Introduction
Wondering where the best Restaurants near Gwangalli are? Check it out in this article!
When you think of Busan, one of the first dishes that comes to mind is probably Gukbap. And when you think of Gukbap, Busan might be the city that immediately pops up.
During my recent trip to Busan, I finally had the chance to visit one of the eateries I’ve been eager to try, located near Gwangalli Beach.
This restaurant, as its name suggests, is situated near Minrak Waterfront Park in the vicinity of Gwangalli, renowned for its exceptional Gukbap, attracting many patrons willing to wait in long queues just to savor a bowl.
Though I’ve been intrigued to visit several times before, the daunting queues deterred me.
However, on this trip, determined to experience it firsthand, I stayed overnight at a lodging near Gwangalli and decided to walk over for a meal and a stroll.
Recommendations for Restaurants near Gwangalli Beach: Location & Visit Information
- Address: 9-32, Gwangalli Beach Road, Suyeong-gu, Busan
- Operating Hours: Open 24 hours daily
As is common knowledge, parking in Busan can be challenging, and the area around Gwangalli Beach is no exception.
Thus, I recommend walking from your accommodation or parking elsewhere and enjoying a leisurely stroll to the restaurant.
Additionally, if you plan to dine around lunch or dinner time, arriving approximately two hours before might help avoid long queues.
Restaurants near Gwangalli Subyeon choigo Gukbap: Entrance & Interior
The bright orange sign made it easy to spot the restaurant from afar.
Arriving during an off-peak hour, between 10 and 11 in the morning on a weekday, we were fortunate to find minimal waiting time for a table.
At the entrance, there’s a table paging system where you input your phone number into a machine and receive a notification when your table is ready, allowing for efficient waiting.
Restaurants near Gwangalli : The Menu
Recommended Dish: Hangjeong Gukbap (In Korean: 항정국밥). It’s in the top left corner.
Initially, I hesitated at the menu prices, wondering what could possibly justify an 11,000 won bowl of Gukbap.
However, since I was already in Busan, I decided to go for their signature dish, Hangjeong Gukbap, just to experience it.
After placing our order, simple side dishes arrived promptly. Consisting of common Korean accompaniments like chives, onions, and kimchi, they provided a delightful prelude to our main dish.
To my surprise, our Gukbap arrived in less than three minutes, despite my expectations of a longer wait due to its high price.
Restaurants near Gwangalli: Hangjeong Gukbap Review
The steaming bowl of Hangjeong Gukbap was served promptly, with chunks of Hangjeong meat simmering in the broth.
Unlike typical Gukbap, the visual presentation was unique, akin to boiled pork belly. As I stirred the minced seasoning at the bottom of the bowl, the white broth quickly turned orange.
Dipping a piece of Hangjeong meat into the sauce, I found its melt-in-your-mouth texture reminiscent of grilled pork belly.
The richness and tenderness, coupled with the ample fat content, made it incredibly satisfying to savor.
Despite its richness, it was a delectable Gukbap experience. Personally, among the various Gukbap restaurants I’ve tried in Busan, this one stood out as the most flavorful.
A Must-Visit Gourmet Spot in Gwangalli
If you haven’t tried Gukbap, especially Hangjeong Gukbap, at this premium establishment near Gwangalli Beach, I highly recommend it.
Despite the inconvenience of limited parking, staying in a Gwangalli lodging and walking over might be the best option.
However, considering the worthiness of the dish, despite accessibility challenges and long queues, a visit to this restaurant should definitely be on your Busan itinerary.
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