for the Michelin Guide. The list features Jin Dweji Gomtang, renowned for its deep, savory pork broth, and Moemiljip, which showcases the unique texture of 100% Korean buckwheat noodles. Other notable entries include Pyeongsanok, boasting a century of heritage with its signature slices of boiled pork; Unaju, famous for its grilled eel served over rice; and Iwa, acclaimed for its distinctive fish-ageing techniques. source: Michelin Guide⭐ Le DORER 르도헤 (Michelin One Star)A young yet remarkably accomplished head chef showcases an astonishing interpretation of Korean cuisine through sophisticated techniques. This chef from Busan offers a delightful exploration of the region’s seasonal ingredients, filtered through a modern perspective. While starting its journey as a Korean restaurant, Le DORER has evolved to redefine the genre’s essence with contemporary flair. Infused with French and Japanese techniques, each course offers an expansive, exciting experience, presenting familiar ingredients with bold and unexpected twists. Address: 2F, 37 Marine city 3-ro, Haeundae-guNaver Map: Click Hours: Lunch 12-2:30 p.m. / Dinner 5-10 p.m. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.Menu: Lunch Course 120,000 won / Dinner Course 210,000 wonsource: Michelin Guide🍜 Moemiljip 뫼밀집 (Bib Gourmand)Its signature noodles, made in-house entirely from Korean buckwheat, instantly awaken your senses to what authentic texture and taste truly feel like. The unique chewiness, combined with buckwheat’s deep, earthy flavor, is remarkably distinctive. These noodles pair perfectly with Moemiljip’s slices of boiled pork—bouncy, collagen-rich and deeply satisfying.Address: 2F, Orange Plaza, 23 Marine City 3-ro, Haeundae-guNaver Map: Click Hours: Lunch 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Dinner 5-8:30 p.m. (Last orders 3, 8 p.m.). Closed on Mondays.Menu: Buckwheat Noodles with Perilla Oil 17,000 won.source: Michelin Guide🥣 Jin Dweji Gomtang 진돼지곰탕 Established in 2024, this eatery went viral almost immediately, drawing a younger crowd with its clear, savory pork broth. Dishes are made with Berkshire K black pigs from Jirisan; the prized breed is renowned for producing high-quality, heavily marbled and tender meat.Although Busan is traditionally known for Dwaeji-gukbap (Pork soup with rice), Jin Dweji Gomtang carves out its own lane with a different approach to similar ingredients: The broth is built around meat rather than bones, resulting in a clean, light soup that keeps diners craving another spoonful.The restaurant’s main location is near Gwangalli Beach, and another branch recently opened near Busan Station.Address: 2F, 4 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro 284 beon-gil, Suyeong-guNaver Map (Suyeong): Click Naver Map (Busan Station): Click Hours: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Last order 8:40 p.m.)Menu: Dweji Gomtang 13,000 won source: Michelin Guide🍱 Unaju 우나쥬Following the original recipes of Shirakawa, a grilled-eel-specialist restaurant in Nagoya founded in 1948, Unaju’s grilled eel is nothing short of artistry. With meticulous technique and patience, each fresh eel is double-grilled to perfection, yielding a crispy exterior that gives way to a delightfully springy, succulent interior.Address: 39 Cheongsapo-ro 67beon-gil, Haeundae-guNaver Map: Click Hours: Lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner 5-10 p.m. (Last order 8:30 p.m.)Signature: Hitsumabushi (Nagoya-style grilled eel) 39,000 wonsource: Michelin Guide🦐 Iwa 이와Holding a patent for its specialized fish-ageing technique, Iwa’s chef is a true master of the unique characteristics and conditions of every catch. By bringing out the absolute best qualities in each fish, the chef presents meticulously aged sashimi that reveals a next-level texture and profound depth of flavor. At Iwa, guests can indulge in exquisite omakase-style courses at remarkably reasonable prices. Address: 2F, 13 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 209 beon-gil, Haeundae-guNaver Map: Click Hours: Open from 12 to 10 p.m. Closed on Sundays.Menu: Omakase (Prices may vary)source: Busan City's official Naver Blog🥩 Pyeongsanok 평산옥Pyeongsanok, a local institution operated by the same family over four generations, specializes in “suyuk,” tender slices of boiled pork, and noodles. The restaurant has been serving guests for over a century, proving that simple food done well is always in demand. Address: 26, Choryangjung-ro, Dong-guNaver Map: Click Hours: Open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed on Sundays.Menu: Suyuk 10,000 won※Restaurant information may be subject to change.<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>astonishing: 놀라운 perspective: 관점 twists: 반전 buckwheat: 메밀 chewiness: 씹히는 맛 broth: 육수 branch: 지점 exquisite: 정교한 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
