Have you checked out the shark pop-up store that’s been drawing huge crowds in Dong-gu, Busan?
It’s even picked up the nickname “Bucang,” the nation’s favorite shark.
The buzz is so big that the Dong-gu Office in Busan is already planning a character and naming contest, and the area has been packed with visitors.
First, let me show you Bucang.
And here’s Bucang’s little friend standing right beside it.
Still, I can’t help feeling a little worried that if they stay out here too long, they might not survive.
I’m attaching a related news article too, so definitely give it a look! https://n.news.naver.com/article/047/0002529777
But once you’ve finished taking in the amazing views around Bukhang, it’s time for the real travel rule: sightseeing is better after a good meal.
Right next door, Choryang Traditional Market and the wider Choryang neighborhood are packed with hidden-gem restaurants worth seeking out.
Here are the Choryang restaurants personally handpicked by Good Day from the Choryang Ieum Autonomous Commercial District Revitalization Project team.
Main list: 13 Bukhang and Choryang restaurants handpicked by Good Day
1. Choryang Mukjip Since 1972
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This spot has been serving locals since 1972, and you can feel that long history the moment you walk in.
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It’s one of those increasingly rare places where the side dishes are neat and thoughtful, and the mukbap—an acorn jelly rice soup—is rich, savory, and deeply comforting.
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If you miss the kind of homey flavor your grandmother used to make, this place will hit you right in the heart.
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For more photos and details, check here. https://blog.naver.com/goodday_taehee/224399867813
2. Badamaru Abalone Porridge, Busan Station Direct Branch
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Even if you’re nowhere near the beach, this is a great place to enjoy abalone porridge with a deep, ocean-rich flavor.
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Along with the silky abalone porridge, the spicy and refreshing mideodeok haejangguk, a sea squirt hangover soup, is a hidden standout.
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It’s an excellent stop when you want something warm, filling, and easy on the stomach.
3. Choryang Hwadak
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Choryang Hwadak is a popular evening spot known for dakdoritang, a spicy Korean braised chicken stew with a sharp, warming kick.
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It opens after 5 p.m., making it the perfect place to wrap up your day and settle in with a drink.
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If spicy food and a shot of soju sound like your kind of night, make sure this one is on your list.
4. Choryanghae Kalguksu, Busan Station Branch
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The star here is the clean, refreshing broth, and the bowl arrives with a whole giant cuttlefish on top, so the presentation alone is a showstopper.
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Pair it with a crispy pajeon, a Korean scallion pancake, and a glass of makgeolli, and your travel fatigue practically melts away.
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It’s a great place to experience that briny, comforting combination of seafood and kalguksu, Korean knife-cut noodles.
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For more photos and details, check here. https://blog.naver.com/goodday_taehee/224324507387
5. Dongjubang
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Dongjubang is a cozy, atmospheric place where you can enjoy Japanese fusion dishes in a relaxed setting.
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The food is carefully prepared, and the mood makes it ideal for a light drink.
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It’s especially nice for a date or a quiet conversation with someone you want to linger with.
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For more photos and details, check here. https://blog.naver.com/goodday_taehee/224330420980
6. Hunchun Lamb Skewers
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Run by a Korean Chinese mother from Hunchun, this restaurant delivers the kind of deep, authentic flavor that feels truly local to its roots.
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Beyond tender lamb skewers with no gamey smell, you can also order a wide range of Chinese dishes like mapo tofu, warm noodle soup, and stir-fried dried tofu.
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If you want a meal that tastes genuinely authentic, this is one of those choices you won’t regret.
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For more photos and details, check here. https://blog.naver.com/goodday_taehee/224334142976
7. Lim Chaehwan Tuna Butcher Shop
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Located inside the Choryang Traditional Market night market, this spot is known for budget-friendly frozen tuna that still tastes impressively fresh.
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You can enjoy tuna at a reasonable price, so it’s a great place for a casual second round after your first stop.
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It also lets you soak up the warm, old-school atmosphere of the market area.
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For more photos and details, check here. https://blog.naver.com/goodday_taehee/224326784314
8. Choryang Gaya Milmyeon
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Of all the milmyeon places I’ve tried, this is the one Good Day rates as the very best: Choryang Gaya Milmyeon.Seriously.
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From icy mul-milmyeon in a chilled broth to sweet-spicy bibim-milmyeon and even the special mul-bibim version, the lineup here is hard to beat.
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It’s one of those Busan milmyeon spots I confidently recommend even to friends visiting from other regions.
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For more photos and details, check here. https://blog.naver.com/goodday_taehee/224340100238
9. Jureongbak
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This place does more than hearty gukbap, Korean rice soup—it also serves bold, peppery kalguksu.
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Add in tender boiled pork slices and unlimited rice, and you’ve got a seriously satisfying meal.
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For more photos and details, check here. https://blog.naver.com/goodday_taehee/224326750981
10. Samsam Susan
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This is the kind of place where you can fully appreciate the chewy texture and nutty sweetness of fresh squid sashimi.
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The squid is sliced thin in the Gyeongsang-do style, and the more you chew, the more that rich sweetness comes through.
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If you love seafood, this is one address worth remembering.
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For more photos and details, check here. https://blog.naver.com/goodday_taehee/224330428854
11. Deokmi Grilled Fish
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This restaurant serves generous grilled fish set meals with skin that’s crisp on the outside and flesh that stays moist inside.
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It’s not just the main dish that stands out—the clean, carefully prepared side dishes make a bowl of rice disappear in no time.
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I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
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For more photos and details, check here. https://blog.naver.com/goodday_taehee/224326739081
12. Kokamome Busan Station Branch
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This is a great place to experience tempura rice bowls done right.
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The assorted fried toppings come out beautifully crisp, and the house sauce ties everything together in the best way.
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It’s so popular that there’s usually a wait, so I’d recommend getting there a little early.
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For more photos and details, check here. https://blog.naver.com/goodday_taehee/224420869838
13. Yongkangjie Busan Station Direct Branch
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This is the kind of place that instantly brings back memories of traveling in Taiwan.
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It’s already well known for its rich beef noodle soup and spicy, nutty tantan noodles, both packed with deep flavor.
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If you’re craving noodles that feel a little exotic but still totally hit the spot, don’t skip this one.
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For more photos and details, check here. https://blog.naver.com/goodday_taehee/224376284389
And once you’re full…
head over to the 168 Stairs Monorail on Choryang Ibagu-gil.
1. Choryang Ibagu-gil basics
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Meaning: “Ibagu” is Busan dialect for “story,” and this road is filled with the lives, memories, and history of countless people.
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Why it’s special: The hillside homes and alleyway scenery still preserve the traces of Korean War refugees and the hardships they endured. It really feels like a living history walking trail.
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Best time to visit: The mid-slope observatory overlooking Busan Port and downtown is especially beautiful at sunset,which is the real highlight here.
2. Must-see highlights and things to do
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168 Stairs Monorail: Ride the famous monorail—free to use—to skip the steep staircase and reach the observatory with ease.
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Cute little gift shops: Browse charming accessory and souvenir stores that make wandering the alleys even more fun.
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Myeongran Brand Lab goods shop: A fun stop for unique merchandise and local finds that reflect the character of Choryang-dong.
Blog tip: With historical meaning, beautiful views at sunset, and small delights like the monorail and gift shops, this is an easy Busan travel course to recommend for a light walk.
So that’s my roundup of the best places to visit after seeing the Busan shark pop-up at Bukhang:
the real local favorites around Choryang Traditional Market and the wider Choryang area. 1
Pairing a fun pop-up visit with a local food crawl is basically the recipe for a perfect day, right?
This weekend, why not head to Bukhang and Choryang with your family or someone special?
If you found this helpful, I’d love your likes and comments,and I’m always happy to chat. I’ll be back with even better tips soon—thank you!
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