Why this shortlist matters: This is not a random internet ranking. In 2026, more than 10,800 people nominated pork soup restaurants across Busan. The public nomination round surfaced 254 restaurants, and a later vote involving 38,194 residents and visitors selected the top three.

1. Three pork soup restaurants chosen by the public

The three award-winning restaurants below are presented alphabetically in Korean reporting, not as first, second and third place. The useful takeaway is that all three made Busan’s public-vote top three in the 2026 Busan Pork Soup Awards.

SuByeon Choego Dwaeji Gukbap — Millak-dong

Best for: a rich, hearty broth and pork jowl.

Located in Millak-dong in Suyeong-gu, SuByeon Choego is known for its thick, milky pork-bone broth and its hangjeong-gukbap, made with pork jowl. Choose this style if you like a deeper, fuller-bodied soup and tender, slightly fatty cuts of meat. It is also a practical stop when exploring the Millak waterfront or nearby Gwangalli area, though it is worth checking the queue before you go.

Browse official Visit Busan food listings ↗

Yeongjin Dwaeji Gukbap Main Branch — Saha-gu

Best for: pork soup with a side of sliced pork, tofu and stir-fried kimchi.

Yeongjin’s main branch is in Sinpyeong, Saha-gu, away from the most obvious central tourist circuit. It is known for its suyuk baekban set: steamed pork served with tofu and stir-fried kimchi, alongside soup and other accompaniments. That makes it a good option if you want to experience more than a single bowl of gukbap. The official Visit Busan listing currently gives the address as 39 Hasinbeonyeong-ro 157beon-gil and lists Sunday as the regular closing day.

Check Yeongjin Dwaeji Gukbap on Visit Busan ↗

Hapcheon Gukbapjip — Yongho-dong

Best for: a clearer, lighter-tasting broth rather than a very milky soup.

In Yongho-dong, Nam-gu, Hapcheon Gukbapjip stands out for its relatively clear broth and generous pieces of pork. It offers a useful contrast with the richer, heavier style found at some other gukbap restaurants. The restaurant has also been included in the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand selection for three consecutive years, from 2024 through 2026, according to the supplied feature article.

The official Visit Busan listing gives the address as 235 Yongho-ro and notes that the restaurant closes on public holidays. Check the latest listing before making a special trip.

Check Hapcheon Gukbapjip on Visit Busan ↗

The award’s top three are presented here without assigning a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place because the published list names the winners alphabetically. Restaurant hours, menus and prices can change; verify details before visiting.

2. More Busan foods to try

Milmyeon — Busan-style wheat noodles

Chewy wheat noodles served in a chilled broth or mixed with a spicy sauce. It can be a refreshing meal on a warm day, and many restaurants offer different broth and sauce styles.

Busan fish cakes (eomuk)

Fish cakes are a familiar Korean street-food staple, and Busan has a strong association with them. Try them as a quick snack near markets or busy shopping streets; check ingredients if you have seafood allergies.

Ssiat hotteok — seed-filled sweet pancake

A warm, sweet pancake filled with a mixture that commonly includes seeds and nuts. It is often associated with the Nampo-dong and BIFF Square area. Check ingredients if you have a nut allergy.

3. Where to explore for food

  • Seomyeon: A convenient base for casual restaurants and a meal after shopping or transferring across the city. The area is also known for its dwaeji-gukbap alley.
  • Nampo-dong and BIFF Square: Useful for combining market browsing, street snacks and sightseeing around Jagalchi and Gukje Market.
  • Jagalchi and the waterfront: Consider this area for seafood-focused meals. Confirm menu prices and whether side dishes or cooking charges are included before ordering.
  • Haeundae: Convenient for pairing a meal with the beach, coastal walks and nearby attractions. Restaurants close to major sights may be more visitor-oriented, so compare menus before sitting down.

4. Two more restaurant starting points

These additional examples are listed by the official Visit Busan tourism site. They are starting points, not a ranking; choose based on your route and confirm details before you go.

Songjeong Samdae Gukbap — Seomyeon

A long-running option for dwaeji-gukbap in Seomyeon’s pork-soup area. The official listing describes pork soup with rice and several variations, including sundae and offal options. The listing currently shows 24-hour opening, with holiday exceptions.

Check Songjeong Samdae Gukbap on Visit Busan ↗

Ilmi Milmyeon — Nampo area

A milmyeon option in Jung-gu that can be paired with exploring Nampo-dong and nearby markets. The official listing currently shows Monday–Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., and Sunday closure; schedules can change.

Check Ilmi Milmyeon on Visit Busan ↗

Restaurant information is based on official tourism listings checked on November 2, 2026. Recheck opening hours, menus, prices and holiday closures before visiting.

5. How to choose a good local place

  • Check the most recent opening hours and weekly closing day before travelling across town.
  • Read the menu and total price before ordering, especially for seafood sold by weight.
  • Look for a focused menu and recent reviews rather than relying on a single rating.
  • During peak meal times, have a nearby alternative in mind in case there is a queue.
  • If you have dietary restrictions, ask about broth, seafood, nuts and other ingredients directly.

6. Find current restaurant details

Restaurant hours, menus and prices can change. Use the official tourism listings below as a starting point, then confirm the details for the specific restaurant before visiting.

Visit Busan: Official food and restaurant listings ↗

Jagalchi Market: how to avoid surprise bills →

Plan a 3-day Busan itinerary →

Planning tip: The best food guide is one that helps you eat well without spending half the day crossing the city. Group restaurants by the area you are already visiting.