Busan is Korea’s second-largest city and its unofficial food capital. Thanks to its coastal location, Busan has dishes you simply can’t find anywhere else. Here are the 8 essential Busan-only foods.
1. 돼지국밥 (Dwaeji Gukbap) – Pork Rice Soup
Busan’s soul food. Rich pork bone broth with tender pork slices and rice. Every neighborhood has its own legendary gukbap joint. Try it at Ssangjung Dwaeji Gukbap in Seomyeon.
2. 밀면 (Milmyeon) – Wheat Noodles
Busan’s answer to Pyongyang naengmyeon. Chewy wheat noodles in cold broth — a Busan invention born during the Korean War when wheat flour was abundant from US aid.
3. 씨앗호떡 (Ssiat Hotteok) – Seed Hotteok
BIFF Square’s famous creation: hotteok stuffed with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and brown sugar. Unique to Busan.
4. 회 (Hoe) – Raw Fish at Jagalchi Market
Korea’s largest fish market. Choose your fish alive, have it sliced on the spot, and eat it upstairs with soju. The freshest sashimi experience in Korea.
5. 어묵 (Eomuk) – Fish Cake
Busan is the fish cake capital of Korea. Visit the Busan Fish Cake Museum in Yeongdo for premium artisan fish cakes you’ve never imagined.
6. 낙곱새 (Nakgopsae)
Octopus + gopchang (intestines) + shrimp, all grilled together on a hot plate. A Busan night-out staple.
7. 비빔당면 (Bibim Dangmyeon)
Sweet potato glass noodles tossed in spicy sauce — a popular Busan street food variation.
8. 충무김밥 (Chungmu Gimbap)
Minimalist gimbap from nearby Tongyeong — plain rice rolls served with spicy squid and pickled radish on the side.