Chapter 154 – TOP 10 Must-Try Food in Busan, South Korea

Once I step into the month of October, I just realize how much I miss Busan! It’s not just about the scenery and view but also, the food. Lately, I have been trying to dish up some Korean food, hinting Mr Chee that I really, really want to go back to Korea if possible. Some dishes turned out to be good which I, myself am surprised by it and some on the other hand, failed tremendously.

Can you see me? This photo was captured by Mr Chee.

Whenever you step into Busan, South Korea, these are the top 10 Must-Try Food. Just go all out and forget about diet for once – you can diet when you return to Malaysia later 😊.

1. Chicken Ginseng Rice Soup @ Haeundae

Thanks to the cold weather, this bowl of chicken ginseng rice soup was so delicious. Every sip that we had was soothing enough to warm our body. Plus, add a tinge of ginseng where the owner would generously offer you, giving you an extra punch of this awesome meal! 

2. Aslan Bread @ Shinsegae Centum City

At the time I wrote this, Aslan Bread is a hit now in Haeundae area. Located in Shinsegae Centum City Mall, locals and tourists alike are willing to queue to have this bread; and I was one of them. It is a simple bread; all they did was injecting the cream into the bun. I paid a hefty amount just for this bread and you know what – I never regretted it! It was so, so delicious. 

3. Corn bun @ Shinsegae Centum City

Somehow, the corn bun in Busan tasted so good. For every single bite, you would be greeted with fresh, crunchy corn.

4. Korean BBQ @ Haeundae

You can’t say that you have visited Busan without visiting Anga, a popular BBQ spot in Haeundae. We were given a generous amount of side dishes from Kimchi to all sorts of greenies to accompany the plates and plates of meat that we had. 

5. Korean pancake (Pa Jeon) @ BIFF, Nampo

I had this in few places and one of my favorites is located at Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)! The curly hair Ah Jumma who was donned in red shirt was so friendly that she literally invited each and every passerby to queue at her stall and try the pajeon. I must admit the pancake was truly satisfying! One is never enough and we opted for another one.

6. Kimbap @ Gamcheon Cultural Village

I had Kimbap in Haeundae and Gamcheon Cultural Village. Among these two places, the kimbap sold in Gamcheon Cultural Village was the best. Enveloped with abundance of tuna and cheese, one roll of Kimbap was just sufficient to fill my tummy on that particular afternoon.

7. Live Octopus and Steamed Abalones @ Jagalchi Fish Market

Have you ever tried eating live octopus? If you have not, I reckon you to try one today especially when you step into Jagalchi Fish Market. Initially, I thought that the tentacles might choked me up hence, I was quite hesitated to try it at first. However, since I was in Busan and in Jagalchi Fish Market where it is one of the must-try food to have, I went for it. All I can say was “Wow”. 

8. Korean Mandoo @ BIFF, Nampo

Those who have been with me for long would know that I love wantan, sui kow or whichever you want to name it. In Korea, wantan or sui kow is known as mandoo. The minute we bought a bowl of mandoo in BIFF, it simply blew our mind. Best to be eaten while it’s hot and you would certainly crave for another bowl. 

9. Stir-Fry Noodles, Fried Chicken and Jjamppong @ BIFF, Nampo

Before we bid farewell to Busan, thankfully, we chanced upon this restaurant. We had the stir-fry noodles, fried chicken and jjamppong; a relatively big portion which was just nice for 6 persons. 

10. (BONUS) Pizza at Pizza Hut @ Aqua Mall

I know this sound strange but I strongly recommend one to visit Pizza Hut when you are in Busan. Try ordering the Rich Gold crust and Topping King as the topping! You would be amazed by not just the look of it but also, the taste. Amazingly, the pizza there tasted so good with a layer of potato surrounding the topping, giving the crust an additional kick of flavors, which makes me craving for more.

Some may asked how come I did not suggest the Busan Fishcake which many, many websites would certainly propose one to have it when they are in Busan. Believe it or not, I tried a number of fishcakes from different vendors even to Samjin, the oldest Busan’s fishcake producer. Somehow, Malaysia’s fishcake is still the best!

Aside from that, I had taken the opportunity to try other foods like these:

Samjin Fishcakes

Dry Cold Noodles 

Cold Noodles in Soup 

Freshly baked croissant at Nampo

You can easily get it in any convenience stores

One of my breakfast meals with the locals at Gukje Market

Busan Fried Chicken

After filling my tummy with plenty of food, I was then imagining myself as a Queen. Hehehe! 

On a serious note, Busan is a city that one should take the time to explore, discover and enjoy the pace of living in Busan. Slowly, you will fall in love with it.

Regards,
Foodiestravel

Chapter 153 – Top 8 MUST-VISIT places in Busan, Korea

There are so, so much things to write about this beautiful place! Landed on this beautiful land the minute the sun rose and greeted by a gust of cold wind triggering our spine and nerve while we waited for the right public bus to chauffeur us to Haeundae area.

We spent a good 6 days in the second largest city of South Korea; most of the time, we walked along the busy roads, exerting some legs training via flights and flights of staircase while munching plenty of local delicacies.

For my first post about Busan, South Korea, I shall talk about the TOP 8 MUST-VISIT PLACES and I shall cover the rest of the areas like food in my next post.

1. Shinsegae Centum City @Haeundae

According to our research, it is the largest departmental store in the world. Since it is the largest store, Mr Chee and I decided to pave our ways from the highest floor all the way to the basement. We were left in awe, feasting a variety and countless items sold there. At the rooftop, we were greeted with dinosaurs and children were seen playing around. 

2. HaeDong Yong Gung Temple (Near to Haeundae)

This is one of the must-visit places when you are in Busan. Renowned as the most beautiful temple in Korea, facing the sea, the temple is indeed a bustling hive surrounded by row of street stalls and local vendors.

We had to walk quite a bit as the bus could not drop us right in front of the temple. It was quite chilling that day and we enjoyed our walk as the souls were mesmerized by the view and the hands were busy taking photos. Along the way to the temple, there are rows of stalls selling street food and local souvenirs. Some caught my attention and as always, I found myself indulging the Korean pancake and fishcake.

3.    The Bay 101 @Haeundae

Mr Chee had proposed to visit this place few times and thankfully, we went! It was a serene and calm place where you see locals and tourists alike were trying to get a good photo spot. I did join the whole scene but later found out that my iPhone failed me. Before we could capture one satisfying photo, we were chased away by  the rain.

4.    Busan International Film Festival @Nampo

Also known as BIFF, this is one place that all tourists must visit! This place is so lively once it hits noon and it lasts till midnight. There are plenty of stalls selling local delicacies like Korean pancake (which I eventually found the best one there), rows of shop lots selling cosmetic item, a number of Korean restaurants and many others. One day is certainly not enough!

5.    Jagalchi Fish Market @Jagalchi (near to Nampo)

Nothing impressive unless you are looking to indulge in an array of fresh seafood. Similar experience like the one Mr Chee and I had in Japan, we choose the vendor who are extremely nice to us since majority of the vendors are selling the same seafood. Putting on my “aunty” head, negotiation took place. We had a number of fresh seafood at the end of the day but ultimately, our experience in Okinawa beats it all.

6.    Busan Tower @Yongdusan Park, Nampo

When you are strolling along the streets in BIFF, you will come across an elevator leading to Busan Tower. All you need to do is to hop on this elevator and be ready to mesmerize the beauty of Busan Tower, provided if you go there during the dusk.

You will come across a beautiful displayed ancient hut which serves as a good background for your Instagram photo, the nicely curated flower clock and at corner, you can journey down and immerse with a little knowledge on the type of walls that were built back then.

As you go higher and higher, be sure to put on your scarf or jacket, just in case of the cool breezy wind. If time allows, you can board on to the highest floor of the Busan Tower and enjoy the night scenery.

7.    Gamcheon Cultural Village

This is one of the places where my sister strongly recommends it to me before I flew to Busan. There is no entrance fee to this village but I reckon you to buy a tourist map from the Information Centre; otherwise you would not know how to explore this beautiful place. There are so, so many things to see if you traverse on the longest route and all you need is to make sure your legs are strong enough to walk and not give in at the eleventh hour.

We spent nearly 4-5 hours there and eventually, stopped at one of the small huts and had our simple lunch. A simple lunch was enough to satisfy us that day and give us strength to keep walking. At the end of the day, I must admit that our legs started to sore.

My favorite kimbap

8.    Songdo Beach & Skywalk

Well, this is a love & hate kind of attraction. It’s a beautiful beach (in Korea) but I think Malaysia has plenty of beautiful beaches than in Korea. Many of its features are man-built, not natural; from the skywalk to cable car and hanging bridges. Nevertheless, I did enjoy exploring this place and find myself staring at a bunch of handsome hunks and a beautiful lady hiking the Songdo Marine Park. #oopssorrymrchee

Now I wish that I am in Busan, appreciating the little things there while at the same time, spending quality time with my loved one and doing crazy things like waking up super early in the morning, just to walk on empty streets and visit the underground shopping tunnel at late night, trying to mimic the Zombie attack scene from Train to Busan movie.

Stay tuned for my next post!

Regards,

Foodiestravel