The Best Food in Busan: A Culinary Adventure in South Korea

Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea, is a food lover’s paradise. Located on the southeastern coast of the country, Busan is home to a diverse range of culinary delights that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you coming back for more. Whether you’re a fan of seafood, spicy dishes, or traditional Korean cuisine, Busan has something to offer you. In this article, we will take you on a culinary adventure and explore the best food in Busan. So, let’s get started!

1. 🍤 Seafood

Busan is famous for its fresh seafood, thanks to its location on the coast of the Korean Peninsula. The city’s Jagalchi Fish Market is a must-visit destination for seafood lovers. You can find everything from live octopus and abalone to sashimi and grilled fish. You can also try the famous hoe-deopbap, a dish made with raw fish, rice, and vegetables, at one of the many seafood restaurants in the area.

1.1 What is Jagalchi Fish Market?

Jagalchi Fish Market is the largest seafood market in South Korea and one of the largest in Asia. It is located in the Nampo-dong neighborhood of Busan and has been in operation for over 80 years. The market is divided into two main sections – an outdoor market where vendors sell fresh seafood from the tanks, and an indoor market where you can find dried seafood, spices, and other Korean food products.

1.2 How to get to Jagalchi Fish Market?

Jagalchi Fish Market is located near the Nampo-dong subway station in Busan. You can take subway line 1 and get off at Nampo-dong Station, then take exit 10 and walk for about 5 minutes to reach the market.

1.3 What is hoe-deopbap?

Hoe-deopbap is a Korean dish made with raw fish, rice, and vegetables. The fish is thinly sliced and served on top of a bed of rice with an assortment of vegetables, including lettuce, perilla leaves, and sesame leaves. The dish is often served with spicy pepper paste and soy sauce for dipping.

1.4 Where can I try hoe-deopbap in Busan?

There are many seafood restaurants in Busan that serve hoe-deopbap. Some of the most popular ones include Namcheon Sikdang, Sinseon Seolleongtang, and Dalmaji Gogijip.

2. 🌶️ Spicy Dishes

If you’re a fan of spicy food, Busan has plenty of options for you. The city’s cuisine is known for its bold flavors, and spicy dishes are a big part of that. You can try dishes like jjimdak, a spicy braised chicken dish, or buldak, a fiery chicken dish that is known to make your mouth tingle.

2.1 What is jjimdak?

Jjimdak is a Korean dish made with chicken, vegetables, and sweet potato noodles that are braised in a spicy soy sauce-based marinade. The dish is often served with rice and has a sweet and savory flavor.

2.2 Where can I try jjimdak in Busan?

There are many restaurants in Busan that serve jjimdak, but one of the most popular is Andong Jjimdak. This restaurant has several locations throughout the city and is known for its delicious and authentic jjimdak.

2.3 What is buldak?

Buldak is a Korean dish made with marinated chicken that is cooked with a spicy sauce made from chili paste, chili powder, and other spices. The dish is often served with rice and can be quite spicy, so it’s not for the faint of heart.

2.4 Where can I try buldak in Busan?

There are many restaurants in Busan that serve buldak, but one of the most popular is Yoogane. This chain restaurant has several locations throughout the city and is known for its delicious and fiery buldak.

3. 🍚 Traditional Korean Cuisine

Busan is also known for its traditional Korean cuisine, which includes dishes like bibimbap, bulgogi, and kimchi. These dishes are popular throughout South Korea and are a must-try when visiting Busan.

3.1 What is bibimbap?

Bibimbap is a Korean dish made with rice, vegetables, and meat that are mixed together with chili paste and other sauces. The dish is often served in a hot stone bowl and can be eaten as a main course or as a side dish.

3.2 Where can I try bibimbap in Busan?

There are many restaurants in Busan that serve bibimbap, but one of the most popular is Gogung. This restaurant has several locations throughout the city and is known for its delicious and authentic bibimbap.

3.3 What is bulgogi?

Bulgogi is a Korean dish made with thinly sliced beef that is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and other ingredients. The dish is often grilled and served with rice and vegetables.

3.4 Where can I try bulgogi in Busan?

There are many restaurants in Busan that serve bulgogi, but one of the most popular is Songdo Galbi. This restaurant has been serving bulgogi for over 50 years and is known for its delicious and tender meat.

3.5 What is kimchi?

Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables, usually cabbage or radish. The dish is often spicy and has a sour flavor. Kimchi is served with almost every Korean meal and is considered an essential part of Korean cuisine.

3.6 Where can I try kimchi in Busan?

Kimchi is served with almost every Korean meal, so you can try it at almost any restaurant in Busan that serves Korean cuisine.

4. 🍜 Noodles

Busan is also famous for its noodles, which come in many different shapes and sizes. Whether you’re a fan of cold noodles or hot noodles, Busan has something for you.

4.1 What are cold noodles?

Cold noodles are a popular Korean dish that is typically eaten during the summer months. The noodles are served cold and are often topped with vegetables, meat, and a spicy sauce. The most popular type of cold noodles in Busan is naengmyeon, which is made from buckwheat noodles.

4.2 Where can I try cold noodles in Busan?

There are many restaurants in Busan that serve cold noodles, but one of the most popular is Gaya Milmyeon. This restaurant has several locations throughout the city and is known for its delicious and refreshing naengmyeon.

4.3 What are hot noodles?

Hot noodles are a popular Korean dish that is typically eaten during the winter months. The noodles are served hot and are often topped with vegetables, meat, and a spicy sauce. The most popular type of hot noodles in Busan is jjamppong, which is a spicy noodle soup made with seafood and vegetables.

4.4 Where can I try hot noodles in Busan?

There are many restaurants in Busan that serve hot noodles, but one of the most popular is Nampo Myeonok. This restaurant has been serving hot noodles for over 30 years and is known for its delicious and spicy jjamppong.

5. 🥘 Barbecue

Barbecue is a popular dish in South Korea, and Busan is no exception. The city has many restaurants that specialize in Korean barbecue, where you can grill your own meat and enjoy it with a variety of side dishes.

5.1 What is Korean barbecue?

Korean barbecue is a style of cooking where meat, usually beef, pork, or chicken, is grilled at the table. The meat is often marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and is served with a variety of side dishes, including kimchi and pickled vegetables.

5.2 Where can I try Korean barbecue in Busan?

There are many restaurants in Busan that serve Korean barbecue, but one of the most popular is Gaya Sanjang. This restaurant has several locations throughout the city and is known for its delicious and high-quality meat.

6. 🍮 Desserts

No meal is complete without dessert, and Busan has plenty of options for those with a sweet tooth. From traditional Korean sweets to modern desserts, Busan has something to satisfy every craving.