What Food To Try in Busan and Food Prices

Chueotang - Loach Soup - This nourishing soup is made with freshwater loach and flavored with spices like red pepper and garlic, resulting in a comforting broth. Locals often enjoy it for breakfast, especially during chilly mornings to warm the soul.

Tteokbokki - Spicy Rice Cakes - Soft rice cakes stir-fried in a spicy-sweet sauce with fish cakes and green onions, creating a chewy texture that’s hard to resist. You’ll find this popular street food at vendors in bustling markets, perfect for a quick snack while exploring.

Galbi - Marinated Ribs - Beef short ribs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled to perfection, creating a smoky flavor. Enjoyed during dinner with family or friends, it’s often accompanied by an array of banchan (side dishes) for a feast-like experience.

Busan Jagalchi Sashimi - Sliced Raw Fish - Freshly caught fish, typically flounder or octopus, served raw, often with a side of spicy dipping sauce. It’s a local specialty enjoyed at the Jagalchi Fish Market, where you can buy your fish and have it prepared right there.

Gopchang - Grilled Entestine - Tender beef intestines grilled until crispy and served with a spicy dipping sauce, providing a unique and savory experience. It’s particularly popular for late-night dining, often enjoyed with friends after a night out.

Naengmyeon - Cold Noodles - Buckwheat noodles served cold in a tangy sauce, often garnished with slices of cucumber and boiled egg, making for a refreshing dish. Best enjoyed during the hot summer months, locals often slurp it down quickly as a cool relief from the heat.

Kimchi Jigae - Kimchi Stew - A hearty stew made with aged kimchi, tofu, and pork or tuna, simmered until all flavors meld together into a spicy dish. It’s a go-to comfort food for lunch or dinner, and many families love to enjoy it on rainy days—especially with a bowl of rice on the side.

- Omija-cha - 오미자차 (five-flavor tea) - A delightful tea made from dried omija berries, which impart a balance of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy flavors. Locals often enjoy it during the summer months for its refreshing taste and cooling properties, frequently served chilled with ice.

- Makgeolli - 막걸리 (rice wine) - A traditional Korean alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice, resulting in a creamy, slightly tangy drink with a low alcohol content. You’ll find locals gathering at cozy spots to enjoy it with savory pancakes, particularly during the rainy season, as it's believed to warm the spirit.

- Bingsu - 빙수 (shaved ice dessert) - A popular summer treat featuring finely shaved ice topped with sweetened condensed milk, fruit, and often adzuki beans. Best enjoyed in the hot months, you can find this dessert at many cafés, but keep an eye out for unique seasonal twists using fresh fruits like strawberries.

- Choco Pie - 초코파이 (chocolate cake sandwich) - A soft chocolate-coated confection with a marshmallow filling sandwiched between two layers of cake, often served with a cup of tea. This is a staple snack during festivals and special occasions, as it’s a nostalgic favorite for many locals.

- Sikhye - 식혜 (sweet rice drink) - A sweet, chilled beverage made from fermented malt and sweet rice, giving it a subtly sweet flavor with chewy rice grains floating in it. Perfect for enjoying after meals during family gatherings or traditional holidays, and it's often served in colorful bowls during celebrations.