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Busan overflows with restaurants and cafes of every description. Portions are large and prices are reasonable so it's as easy to indulge in fine dining as it is in street food—options at both ends of the price scale are most likely serving local seafood specialties, particularly in the area around the Jagalchi Markets.
Looming on the far north end of the beach, this complex is dedicated to the glory of seafood prepared in its freshest form. The first floor is a cavalcade of tanks manned by strong women who will net the sea creatures you desire and dispatch them on the spot; you're then sent to a restaurant upstairs, where everything is served sliced up on a table, along with classic Korean side dishes and maeuntang, a peppery soup made from the bones and heads.
This popular neighborhood joint serves up top-notch old-school Korean fare like vegetable pancakes (potato, green onion, and chive), grilled fish, steamed pork, boiled octopus, and more. This all comes with a kaleidoscopic array of banchan (side dishes), as well as a terrific collection of soju and makgeolli, Korea's milky rice wine. The surroundings are dark and intimate, and the place stays open late, as it's as much of a drinking establishment as it is an eatery.
It's impossible for any seafood lover to visit the Jagalchi fish market and not indulge in a freshly caught meal; the OASE Seafood Buffet is a family friendly and easily accessible place to start. Located on the 5th and 6th floors of the market building, the seafood stalls on the floors below are culled daily in order to create about 100 dishes; choose from Japanese sushi and sashimi, western-style dishes like pizza and pasta, or more traditional Korean fare. The harbor views are lovely but only for a few lucky tables; it's possible to call ahead and ask to reserve one. The restaurant closes at 9pm, so this is not the spot for late-night dining.
The Gwangalli branch of this popular barbecue chain sits a stone's throw from the beach and is always hopping. Seorae promises 500g (1.1 pounds) galmaegisal (pork skirt meat) for prices starting at ₩29,000, guaranteeing a steady crowd of young locals. The attentive staff will keep the meat sizzling at your tabletop grill, and as a bonus, most of them speak English.
The Seomyeon branch of this popular beef galbi (rib meat) barbecue chain is both elegant and immaculate, complete with a small stream running through the building. The restaurant specializes in fresh cuts of imported beef (American and Australian), making it slightly easier on the wallet than the places that only serve Korean hanwoo.
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