If there’s one dish you’re almost guaranteed to eat on a trip to Busan, South Korea, it’s dwaeji gukbap.
A steaming bowl of pork soup after a walk by the sea,
a hearty first meal the moment you arrive at Busan Station,
or the kind of warm local comfort food you crave on a rainy day.
This time, I’m looking at the 2026 Busan Dwaeji Gukbap Festival,where 20 soup spots personally recommended by local residents were officially revealed.
About 10,800 citizens took part,
and a total of 254 dwaeji gukbap restaurants across Busan were mentioned.
In this post, I’ve organized the 20 citizen-picked spots from a traveler’s perspective, and I’m also sharing easy routes from Yeonondam near Gwangalli for anyone planning where to go.
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What Is the 2026 Busan Dwaeji Gukbap Festival? |
The 2026 Busan Dwaeji Gukbap Festival is a food tourism event built around dwaeji gukbap, one of Busan’s signature dishes.
Instead of only spotlighting already-famous restaurants, it stands out by letting Busan locals recommend the places they genuinely love, then connecting those restaurants and their neighborhoods into travel content.
Here’s the official event schedule.
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Category |
Dates |
Details |
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Gukbap Recommendation Survey |
August 16–September 2 |
Citizens recommend their favorite dwaeji gukbap spots in Busan |
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Gukbap Talk |
September 19 |
Talk show themed around Busan dwaeji gukbap |
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Gukbap Talk Video Release |
Scheduled for September 27 |
To be released on the Visit Busan YouTube channel |
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Gukbap Week |
September 28–October 14 |
Online and offline voting for the 20 citizen-recommended restaurants |
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Gukbap Showcase |
October 16–October 18 |
Sales booths, cooking shows, awards, and more |
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*Since the detailed schedule may change depending on circumstances, be sure to check the official Visit Busan channels before you go. |
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Map of the 20 Citizen-Recommended Spots in the 2026 Busan Dwaeji Gukbap Festival |
The map below gives you an easy at-a-glance look at all 20 citizen-recommended dwaeji gukbap restaurants from the 2026 Busan Dwaeji Gukbap Festival.
Looking at the map, you’ll see these restaurants are spread pretty evenly across Busan, including Suyeong-gu, Nam-gu, Jung-gu, Dong-gu, Busanjin-gu, Haeundae-gu, and Gijang-gun.
If you’re staying in Gwangalli, it makes sense to start with Suyeong-gu and Nam-gu. On days when you’re visiting Busan Station, Nampo-dong, Seomyeon, or Haeundae, you can pair those neighborhoods with nearby soup spots.
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All 20 Citizen-Recommended Restaurants at a Glance |
These 20 citizen picks are listed in Korean alphabetical order and are not ranked.
Below is a quick breakdown of each one.
1Nam-gu
1953 Brothers Dwaeji Gukbap Main Branch
This is one of Nam-gu’s best-known soup spots, built around a recipe that dates back to 1953. It’s known for giving traditional dwaeji gukbap a more modern menu format.
2Dong-gu
70-Year Traditional Halmae Gukbap
This long-running old-school restaurant in Dong-gu is featured by Visit Busan. Their signature menu includes separate-style gukbap and suyuk baekban, a set meal with sliced boiled pork, making it an easy stop near Busan Station or Choryang.
3Busanjin-gu
Second Neulhaerang
This spot around Yangjeong is known for dwaeji gukbap and suyuk baekban. A lot of reviews mention that it’s great for solo dining, so it’s an easy, low-pressure stop during a Seomyeon or Yangjeong itinerary.
4Yeonje-gu
Mokchon Dwaeji Gukbap Yeonsan City Hall Branch
This is a Yeonsan-dong branch of a well-known dwaeji gukbap brand in the Busan and Gyeongnam area. It’s a solid pick if you’re after a rich broth and a dependable suyuk baekban.
5Jung-gu
Seo Jinseop Dwaeji Gukbap
Located in Busan’s old downtown area, this is an easy one to pair with Nampo-dong, Jagalchi, or Gukje Market. It works especially well as a filling local meal during a market-hopping day.
6Jung-gu
Somunnan Dwaeji Gukbap Bupyeong Branch
This Jung-gu restaurant fits nicely into a route around Bupyeong Kkangtong Market and Gukje Market. If you’re doing a Nampo-dong market tour, it makes a great local meal stop.
7Suyeong-gu
Subyeon Choego Dwaeji Gukbap Millak Main Branch
This popular restaurant is easy to reach for travelers staying in Millak-dong or Gwangalli. It’s especially known for its pork jowl soup and sliced pork dishes, and wait times can be pretty common.
8Suyeong-gu
Suyeong Dwaeji Gukbap
A solid local option in Suyeong-gu, especially if you’re exploring around Gwangalli or Suyeong Station. It’s a good fit when you want more of a neighborhood meal than a right-in-front-of-the-beach tourist stop.
9Suyeong-gu
Sikbok Dwaeji Gukbap
One of the citizen-recommended spots in Suyeong-gu, and an easy choice for travelers staying near Gwangalli who want a nearby bowl of soup. It also pairs well with plans around Suyeong or Mangmi.
10Seo-gu
Sinchang Gukbap Main Branch
This is a long-established gukbap restaurant in Busan’s old downtown area on the Seo-gu side. If you’re heading toward Bumin-dong, Dong-A University, or Daesin-dong, it’s an easy add-on.
11Nam-gu
Twins Dwaeji Gukbap Main Branch
One of Nam-gu’s representative dwaeji gukbap restaurants featured by Visit Busan. Since dwaeji gukbap and suyuk baekban are the highlighted menu items, it’s also a great introduction for first-timers trying Busan dwaeji gukbap.
12Saha-gu
Yeongjin Dwaeji Gukbap Main Branch
This is a famous Busan dwaeji gukbap spot in the Sinpyeong area of Saha-gu. It’s especially popular with people who prefer a deep, rich broth.
13Gijang-gun
Onammae Dwaeji Gukbap Jeonggwan Branch
This is a good one to add to an eastern Busan route around Jeonggwan. The menu is broad, with options like classic dwaeji gukbap, intestines soup, sundae gukbap, and mixed gukbap.
14Dong-gu
Uri Dwaeji Gukbap
Another citizen-recommended pick in Dong-gu that works well with a Busan Station, Choryang, or Beomil-dong itinerary. It’s a strong candidate for your first meal after arriving in Busan.
15Sasang-gu
Ibagu Gukbap
This Sasang-gu restaurant is easy to connect with routes involving Gimhae Airport or the Sasang Bus Terminal. It’s a practical option for a filling meal before or after a flight.
16Suyeong-gu
Jamae Gukbap
One of the 20 citizen-recommended spots in Suyeong-gu, and a convenient one for Gwangalli guests to check without going far. It fits nicely on a neighborhood food list for the area.
17Suyeong-gu
Cheonghwabaek Dwaeji Gukbap Gwangalli Main Branch
This restaurant has great access near Gwangalli Beach. Reviews often mention its signature gukbap made with pork shoulder and pork jowl, along with a clean, tidy broth.
18Haeundae-gu
Haeundae Halmaejip
This citizen-recommended spot is easy to pair with a Haeundae itinerary. It’s a good option on days when you’re visiting Haeundae Beach, Dongbaekseom, or Centum City.
19Nam-gu
Hapcheon Gukbapjip Yongho Branch
This Nam-gu restaurant pairs well with trips toward Yongho-dong, Igidae, or Oryukdo. It’s an easy stop if you’re doing a coastal drive from Gwangalli through Nam-gu.
20Busanjin-gu
Hwanamjeong Dwaeji Gukbap Choeup Main Branch
This Busanjin-gu restaurant works well with plans around Choeup, Busan Citizens Park, or the Children’s Grand Park. It’s a nice neighborhood alternative to the more central Seomyeon route.
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Where to Start If You’re Staying in Gwangalli |
Yeonondam Gwangalli Beach Branch is close to Gwangalli Beach, so among these 20 places, the five restaurants in Suyeong-guare the most practical ones to look at first.
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Restaurant |
Why It’s Recommended |
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Subyeon Choego Dwaeji Gukbap Millak Main Branch |
The strongest all-around pick to pair with a Gwangalli or Millak-dong trip |
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Suyeong Dwaeji Gukbap |
A local meal stop if you’re heading toward Suyeong Station or Mangmi-dong |
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Sikbok Dwaeji Gukbap |
An easy, low-pressure Suyeong-gu option near Gwangalli |
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Jamae Gukbap |
A good one to add to your neighborhood gukbap list in Suyeong-gu |
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Cheonghwabaek Dwaeji Gukbap Gwangalli Main Branch |
Close to Gwangalli Beach and especially convenient for travelers |
If you’re already in Gwangalli, the nice part is that you can try Busan dwaeji gukbap recommended by locals without needing to travel far.
It works equally well for lunch before check-in, dinner after a walk along the beach, or a late breakfast-early lunch before checking out.
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Busan Dwaeji Gukbap Routes by Area |
1. Gwangalli and Suyeong Area
This is the most realistic route for anyone staying in Gwangalli. It pairs naturally with a beach walk, the Millak-dong restaurant strip, and Millak Waterfront Park.
Yeonondam Gwangalli Beach walk Suyeong-gu gukbap spot café or Millak Waterfront Park
Recommended restaurants
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Subyeon Choego Dwaeji Gukbap Millak Main Branch
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Suyeong Dwaeji Gukbap
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Sikbok Dwaeji Gukbap
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Jamae Gukbap
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Cheonghwabaek Dwaeji Gukbap Gwangalli Main Branch
2. Busan Station, Choryang, and Dong-gu Area
This is a great route for travelers arriving in Busan by train.
You can eat right after getting to Busan Station and then head to Gwangalli, or stop by for one last meal before boarding your train after checkout.
Arrive at Busan Station Dong-gu gukbap spot transfer to Gwangalli check in at Yeonondam
Recommended restaurants
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70-Year Traditional Halmae Gukbap
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Uri Dwaeji Gukbap
3. Nampo-dong, Jagalchi, and Jung-gu Area
This route is perfect for a day that includes Jagalchi Market, Gukje Market, Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, and Bosu-dong Book Street.
Pairing a market day with dwaeji gukbap gives you a Busan local-food experience that feels especially true to the city.
Leave Gwangalli Jagalchi Market and Gukje Market gukbap meal walk around Nampo-dong return to Gwangalli
Recommended restaurants
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Seo Jinseop Dwaeji Gukbap
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Somunnan Dwaeji Gukbap Bupyeong Branch
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Sinchang Gukbap Main Branch
4. Seomyeon, Yangjeong, and Choeup Area
If your plans include Seomyeon, Jeonpo Café Street, Busan Citizens Park, or the Children’s Grand Park, you can easily add restaurants in Busanjin-gu and Yeonje-gu.
Seomyeon is easy to reach from Gwangalli on Subway Line 2, so this route feels manageable even for first-time visitors.
Yeonondam Gwangan Station or Geumnyeonsan Station Seomyeon Station gukbap meal Jeonpo Café Street
Recommended restaurants
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Second Neulhaerang
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Mokchon Dwaeji Gukbap Yeonsan City Hall Branch
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Hwanamjeong Dwaeji Gukbap Choeup Main Branch
5. Nam-gu Coastal Route
Nam-gu is relatively easy to connect from Gwangalli. If you’re planning a day around Yongho-dong, Igidae, Oryukdo, or Peace Park, it makes sense to add one of the Nam-gu soup spots.
Yeonondam Igidae or Oryukdo Nam-gu gukbap spot return to Gwangalli
Recommended restaurants
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1953 Brothers Dwaeji Gukbap Main Branch
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Twins Dwaeji Gukbap Main Branch
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Hapcheon Gukbapjip Yongho Branch
6. Haeundae, Gijang, and East Busan Area
I’d recommend this route on days when you’re also visiting Haeundae, Songjeong, Gijang, the East Busan Outlet, or Haedong Yonggungsa.
Rather than traveling just for a bowl of soup from Gwangalli, it’s much more efficient to bundle it into a wider East Busan itinerary.
Yeonondam Haeundae, Songjeong, and Gijang trip gukbap meal return to Gwangalli
Recommended restaurants
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Haeundae Halmaejip
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Onammae Dwaeji Gukbap Jeonggwan Branch
7. Sasang and Airport Area
If you’re traveling through Gimhae Airport, the Sasang Bus Terminal, or western Busan, this is the area to check.
Gimhae Airport or Sasang Bus Terminal gukbap meal transfer to Gwangalli
Recommended restaurants
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Ibagu Gukbap
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Ordering Tips for First-Time Dwaeji Gukbap Eaters |
Busan dwaeji gukbap can taste surprisingly different from one restaurant to another.
Some places serve a clear, light broth, while others go for a milky, deeply rich style. The flavor also changes depending on how you season it with spicy paste, chives, and saeujeot, Korean salted shrimp.
If it’s your first time, here’s an easy way to choose.
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Preference |
Recommendation |
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If you want the most classic option |
Dwaeji gukbap |
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If you want a more filling meat-focused meal |
Suyuk baekban |
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If you want to try several cuts together |
Mixed gukbap |
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If you’re okay with the flavor of offal |
Naejang gukbap |
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If you want to control the spice level |
Add the spicy paste little by little |
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If you’re going with a foreign friend |
I’d recommend suyuk baekban or a clear-broth style |
Rather than dumping in all the seasoning from the start, I’d suggest tasting the broth first, then adding chives, salted shrimp, and spicy paste a little at a time.
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The Best Times to Eat Dwaeji Gukbap During a Gwangalli Stay |
Dwaeji gukbap works at almost any hour on a Gwangalli trip, but personally, these are the times I like it most.
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Situation |
Best time |
Why |
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Arrival day in Busan |
Lunch before check-in |
A great way to start the trip with a filling meal |
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After a walk by the sea |
Dinner |
Warm broth hits especially well after a cool ocean breeze |
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Checkout day |
Breakfast or lunch |
Easy to eat without feeling too heavy before moving on |
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Rainy day |
Lunch or dinner |
Easy to connect with an indoor sightseeing plan |
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Winter trip to Busan |
Dinner |
Hot soup dishes feel especially satisfying |
If you’re staying at Yeonondam, you can leave your bags first and head out for a meal, or plan a nearby gukbap stop after a walk around Gwangalli.
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What to Check Before You Visit |
These 20 citizen-recommended restaurants are meaningful because they were chosen directly by Busan locals, but before you go, it’s still smart to double-check a few things.
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Popular gukbap restaurants can have long waits around lunchtime, and some places may close early once they run out of ingredients.
Before visiting, check the latest details on Naver Map, KakaoMap, the restaurant’s official social media, or by phone.
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Final Thoughts |
Busan dwaeji gukbap is more than just a meal—it’s a way to feel the everyday rhythm of the city and the atmosphere of its backstreets.
Because the 2026 Busan Dwaeji Gukbap Festival is centered on restaurants recommended directly by local residents, it’s also a genuinely useful reference list for travelers.
If you’re staying in Gwangalli, start casually with the Suyeong-gu spots. If your itinerary includes Busan Station, Nampo-dong, Seomyeon, or Haeundae, try adding a nearby restaurant from each area to your route.
Outside is Gwangalli, inside is Yeonondam.
I hope your Busan trip feels as comforting as a warm bowl of gukbap.
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Yeonondam Stay Information The restaurant and event details in this post were organized based on information provided by each business and the event organizers, and are separate from Yeonondam’s accommodation policies. Yeonondam Gwangalli Beach Branch and Yeonondam Gwangan Station Branch are both great places to stay for a Gwangalli trip. That said, pets are not allowed under the property rules, and there are also house rules such as no outside visitors, no smoking indoors, and keeping noise down after 10 p.m. Even if something is allowed at the places you visit, it may still be restricted at the accommodation, so please check Yeonondam’s stay guidelines before booking. |
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This post was compiled in reference to official materials from the Busan Metropolitan City government, the Busan Tourism Organization, and Visit Busan as of September 2026. Event dates, participating restaurants, and operating details may change depending on on-site conditions, so please confirm again through the official Visit Busan channels and each restaurant before visiting. |
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