8 Must-Visit Local Restaurants in Busan: A Food Lover’s Guide

Busan is not just a coastal paradise—it's also a culinary treasure trove. From comforting bowls of dwaeji gukbap (pork soup with rice) to crispy pizzas, legendary bakeries, and Michelin-approved cold noodles, Busan’s food scene is packed with flavors you won’t find anywhere else.

Here are eight must-visit spots for an unforgettable dining experience in Korea’s seaside city!

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1. Bonjeon Dwaeji Gukbap: The Icon of Busan’s Pork Soup

If you haven’t had dwaeji gukbap, you haven’t truly experienced Busan. Bonjeon Dwaeji Gukbap is a local restaurant, serving deeply flavorful, clean-tasting pork broth with no gamy smell. The bowl arrives overflowing with tender pork slices, and you can adjust the seasoning with fermented shrimp, garlic, and chives for extra depth.

💡 Tip: The lines can get long, but turnover is fast. Solo diners may be asked to share a table.
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2. BNC Bakery: Home of Busan’s Best Pastries

Ask any local about Busan’s best bakery, and they’ll likely point you to BNC Bakery. Their signature pastry, 파이만주 (Pai Manju), is a delicate, flaky pie filled with sweet red bean paste, offering the perfect balance of crispiness and sweetness. Other favorites include their egg custard buns and natural yeast bread, known for their soft texture and subtle sweetness.

💡 Tip: While BNC offers nationwide delivery for orders over ₩50,000, their pastries taste best fresh from the store. If you’re near Busan Station, grab a box before you hop on your KTX!
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3. Lee Jaemo Pizza: Where Cheese Lovers Rejoice

Even in a city famous for seafood, Lee Jaemo Pizza has made a name for itself with its rich, gooey cheese pizzas. Using high-quality Imshil cheese, their pizza is deeply aromatic, perfectly melted, and never overwhelming. Their house-made garlic dipping sauce elevates the flavors, making every bite unforgettable.

💡 Tip: Arrive early or be prepared for a wait—this place gets packed fast! And don't skip the cheese crust upgrade.
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4. Choryang Milmyeon: Busan’s Take on Cold Noodles

Milmyeon (wheat noodles) is Busan’s answer to Pyongyang cold noodles, and Choryang Milmyeon is one of the best places to try it. Their broth has a subtle herbal depth, making it refreshing yet flavorful. Whether you go for the spicy bibim milmyeon or the clear broth version, it’s a must-try dish before leaving the city.

💡 Tip: The restaurant serves a complimentary hot beef broth, perfect for warming up on chilly days.
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5. Subyeon Dwaeji Gukbap: A Rich, Bold Take on the Classic

While Busan has no shortage of pork soup spots, Subyeon Dwaeji Gukbap stands out with its bolder, richer broth. Their signature dish, Hangjeong Gukbap, is loaded with thick, succulent pork jowl, offering a unique tender-yet-chewy texture. If you’re a fan of extra meaty flavors, this is the spot for you.

💡 Tip: If you visit during peak hours, expect a long wait—but the fast service makes it worth it!
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6. Geodae Galbi: Premium Grilled Meat Experience

For a luxurious Korean BBQ experience, Geodae Galbi is one of the best places in Busan. Known for their high-quality marbled beef, their lunch specials offer excellent value, allowing you to enjoy premium grilled galbi (short ribs) without breaking the bank. Their signature marinated galbi is cooked perfectly tender, making it a hit with meat lovers and first-time visitors alike.

💡 Tip: Reservations are highly recommended—this place fills up fast, especially on weekends.
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7. Haeundae Obok Dwaeji Gukbap: The King of Portions

Haeundae Obok Dwaeji Gukbap is famous for generous portions and rich, clean-tasting broth. The flavor is mild yet deep, making it perfect for both first-timers and seasoned gukbap lovers. The self-service noodle bar allows you to grab as many extra noodles as you want, making sure no drop of broth goes to waste!

💡 Tip: Feeling extra hungry? Order the "Taste Test" Su-yuk (boiled pork platter) to sample different cuts of pork.
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8. Buda Myeonoak: Michelin-Approved Cold Noodles

If you’re in the mood for refined, delicate flavors, head to Buda Myeonoak, a Michelin Bib Gourmand-approved restaurant specializing in Pyeongyang-style cold noodles. Their broth is light yet umami-packed, and their handmade noodles offer a subtle, nutty aroma. It’s a cooling, elegant dish that showcases Korean cuisine’s simpler yet refined side.

💡 Tip: Their 육개장 (spicy beef soup) is also highly recommended, especially on colder days!
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Busan - A City for Food Lovers

Busan’s culinary scene is just as vibrant and diverse as its oceanfront views. Whether you're in the mood for pork soup, crispy pizza, artisan pastries, or Michelin-starred noodles, this city has it all. Enjoy the eats, enjoy the city 🍜🔥🍕