"A Fisherman’s Soul Food: The Top 5 Dwaeji Gukbap Spots Only Busan Locals Know" (낚시꾼의 소울푸드: 부산 현지인만 아는 최고의 돼지국밥 맛집 5곳)
Why Every Fisherman in Busan Starts Their Day with Gukbap😊
As a fisherman, my day often starts before the sun comes up.
After hours of battling the cold sea breeze at Yeongdo or Gijang, there is only one thing
that can truly warm my bones: Dwaeji Gukbap (Pork Soup with Rice).
It’s not just a meal; it’s the "Soul Food" of Busan.
Born from the history of the Korean War, this humble dish has become a symbol of our city's resilience and warmth.
Today, I'm sharing my personal list of the top 5 spots where you can taste the real Busan.
1. The Top 5 Authentic Spots
① Subyun Choego Dwaeji Gukbap (수변최고돼지국밥) – Gwangalli/Millak
The Vibe: This place is legendary among locals who fish near the Millak waterfront.
The Taste: The broth is incredibly rich and "thick." It’s the kind of soup that makes you feel energized instantly.
- Fisherman's Tip: It’s almost always crowded. Use a waiting app (like Tabling) while you're still walking along the Gwangalli beach to save time.
👉 click here! 수변최고돼지국밥 (there are 7 spots in Busan!)
② Eom Yong-baek Dwaeji Gukbap (엄용백돼지국밥) – Haeundae/Suyeong
The Vibe: If you want a more "refined" and clean gukbap experience, this is it. It’s
famous for having two distinct styles: clear Busan-style and milky Miryang-style.The Taste: The meat quality here is exceptional. It feels like a gourmet meal served in a traditional Korean house.
👉 엄용백돼지국밥 (there are 2 spots in Busan!)
③ Sasang Hapcheon Dwaeji Gukbap (사상 합천돼지국밥) – Sasang
The Vibe: This is where the "real" Busan vibe hits you. It’s located near the bus terminal, always bustling with travelers and workers.
The Taste: They put a spoonful of minced garlic on top, which gives the soup a powerful, addictive kick. This is my personal favorite after a long night of fishing.
👉 사상합천돼지국밥
④ Bonjeon Dwaeji Gukbap (본전돼지국밥) – Near Busan Station
The Vibe: For over 45 years, this has been the first stop for people arriving at Busan Station.
The Taste: The broth is surprisingly clear and light, not greasy at all. It’s the perfect "Welcome to Busan" bowl.
👉 본전돼지국밥
⑤ Suyeong Bonga Dwaeji Gukbap (수영본가돼지국밥) – Seomyeon
The Vibe: Located in the heart of the city, it’s the go-to spot for office workers and night owls.
The Taste: It’s consistent and reliable. The "Tadegi" (red chili paste) here is perfectly balanced, giving it just the right amount of spice.
👉 수영본가돼지국밥
2. How to Eat Gukbap Like a Pro (The Fisherman’s Way)
To truly enjoy your bowl, don't just eat it as served. Follow these steps:
- Taste the broth first. See how deep the flavor is.
- Add Salted Shrimp (Saeu-jeot). Don't use regular salt; salted shrimp adds "Umami" and helps with digestion.
- Heap in the Chives (Bu-chu). We call it 'Jeong-gu-ji' in Busan. It adds freshness and is great for your stamina.
- Rice In! Most locals dump the entire bowl of rice into the soup to let the grains soak up the broth.
3. Closing: More Than a Soup
Whether you are a tourist or a local fisherman like me, a bowl of Dwaeji Gukbap is an
invitation to understand Busan’s heart. It’s warm, generous, and unpretentious. Next
time you're in Busan, skip the fancy hotel breakfast and find a small gukbap sign tucked
in an alley. That’s where the real journey begins.
