5 Best Restaurants in Busan, South Korea

Opened in 1964 and known for its premium cuts of Korean hanwoo beef, this upscale barbecue restaurant is regarded as one of the finest in the city. The traditional u-shaped hanok building it calls home adds to its deep charm. Just make sure to bring a mighty credit card, or plenty of cash. 

This booming barbecue joint near Kyungsung and Pukyong universities offers amazing bang for your buck. The restaurant specializes in thick cuts of water-aged samgyeopsal (pork belly) at low prices. It's no wonder they're always slammed. 

Stroll down the up-and-coming cafe street behind the old Haeundae Station to find this popular barbecue joint that will make you feel as if you're sipping soju in a Korean drama. With fresh cuts of both beef and pork, it's guaranteed to please carnivores without decimating their wallets. The tabletop grills also come with side pans for cooking scrambled eggs and kimchi.

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 ₩15,000, 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.