Jagalchi Market. | Finn stock/Shutterstock
Grilled eel in a breezy seafood tent, barbecue hanwoo beef with brothy potato noodles, classic cold noodles and pork soup at decades-old shops, a Michelin-starred tasting menu by the coast, and more of Busan’s best spots
Situated on the southeastern Korean coast, Busan is a constant attraction. The skyscrapers of the nation’s second-largest city hug a stunning coastline, where millions visit annually to bathe in the sun and splash in the waves. The city also attracts crowds for its famous Busan International Film Festival and — if that combo wasn’t explosive enough — an annual fireworks festival that sends hotel rates soaring alongside the rockets.
Food is an integral part of Busan’s allure. Decades-old classic restaurants for the city’s best-known dishes — milmyeon (cold noodles), tteokbokki (rice cakes), and hoe (sliced raw seafood) — sit alongside trendy new spots, while tent restaurants and the inimitable Jagalchi Market supply diners with an overwhelming buffet of seafood from the coast. And, with the arrival of the inaugural Michelin Guide in 2024, the city has received more interest from diners than ever before. Visitors from Seoul may try to cover the city in a weekend; it’s impossible to taste all of Busan’s great meals in such a short time, but you can get a decent sampling along Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches, buzzy areas that are home to many of the best spots.
If you’re not a native Korean speaker, try out a few words with the owners of older restaurants. Locals usually raise a hand and call out to owners using “imo” (aunt) or “samchon” (uncle) when they want to order. Do the same, and you might just be welcomed as family.
