Text & Photos by Yoon Su-mi, 6th Cohort GoBoogi Creator

What's the first food that comes to mind when you think of Busan? For many people, it's dwaeji gukbap, Busan's signature pork and rice soup. With around 800 restaurants serving dwaeji gukbap across Busan, this beloved local specialty has been a favorite for generations. But with so many options, travelers may find it hard to decide where to eat.

Last October, the 2026 Busan Dwaeji Gukbap Grand Fair was held to introduce more locals and visitors to the city's iconic dish. Twenty restaurants were selected through a public vote, with awards presented in three tiers: 1 Ttukbaegi, 2 Ttukbaegi, and 3 Ttukbaegi. Three pork soup restaurants received the highest honor, the 3 Ttukbaegi award. Let's take a closer look at what makes each one special!

Subyeon Choego Dwaeji Gukbap, Millak Main Branch

Just a 10-minute walk from Gwangalli Beach, Subyeon Choego Dwaeji Gukbap's Millak main branch sits right next to Millak Waterside Park in Busan's Suyeong-gu district. Open 24 hours a day, it's a popular spot among travelers staying nearby.

The menu also features the Subyeon Solo Set, a special option for those dining alone. Priced at KRW 18,000, the set includes a small bowl of pork jowl soup with rice and a platter of assorted boiled pork for one. While that price might seem a bit high for a regular bowl of pork soup, the chance to enjoy a hearty meal with a mini platter of boiled pork caught my attention as someone who enjoys dining alone.

One of the best things about dwaeji gukbap is that you can customize the broth with spicy seasoning paste, salted shrimp, and seasoned garlic chives. The broth had such a rich, savory flavor that I enjoyed it just as it was served, without adding anything.

The assorted boiled pork platter for one includes two or three pieces each of pork belly, pork collar (or pork neck), pork jowl, and sundae (Korean blood sausage). I recommend wrapping the meat in fresh greens or dipping it in wasabi sauce.

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Yeongjin Dwaeji Gukbap, Main Branch

Located near the Sinpyeong-Jangnim General Industrial Complex in Busan's Saha-gu district, Yeongjin Dwaeji Gukbap's main branch may be a little out of the way for travelers. Still, its light, clean-tasting broth and genuine hospitality have earned it a loyal following.
The restaurant has been serving pork soup at this location since 1994. Even today, the owner personally oversees the broth and warmly greets regular customers, giving the place a welcoming, down-to-earth feel.

The regular dwaeji gukbap is generously portioned, but the real hidden gem here is the suyuk baekban, a set meal featuring boiled pork. The generous spread includes fluffy, non-sticky white rice, an earthenware pot of rich, slightly salty broth, boiled pork jowl, boiled tofu, stir-fried kimchi, thin wheat noodles, and fresh greens for wraps. All the side dishes and broth can be refilled, but the boiled pork cannot.

The staff were constantly on the move, checking whether guests needed anything else and making sure everyone was well taken care of. What impressed me most was the owner's approach to hospitality: taking care of customers before they even have to ask and being generous with whatever they need, even if it means a little extra work.

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Hapcheon Gukbapjip

Located in Busan's Nam-gu district, Hapcheon Gukbapjip has been recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand every year since 2024. During my visit, I saw the owner preparing the broth, slicing the meat, and personally attending to customers.

Hapcheon Gukbapjip has been a local favorite for years, but there are a few things to keep in mind before visiting.
• Solo diners are not accepted from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
• Suyuk baekban (boiled pork set meal) is available only for parties of two or more.
• Parking assistance is available only for parties of two or more.

I ordered ttaro gukbap, which comes with rice on the side, at Hapcheon Gukbapjip. Unlike the milky-white broths at the previous two restaurants, the broth here was clearer, with a light, clean flavor that made it stand out. The lean pork was tender and clean-tasting, and the generous portion made for a satisfying meal.

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Q&A

Q. What is the 2026 Busan Dwaeji Gukbap Grand Fair?

It's a food festival celebrating dwaeji gukbap, Busan's signature comfort food. Locals vote for their favorite pork soup restaurants, while visitors can discover different dwaeji gukbap brands and take part in related activities, all in one place. The three restaurants featured in this post were selected through the 2026 Busan Dwaeji Gukbap Grand Fair. Discover Busan's rich food traditions and the distinct flavors of dwaeji gukbap from different parts of the city. It's a delicious way to experience Busan!