Looking for the best food in the city? Look no farther than your own neighborhood.
Busan is composed of more than 200 dongs, or neighborhoods, connecting communities. Busan City is currently publishing a list of eateries recommended by the dongjang, the resident community head in each dong. Beginning this month, Dynamic Busan will feature local gourmet restaurants from the list under a common theme “The first Korean table d’hote.”
We are glad to share the recommendations courtesy of our friends at Dynamic Busan.
Jukrim Soban
Take a seat amid the serenity of a tall grass field in U3-dong, Haeundae-gu (district). Korean table d’hote restaurant Jukrim Soban, which means a small dining table in a bamboo grove, is the dongjang’s favorite. It’s located on the 20th floor of a building in Marine City and offers a stellar view of Gwangan Bridge shining across Haeundae’s waters.
The dongjang’s recommendation was based on Jukrim Soban’s food and antique interior design. Its reasonable prices have earned the restaurant’s customer support. Korean table d’hote lunch specials, including rice and side dishes, run between 8,000 and 13,000 won.
The most popular item on the menu is lotus leaf rice table d’hote. Steamed rice flavored with nuts and mixed grains, wrapped in a glossy lotus leaf, offers incomparable aroma, flavor and nutritional value. Served with seaweed soup, egg rolls, bean paste soup and kimchi, it’s an authentic Korean-style spread perfectly complemented by the Americano served for dessert.
Another popular menu item is haemul pajeon (seafood pancake). Made from homegrown sticky rice paste, fresh seafood, mushrooms and herbs, the lightly browned cakes are a favorite for people of all ages.
Address: 20th floor, Marine Park Building, 2, Marine City 2-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
How to get there: Take bus Nos. 139, 307 or 1003 and get off at the Gyeongnam Marina Apartment bus stop. It’s next to the fire station.
Hours: Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; dinner 5:30 to 10 p.m.; closed on Sundays.
Information: 051-731-2774
Joeun Ssalo Bapjitgo (Cook Rice from Good Rice)
In an alley in Daecheong-dong near Yongdusan Mountain Park, there’s a traditional Korean table d’hote restaurant that lives up to its name, a promise to prepare food from only quality ingredients. Directly translated, Joeun Ssalo Bapjitgo means cook rice from good rice (grains). The Daecheong-dong dongjang chose the eatery for its healthy and comforting home-style meals, just like something fresh from Mom’s kitchen.
Its tables and decor are crafted from solid wood with seating on the floor – an atmosphere that conjures the feeling of Korean hanok (Korean-style house). Start with salad before a main dish featuring rice, accompanied by seasoned vegetables or other fresh sides. Desserts such as sikhye (sweet rice drink) and hongsi (soft persimmon) cap off the meal. The restaurant is popular with foreign fans of Korean food and conveniently located close to Nampo-dong, a central draw for tourists.
Don’t miss the dolsotbap jeongsik (table d’hote with stone pot rice). Dolsotbap runs 15,000 won on the lunch menu. A full-course table d’hote meal is 25,000 won.
Address: 9, Gwangbokjungang-ro 24 beon-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
How to get there: Take bus Nos. 40 or 81 bound for Jungang-dong and get off at the Gukje Market stop. Walk down the alley next to the Busan Modern History Museum for a block and turn left at the corner of the Shabu Maxim building. Here, you’ll find a small alley leading to the eatery.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; closed on the first and third Sunday of the month and national holidays
Information: 051-248-8500
