Busan, a city in South Korea, is renowned for its delicious and diverse local cuisine. As a coastal city, Busan enjoys an abundant supply of fresh seafood, thanks to its proximity to the sea. The city is home to Korean local foods such as Dwaeji Gukbap (Pork Soup), Bokguk (Pufferfish Soup), Ganjang Gejang (Soy Sauce Crab), Jagalchi Seafood, and many more.

Busan celebrates its culinary heritage throughout the year with numerous food festivals. These events attract both locals and tourists, providing an opportunity to experience and appreciate the richness of regional cuisine. This is your ultimate guide to finding what to eat in Busan.

Korean cuisine is known for its bold flavours, and Busan's food is no exception. Busan's local dishes are often spicier than those in other regions of Korea, making them appealing to those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals. Here are some must-try foods when you visit Busan:

Dwaeji Gukbap is a popular Busan dish. It's a thick soup composed of meat, pork bones, and seasonings. Frequently served with soft pork chunks, green onions, and sometimes vegetables, it's rich and aromatic. A portion of rice is served with the soup, and customers can add extra seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper to personalise the taste.

Bonjeon Dwaeji Gukbap, which is located near Busan Station, is a popular place to try this dish. Known for its excellent and authentic Dwaeji Gukbap, this restaurant is a favourite among both locals and tourists. The address is Bonjeon Dwaeji Gukbap, 3-8 Jungang-daero 214beon-gil, Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea. Bonjeon Dwaeji Gukbap or other Busan eateries usually cost between 8,000 and 12,000 KRW.

Bokguk is a Busan delicacy that features pufferfish, also known as "bok" in Korean. The soup is unique because it uses pufferfish, which is carefully prepared to remove dangerous parts, making it safe to consume. The pufferfish's delicate and peculiar texture is the main attraction of the meal. The soup is often seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and other herbs, resulting in a flavorful and fragrant broth.

Halmae-jib Wonjo Bokguk is a popular restaurant in the neighbourhood, located at 28 Dalmaji-gil 62beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea. Due to the unique and potentially dangerous nature of preparing pufferfish, bokguk is considered a premium dish. A serving of bokguk might cost 30,000 KRW or more per person.

Ganjang Gejang is a delicious Korean dish made with fresh raw crabs marinated in soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and various seasonings. The dish is known for its rich, savoury, and slightly sweet flavour, with soy sauce adding a deep umami flavour to the delicate crab meat. Crabs are usually cleaned and marinated before being served, allowing the flavours to penetrate the meat and providing a unique gastronomic experience.

To savour authentic Ganjang Gejang in Busan, one recommended restaurant is Golmok Gejang, located at 1197-8 Choryang-dong, Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea. Generally, you should expect to pay 30,000 KRW or more per serving.

Milmyeon is a renowned cold noodle dish in Busan, known for its refreshing and chewy texture. Thin wheat noodles are typically served in a tangy, spicy broth flavoured with soy sauce, vinegar, and Korean red pepper paste (gochujang). The dish is garnished with a variety of toppings, including thinly sliced cucumbers, radishes, and occasionally raw fish.

Choryang Milmyeon is an excellent place to experience authentic Milmyeon in Busan. At a restaurant like Bak Milmyeon, a bowl of milmyeon usually costs between 7,000 and 10,000 Korean won.

Jagalchi Seafood embodies Busan's vibrant and diverse seafood scene. Located in the Nampo-dong district, the Jagalchi Fish Market is one of South Korea's largest fish markets and a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts. The market is famous for its extensive selection of fresh seafood, including raw fish (hoe), grilled fish, sashimi, and various seafood stews.

A recommended spot is the Jagalchi Fish Market Outdoor Stalls, where you can choose your seafood from the tanks and have it cooked on site. Prices vary based on the type and quantity of seafood, but you can expect to pay around 20,000 KRW and up.

Ssiat Hotteok is a Korean sweet pancake filled with brown sugar, honey, peanuts, and seeds. The pancake is flattened and cooked until it's crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

Vendors selling Ssiat Hotteok can be found throughout Busan's bustling districts and street food markets. A popular spot is the Gukje Market in the Nampodong neighbourhood. The price range for Ssiat Hotteok is typically 1,000 to 3,000 KRW per piece.

Yukgaejang is renowned for its rich and savoury broth, made by slowly simmering shredded beef mixed with fernbrake (gosari), mushrooms, green onions, and bean sprouts. It is seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, enhancing its flavorful taste. Often, Yukgaejang is served with a bowl of rice.

For an authentic taste of Yukgaejang in Busan, consider visiting Gosame in Seomyeon. The typical cost for Yukgaejang at places like Gosame ranges between 8,000 and 12,000 KRW per bowl.

Fish cakes on skewers, often accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces, can have diverse fillings and textures. They are commonly found at street stalls near markets or popular tourist areas like BIFF Square. Prices typically range from 1,000 to 3,000 KRW per skewer.

Pajeon are pancakes made by mixing eggs, rice flour, wheat flour, and green onions into a batter. Sometimes, shellfish or kimchi are added. Dongnae Pajeon Town in Busan is famous for its numerous eateries specialising in Pajeon. The price for a dish of pajeon ranges between 5,000 and 15,000 KRW.

Thin slices of pork belly are typically grilled and served with a selection of side dishes and dipping sauces. You can find places serving grilled pork belly in Don King Samgyeopsal , which is located at 12 Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea. Expect to pay between 15,000 and 25,000 KRW per person, although prices may vary.

Busan, with its rich and diverse culinary scene reflecting the city's seaside locale, historical influences, and vibrant market culture, is an ideal travel destination for food enthusiasts. Plan your trip and book your Singapore to Busan flight now with Traveloka!