Choryang Milmyeon

Dining

A substantial acquaintance with Busan's culinary offerings can easily take weeks, but if you only have a few days, try and work in a meal at the Jagalchi Fish Market, a traditional Korean barbecue session, and some street food. Fishcakes ('eomuk' or 'odeng') is a popular choice that holds somewhat of a cult status in Busan and is followed closely by 'hotteok', a stuffed fried pancake sold at multiple stalls across town. If you're feeling especially adventurous, try 'sannakji', an octopus dish immortalised by the movie 'Oldboy' which consists of chopped-up tentacles that still squirm and stick to the plate (and possibly even the insides of your mouth) as you eat them.

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Jagalchi Fish Market

This legendary market will blow the mind of anyone who happens to have even a passing interest in seafood. The sheer variety of sea creatures sold here must be seen to be believed. If the Korean favourites such as crab and eel get stale, try the 'kalguksu' noodles with clams or 'bajirak' as well …

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Gukje Market

A bustling food street cuts through Busan's busiest market, and has diners take seats at the stalls of their choosing. Street eateries sell all manner of Korean and Busan specialities imaginable, from 'gimbap' (Korean sushi rolls) to cold noodles, pork soup, and more. The rest of the market makes for a curious browse-around, even though …

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Shinsegae Food Hall

The food hall in the basement of Shinsegae, the world's largest according to the Guinness Book of Records is a smorgasbord of international dining options. You'll be truly spoilt for choice with flavours from across Asia and beyond. One really can't go wrong with 'bibimbap', a bowl of rice with delectable toppings that is …

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Anga Sutbul-gui

If it's the celebrated Korean BBQ you're after, Anga Sutbul-gui is probably the place you'll be directed to. They're known primarily for their marinated pork which is grilled to perfection on the private grills built into each table. Diners can also enjoy access to an unlimited salad bar which also displays various condiments. Keep …

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Haeundae Milmyeon Jeonmunjeom

The Busan speciality of "milmyeon" is best served on a hot summer's day. Picture a nest of wheat noodles served ice-cold (sometimes with ice still floating in the broth) with hot pepper paste, vegetables and half an egg on top. The noodles aren't too spicy despite the gochujang paste and make for a …

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Jangsusam

This compact hole in the wall serves one thing and one thing only, Korean 'samgye-tang'. This gingery soup is made up of a whole chicken stuffed with rice and flavourful ingredients such as garlic and ginseng. The soup is deemed to hold all sorts of curative properties and is considered to be a traditional …

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Samjin Amook Main Branch

Fishcakes have a long tradition in Busan, and Samjin Amook is Busan's oldest operating fishcake factory. Its main outlet is a fishcake bakery that features an observable production line, a store where multiple varieties of fishcake are on sale at surprisingly low prices and even a museum on the top floor. There is a …

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Choryang Milmyeon

A classic inexpensive eatery in close proximity to the Busan station, Choryang Milmyeon serves up cold 'milmyeon' noodles which are a local favourite. The dish might not be for everyone (although we do of course encourage you to try this Busan speciality), wheres the 'mandu' (meat dumplings) rarely disappoint. Prices are extremely …

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Sinbalwon

You'll most likely recognise this unassuming little restaurant by the line forming outside. Sinbalwon is perhaps the best place in Busan to try the 'mandu' dumplings, immortalised by the movie 'Oldboy', in which the protagonist ate nothing but them for the entire duration of his 15-year-long captivity. Don't leave without sampling both the steamed …

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