BEST RESTAURANTS & STREET FOOD
#1 PAIK’S PAN – Dakgalbi 닭갈비 (Spicy chicken stir-fry)
What is it? This was hands down our favorite meal in Busan. Dakgalbi is a well-marinated stir-fry, fresh on a grill.
How to Order? If there are two of you, you’ll need to order 2 menu items from P1-P5. Then you can choose from any of the toppings from the “Add” column to complete your iron plate.
Service: The servers were younger (maybe college students) and spoke a little English, so service was smoother than other dakgalbi places I’ve been to in the past. One person explained to us the menu and took our order, while the other came back and forth to cook the food and check on it until it was ready to devour. We didn’t have to do anything but wait for the server to give us the okay and eat!
The Menu: Here’s the full menu from April 2019.
Recommendation (For 2 People): If you can handle a little spiciness, then I recommend getting 1 serving of the Spicy Dakgalbi Pan (P1) with Cheese and 1 serving of the Teriyaki Dakgalbi Pan (P5) with 2 servings of Ramen (T8). If you don’t like spicy, then get 2 servings of the Teriyaki Dakgalbi Pan (P5) with 2 servings of Ramen (T8) and Cheese (T2).
How Spicy? I honestly didn’t think the food was too spicy, but then again everyone is different. Whenever I eat spicy foods, I usually go with “mild,” so hopefully that gives you an idea. If I had to rate the spiciness of the Spicy Dakgalbi Pan, I would say it was just a tad more “medium” than “mild.” Although I really enjoyed the flavor, I think I would try just the teriyaki (P5) and add cheese (T2) next time.
Price: I would say this place is affordable for the amount of food you get. In the photo, we actually only ordered 1 serving of ramen, which we regretted, because the ramen and cheese combination was sooooo darn good! Regardless, we were somewhere in between satisfied and full. We came in around lunchtime during a weekday, so there was a ₩1,000 discount on both the P1 and P5. In total, we paid only ₩19,000, that’s about $16.00 USD. WORTH EVERY BITE.
Location: I have tried to look this place up online, but I’ve had no luck. This restaurant is a franchise, so you’re bound to see one in Korea, but I can’t promise it’ll taste the same. This branch is at Haeundae Beach. From the actual beach, cross the street and walk down the main promenade away from the beach. The restaurant will be on your left side right after the big fish cake place. If you run into the Daiso, you’re on the opposite side of the street. Look for the following sign. Sorry, I couldn’t find the actual address. Luckily, this place is on the 2nd floor and it’s kinda hard to miss. We actually found this place as we were strolling down the promenade because of the huge pictures of the cheese dakgalbi. So I’m sure you’ll find it, just stay on the main promenade.
View from inside:
This is the view from where we sat inside Paik’s Pan. I highly recommend sitting near one of the open windows unless you want steam from the pan blowing in your face. After our meal, I’m sure we smelled like spicy stir-fry, but I don’t think it can be helped.
#2 MyeongPoom Heotteok 명품호떡 – Kkoul Heotteok 꿀호떡 (Honey Pancake)
This is the best heotteok place!
What is it? Heotteok is a deep fried pancake filled with brown sugar and/or cinnamon served warm, made to order, fresh off the fryer! It comes with other fillings such as ice cream or nuts, but my favorite is the classic honey filling. I may be exaggerating, but it SETS OFF FIREWORKS IN MY MOUTH. Are they unhealthy? UH DUH. But it is WORTH THE CALORIES.
How to Order? Go up to the kind lady and tell her “Kkoul heotteok.” She’ll probably ask you how many… just hold up 1, 2 or 3 fingers. It’s that easy. Most heotteok stands will have a cash box right in front, so look for it and make sure they see you drop the money. If you need change–help yourself; the lady is probably using both hands to fry your delicious pancakes. Once your pancake is done, she’ll ask you to grab an empty paper cup. Pick one up and hold it out with both hands. She’ll fold the pancake with her tongs and put it inside the cup. That’s so you don’t burn your fingers. Say thank you, “GOMAP-SEUM-NI-DA!”
Price: ₩1,000 per honey pancake (usual price is ₩1,000 – ₩1,500)
Location: It’s at the end of the Haeundae fish market alley. It’s not actually called that, but it should be. If you are entering from the promenade, then just walk through all the seafood until you get to the end of the alley. Her stand is before the corner on your right. It’s right next to the Daily Pan bakery and across from the 7-Eleven. This area is right in front of the Haeundae Market (해운대 시장) Bus Stop.
Hours: She opens late afternoon, so don’t be thinking these are breakfast pancakes. I believe she closes pretty late, around 10 or 11pm, but it might depend on the day and the crowd.
#3 Magic Lamp – Softree Ice Cream 소프트리
What to order? Oh my goodness… GET THE MAGIC LAMP.
What is it? It’s organic milk soft serve ice cream covered in honey and peanut powder. My mouth waters, every time, just thinking about it. It’s not too sweet and so satisfying.
Location: Along the Haeundae Beach Promenade toward the beach
Address: 1391-9, Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
This is my friend trying the Magic Lamp for the first time…
FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN BUSAN
#1 Spa Day at Spa Land 스파 랜드
There is nothing better than spending 4 hours lounging, napping, snacking, sweating, and bathing. I take that back… I guess spending 5, 6, or 7 hours would beat that. Spa Land is the largest, cleanest, calmest and most aesthetically pleasing jimjilbang in Korea. This is my absolute favorite thing to do in Busan, because it is so relaxing and affordable. It only costs 15,000 KRW ($13 USD) per person during the weekdays. To find out more about our visit to Spa Land or to see more pictures, check out our Busan Trip.
#2 Haedong Yonggungsa Temple 해동 용궁사 신전
Haedong Yonggungsa is not your average Buddhist temple. If you’ve been temple hopping, then you’ve probably climbed several mountains to take photos of what appears to be the same architectural design. Haedong Yonggungsa is by far the most beautiful temple site that I have visited. It provides the perfect balance of serenity and culture. It’s a wonderful place to take a nice stroll, clear your mind, and have a cup of coffee while you watch the beautiful ocean. Many Koreans come here for worship and many tourists come here to take butt loads of photos, so be sure to get here around 7:30 if you want to beat the crowds.
There is a small cafe tucked inside the temple with a nice view of the ocean. I recommend bringing some cash and enjoying a warm cup of instant coffee when you’re here. To find out more about our visit to this temple or to see more pictures, check out our Busan Trip.
#3 Songdo Haesupia Spa 송도 헤수피아 스파
I know what you’re thinking… another spa? YES. Why not!? Jimjilbangs are a wonderful way to take part in Korean culture. What makes this spa so special? Well, unlike Spa Land, Songdo Haesupia is open 24 hours–well 22 hours; they close the pools for 2 hours to clean them. This was my first time at an overnight spa and it is a truly special experience if you are with family and friends. Unlike Spa Land, Songdo Haesupia is situated on the seaside. Before 6pm, make sure to grab 3-4 blankets from the closet and save yourself a spot near the windows. You’ll have a panoramic view of the Songdo Sea and the Busan Port Bridge is beautifully lit up at night.
They sell the usual beverages and snacks inside the spa like eggs and ramyun. Last I visited, it was cash only, but I would double check this online before going.
I don’t know what it is about ramyun in Korea, but it tastes so much better there than in California. They sell this exact same brand in the Korean markets here, but it just doesn’t taste the same. The noodles here get soggy, but for some reason they stay slim and curly in Korea. Maybe I’m not cooking them quite right? If anyone knows what I’m doing wrong, please let me know!
Joy En Route 