Anga Sutbul-gui

If it's the celebrated Korean BBQ you're after, Anga Sutbul-gui is probably the place you'll be directed to. They're known primarily for their marinated pork which is grilled to perfection on the private grills built into each table. Diners can also enjoy access to an unlimited salad bar which also displays various condiments. Keep in mind that it's on the pricey side and only set menus are served at lunchtime.

• Address:

  494-1 Jwadongsunhwan-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

• Phone:

  +82 51 742 7852

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun 5pm–Midnight, Mon Closed

Choryang Milmyeon

A classic inexpensive eatery in close proximity to the Busan station, Choryang Milmyeon serves up cold 'milmyeon' noodles which are a local favourite. The dish might not be for everyone (although we do of course encourage you to try this Busan speciality), wheres the 'mandu' (meat dumplings) rarely disappoint. Prices are extremely affordable.

• Address:

  225 Jungang-daero, Choryang-dong, Dong-gu, Busan

• Phone:

  +82 51 462 1575

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–10pm

Gukje Market

A bustling food street cuts through Busan's busiest market, and has diners take seats at the stalls of their choosing. Street eateries sell all manner of Korean and Busan specialities imaginable, from 'gimbap' (Korean sushi rolls) to cold noodles, pork soup, and more. The rest of the market makes for a curious browse-around, even though most of the wares are aimed primarily at local shoppers rather than tourists.

• Web:

  gukjemarket6.modoo.at

• E-mail:

  g-gjmarket@naver.com

• Address:

  25 Gukjesijang 2-gil, Gwangbok-dong, Jung-gu, Busan

• Phone:

  +82 51 245 7389

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–7pm

• Subway:

  Jagalchi Station

Haeundae Milmyeon Jeonmunjeom

The Busan speciality of "milmyeon" is best served on a hot summer's day. Picture a nest of wheat noodles served ice-cold (sometimes with ice still floating in the broth) with hot pepper paste, vegetables and half an egg on top. The noodles aren't too spicy despite the gochujang paste and make for a nice snack on the beach. The Milmyeon Jeonmunjeom restaurant is walking distance from Haeundae. This type of noodle is known elsewhere in Korea as "naengmyeon", but varieties outside of Busan usually swap wheat noodles for buckwheat, sweet potato for other kinds and they generally leave out the pepper paste.

• Address:

  21 Jungdong 2-ro 10beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan

• Phone:

  +82 51 743 0392

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10.40am–8.30pm

Jagalchi Fish Market

This legendary market will blow the mind of anyone who happens to have even a passing interest in seafood. The sheer variety of sea creatures sold here must be seen to be believed. If the Korean favourites such as crab and eel get stale, try the 'kalguksu' noodles with clams or 'bajirak' as well as basically anything that can be extracted from the deep waters washing over Busan. One speciality that Jagalchi does particularly well is 'hoe' (pronounced /wɛ/), which is raw fish cut into thin slithers almost like sashimi. Dip it in sauce and wrap it up in a lettuce leaf for a flavour punch in a crunchy casing.

• Web:

  jagalchimarket.bisco.or.kr

• Address:

  52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan

• Phone:

  +82 51 245 2594

• Opening hours:

  Daily 5am–10pm

Jangsusam

This compact hole in the wall serves one thing and one thing only, Korean 'samgye-tang'. This gingery soup is made up of a whole chicken stuffed with rice and flavourful ingredients such as garlic and ginseng. The soup is deemed to hold all sorts of curative properties and is considered to be a traditional warm-weather dish. The owner is exceptionally friendly to foreign visitors and willingly demonstrates the proper way to eat the soup, with an assortment of Korean pickles followed by a special ginseng drink and chased with a coffee.

• E-mail:

  yeonhui1236@naver.com

• Address:

  7 Suyeongseong-ro 3beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan

• Phone:

  +82 51 746 7923

• Opening hours:

  Wed–Mon 11am–8pm, Tue Closed

Galmegi Brewing Gwangan

Galmegi Brewing is a local craft beer brewery with several locations across Busan. Ordering a sampler flight of 4 distinct beers is usually the best way to go. Select them from a menu that includes everything from mild IPAs and lagers to stouts and other darker beers with fruity or vanilla notes. They serve a limited food menu of pizza and snacks. The chain is quite popular with expats.

• Web:

  www.galmegibrewing.com

• E-mail:

  touroperator@naver.com

• Address:

  58 Gwangnam-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan

• Phone:

  +82 51 627 4328

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu & Sun 5pm–1am, Fri & Sat 4pm–2am

• More info:

  Further locations in Heungdae and Nampo (open till 2am)

Gorilla Brewing Co.

A popular craft brewery with a couple dozen varieties of beer on tap; order by flight or individual glass. The roomy interior follows an industrial theme and can feel somewhat empty outside of peak evening hours, so plan your visit for somewhere around 9pm. There is a decent food menu at Gorilla Brewing Co to help absorb all of that hoppy goodness.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/gorilla_brewing/

• E-mail:

  contact@gorillabrewingcompany.com

• Address:

  125 Gwangnam-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan

• Phone:

  +82 51 714 6258

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 5pm–Midnight, Sat & Sun 3pm–Midnight

Gwangalli Beach & Millak Waterside Park

Nighttime is when this beach truly shines. It starts with a spectacular sunset, followed by an unobstructed view of the Gwangan Bridge light show (8, 9 and 10pm Fri–Sat and 8 & 10pm Sun–Thu), which is sometimes complemented with a firework display. There are street performances along the promenade and dozens of inviting eateries. Unsurprisingly, the beach tends to get quite busy after sundown and is especially popular with local youths who particularly favour the area. If you feel up to a genuine local nightlife experience, pick up some picnic food (sashimi and soju are usually the local combinations of choice) and join the crowds at Millak Waterfront Park.

• Web:

  www.visitbusan.net/kr/index.do?menuCd=DOM_000000201001001000&uc_seq=285&lang_cd=ko

• Phone:

  +82 51 610 4216

Haeundae Ogtap Rooftop

A lively rooftop bar with a view of the sea, Haeundae Ogtap Rooftop sits right above the beach, beside its surrounding high-rises which light up beautifully at night. Order a beer and take it all in from the panoramic outdoor terrace. A snack and food menu is also available.

• Address:

  28 Dalmaji-gil 62beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan

• Phone:

  +82 10 3864 4444

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 5pm–1am, Sat & Sun 5pm–2am

HQ Gwangan

This Gwangalli Beach staple is a bar especially popular with expats for its affordable drinks, live music, great vibes, and a spectacular night view of the Gwangan Bridge. There is also a fairly long list of edible accoutrements on the menu at HQ Gwangan so the beer has something to soak into.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/hqbar_busan/

• Address:

  237 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan

• Phone:

  +82 70 4419 1213

• Opening hours:

  Wed 7pm–Midnight, Thu 7pm–2am, Fri & Sat 7pm–3am, Sun 3pm–Midnight

• More info:

  4th floor

The Bay 101 Yacht Club

This buzzing waterfront development is a popular venue for an after sundown excursion, whether it be to enjoy the spectacular cityscape that unfolds from here or indulge in some expertly cooked dishes of world cuisine (try the beef noodles at Daedo). There are both high and low end dining options available, as well as a coffee shop that also sells desserts like ice cream and Korean shaved ice.

• Web:

  www.eng.thebay101.com

• E-mail:

  tothebay101@naver.com

• Address:

  52 Dongbaek-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

• Phone:

  +82 51 726 8888

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–10pm

Brown Hands Baekje Cafe

Perhaps the most Instagrammable cafe in Busan, Brown Hands Baekje Cafe occupies the space of a former hospital and effortlessly blends elements of the old (like bare brick walls, white wall tiles and jagged doorways) with stylish decor and lighting. They serve hot and cold drinks plus a few sweet snacks.

• Web:

  www.brownhands.co.kr

• E-mail:

  bh@brownhands.co.kr

• Address:

  16 Jungang-daero 209beon-gil, Dong-gu, Busan

• Phone:

  +82 51 464 0332

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–10pm

Jeonpo Cafe Street

The Jeonpo Cafe Street (sometimes called the Seomyeon Cafe Street) is where trendy cafes compete for customer attention with expertly brewed coffee, delectable desserts, and abundant brunch offerings. Whether it's a Korean shaved ice or the finest French pastry you fancy, it can all be found along this stretch. Most cafes open around 11.00.

• Address:

  92 Dongcheon-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan

• Phone:

  +82 51 605 4021

OPS Haeundae

This popular little bakery packs a punch with its wide array of baked goods, ranging from incredibly appetising sweet treats and cakes (try their Korean custard puffs!) to savoury options that include quiche and noodles as well as some neatly dressed salads. Wash it down with your favourite beverage, it is sure to be on the menu at OPS Haeundae.

• Web:

  ops.co.kr

• E-mail:

  mall@ops.co.kr

• Address:

  31 Jungdong 1-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

• Phone:

  +82 51 747 6886

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am–11pm

Sulbing Seomyeon

This nationwide chain of cafes is known primarily for its 'bingsu' (shaved ice dessert) which is sometimes used interchangeably with the brand name 'Sulbing' itself. There are multiple varieties to choose from at Sulbing Seomyeon. Toppings range from fresh fruit, such as mango and strawberries, to elaborate concoctions featuring an entire slab of tiramisu on top. The chocolate sulbing is probably the most decadent-looking dessert you'll have seen in a while.

• Web:

  www.sulbing.com/main.php

• Address:

  26 Jungang-daero 692beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan

• Phone:

  +82 51 809 3300

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11am–11pm

Waveon Coffee

If time permits, take a road trip up to Gijang County to pay a visit to the stunning Waveon Coffee building. Set in a spectacular seafront location, this architectural gem offers 4 floors of unobstructed sea views with an open-air terrace at the top. There is a limited coffee/tea menu plus a selection of several elegant desserts.

• Web:

  waveoncoffee.com

• E-mail:

  mall@waveoncoffee.com

• Address:

  286 Haemaji-ro, Gijang-gun, Busan

• Phone:

  +82 51 727 1660

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–Midnight