Places to Eat The Best Dwaeji Gukbap in Busan
Dwaeji gukbap, a Busan speciality | © Mr. Kototo / Flickr
A trip to
Busan wouldn’t be complete without sampling
dwaeji gukbap, a tasty, hearty soup that is, for the most part, unknown outside
South Korea. The dish’s recipe is labor intensive. Its milky broth is made by boiling pork bone for hours; pork shank, soy sauce, miso, and sesame oil are then added to enhance the flavors. Hunt down this delicious dish at some of our favorite spots.
Twin Pork Soup (쌍둥이 돼지국밥)
Restaurant, Korean, Soup
If you’re trying dwaeji gukbap for the first time, head straight to Twin Pork Soup in Daeyeon-dong, grab a seat and get ready for a treat. The joint’s simple yet savory soup attracts diners of all ages and is arguably the most popular pork soup restaurant in the entire city. What makes this place special is its soup’s clean taste. Servers can speak basic English, and are more than willing to make your culinary experience a memorable one.
Wonjo Halmae Gukbap (원조할매국밥)
Restaurant, Korean
With more than four decades of history, it’s safe to say that just about everyone in Busan has savored a bowl of their famous soup. To what does it owe its staying power? Its friendly atmosphere, affordable prices and exceptional taste are probably all good guesses. The fact that it’s open 24 hours is only an added bonus.
Jinju Dwaeji Gukbap (진주돼지국밥)
Restaurant, Korean
For the past thirty years,
Jinju Dwaeji Gukbap has perfected the rich taste of its famous pork and rice soup. For a twist on the original, opt for the sundae gukbap (blood sausage and rice soup), or treat yourself to a hearty plate of suyuk (boiled meat slices).
Yeongjin Dwaeji Gukbap (영진돼지국밥)
Restaurant, Korean, $$$
Thanks to its exceptionally tasty soup, Yeongjin Dwaeji Gukbap is not only a local favorite, but it has also been featured on countless television programs. The owner (who is almost always in the kitchen) serves up the classic with a side of
saeujeot (salted fermented shrimp) and chopped leek so diners can adjust the taste to their liking.
Sinchang Gukbap (신창국밥)
Restaurant, Korean, Soup, $$$
Located in Toseong-dong near the popular tourist attraction
Gukje Market, Sinchang Gukbap is a popular spot with those looking for a true taste of
Busan. Here, diners can gorge on tasty, tender meat, as there’s no shortage of it in the soup. Compared to other versions of the dish, the broth is especially dense, as it uses pig bones and pork meat as the base.
Songjeong Three Generation Gukbap (송정3대국밥)
Restaurant, Korean, Soup
Seomyeon Market’s Dwaeji Gukbap Alley hasn’t changed much since the days of the
Korean War, which makes it all the more charming. Perhaps one of its most popular restaurants is Songjeong Three Generation Gukbap. By adding chives to their signature soup, and using salted shrimp and kimchi to flavor their meat, their gukbap is truly magnificent. Open 24 hours, the restaurant really comes to life during lunch and dinner hours, when hungry Busanites pack the place.
Bonjeon Dwaeji Gukbap (본전 돼지국밥)
Restaurant, Korean, Soup, Asian, $$$
Don’t let the long line at this local hangout put you off; the wait is well worth it. A stone’s throw from Busan station, this venue has been pumping out tasty, filling gukbap for years. Each bowl is seasoned to perfection and rarely needs any additional spices or sauces. Furthermore, fast service and an English menu make ordering hassle free.
