Street Food in Korea: Exploring Haeundae Market’s Best Dishes 🇰🇷

Unveiling the Flavours of Haeundae Traditional Market

Haeundae has become our home away from home. This was our second time staying in this lively neighbourhood. It didn’t take long to remember why we fell in love with it the first time. Between its iconic beach, vibrant street performances, and bustling energy, Haeundae captures everything we adore about Busan.

But let’s be honest—our hearts (and stomachs) belong to the Haeundae Traditional Market. This foodie haven is packed with stalls bursting with flavour and personality. Each stall offers a glimpse into Korea’s rich culinary heritage.

Join us as we eat our way through the market. We will share honest reviews, insider tips, and our must-try recommendations. This will help you make the most of your visit!

A Culinary Journey Through Haeundae Traditional Market

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2. Soh-Moon-Nan Tweegim Jeon (소문난 튀김 전)

Dish: Assorted Jeon (Korean Pancakes)

📍 Address: 29 Gunam-ro 41beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan

Crispy, golden, and packed with flavour, jeon is a staple in Korean cuisine. At Soh-Moon-Nan Tweegim Jeon, the variety of options was overwhelming in the best way possible. From seafood to vegetables and even meat, there’s something here for every palate.

• What’s On Offer: At this stall, you’ll find a variety of jeon. They range from seafood and vegetables to meat. All are lightly battered and pan-fried to golden perfection.
• How It’s Enjoyed: Jeon is not just a dish but an experience. It is enjoyed with friends or family over a casual conversation. It is often accompanied by makgeolli (Korean rice wine).
• Our Verdict: Crispy and satisfying, but the flavours here didn’t stand out compared to other stalls in the market. It is worth a try for the cultural experience. However, we suggest going to a stall that makes it freshly made. Avoid stalls that heat up a pre-made jeon.

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3. Sangguginae (상국이네)

Dishes: Tteokbokki, Sundae, and Tweegim

📍 Address: 40-1 Gunam-ro 41beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan

You’ll often see a long line up in front of Sangguginae. It’s a stall that’s offers classic Korean street foods that are beloved staples of market culture:

• Tteokbokki (떡볶이): Chewy rice cakes coated in a sweet and spicy red chili sauce. This dish is a symbol of Korean comfort food, often enjoyed by students and families alike.
• Sundae (순대): Korea’s take on blood sausage, filled with glass noodles and spices. It’s a dish that surprises many with its mild and savory flavour.
• Tweegim (튀김): Fried snacks that pair perfectly with the bold flavours of tteokbokki.
• Why It’s Special: These dishes showcase Korea’s knack for creating bold, comforting flavours that bring people together.
• Our Tip: Mix and match these dishes for a balanced snack platter!

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4. Haeundae 31cm Haemul Kalguksu (해운대 31cm 해물칼국수)

Dish: Seafood Kalguksu

📍 Address: 46 Gunam-ro 41beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan

Kalguksu, which translates to “knife-cut noodles,” has long been a symbol of Korean hospitality and tradition. This hearty noodle soup is often associated with warmth, care, and family gatherings. Few dishes comfort the soul like a bowl of kalguksu. This stall takes it to another level with its 31cm-long noodles. The dish overflows with seafood. At this stall, the dish is elevated with fresh seafood straight from Busan’s coastal waters. Their ginormous bowl at an unbelievable price made them famous!

• What’s in the Bowl: The 31cm-long noodles are paired with an overflowing assortment of clams, mussels, and scallops. The broth is comforting, with bouncy and chewy noodles, and perfectly balanced with a side of spicy kimchi.
• Our Experience: Every spoonful felt like a hug in a bowl. This was, without a doubt, our favourite spot in the market—we came back four times!
• Chung Recommended: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We absolutely loved this spot—it was Ian’s favourite Kalguksu restaurant in Busan! The chewy noodles and giant bowls packed with fresh seafood were unforgettable. Despite the generous portions, Ian’s love for noodles had us ordering extra!
• Our Tip: If you’re a noodle lover with a big appetite, we highly recommend adding extra noodles. Be sure to ask for this when placing your order, as it must be done at the start!

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5. Haeundae Myeongpum Hotteok (해운대 명품 호떡)

Dish: Seed Hotteok & Cheese Seed Hotteok

📍 Address: 38 Jungdong 1-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

Hotteok—a sweet pancake filled with sugar, cinnamon, and nuts—is one of Korea’s most beloved street snacks. Deeply tied to Korean markets, it’s a treat often enjoyed during chilly evenings or festive celebrations. Interestingly, seed hotteok originated in the Nampo-dong neighborhood of Busan. It later spread to other popular areas like Seomyeon and Haeundae. This solidified its place as a local favourite.

Hotteok is the perfect way to wrap up a market adventure, and this stall truly nails it. Their seed hotteok is fried to golden perfection, with a gooey, nutty filling that feels like a warm hug. For something extra, the cheese hotteok adds a savory twist that’s just as irresistible.

• What Makes It Special: Unlike other stalls, this vendor incorporates the seed filling into the dough before frying. This method ensures an even, gooey sweetness with every bite. Their cheese-filled version is a creative twist on the classic.
• Pro Tip: The cheese hotteok is available to order after 6 PM from Wednesday to Sunday. However, we did encounter days when it wasn’t available, even during the listed times. If you’re lucky enough to see cheese hotteok on the menu, it’s your lucky day. Don’t miss the chance to try it!
• Chung Recommended: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Pure bliss! We absolutely loved the nutty crunch of the seeds paired with the crispy, deep-fried texture of the dough. The combination of sweet honey and savory cheese was unbeatable—it’s truly the best of both worlds! For the first few days, we couldn’t resist going back daily until we had to restrain ourselves. Honestly, writing this now is making us crave one all over again 😭.

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Tips for Navigating Haeundae Traditional Market

1. Best Times to Visit: Head to the market in the late afternoon or early evening. The stalls will be in full swing. It’s not overly crowded at that time.
2. Bring Cash: While some stalls accept cards, cash is still king here.
3. Try a Little of Everything: Many stalls offer small portions, so don’t be afraid to sample multiple dishes!
4. Chung Recommendation: Haeundae 31cm Haemul Kalguksu + Haeundae Myeongpum Hotteok

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How to Get There

🚇 By Subway

Take Subway Line 2 to Haeundae Station. From Exit 3, the market is just a 5-minute walk away.

The fare is around ₩1,400 to ₩1,800 KRW (~$1.40–$1.80 CAD) for a one-way trip.

🚌 By Bus

From Busan Station, take bus 1003 to Haeundae Beach Bus Stop (approximately 45 minutes). From there, it’s a short walk to the market.

The fare is around ₩1,200 to ₩1,500 KRW (~$1.20–$1.50 CAD) for a one-way trip.

🚕 By Taxi

Taking a taxi from Busan Station to Haeundae Traditional Market is a convenient option. It is especially beneficial if you’re short on time. It is also convenient if you’re traveling with luggage. The journey typically takes around 35–45 minutes, depending on traffic, and covers a distance of approximately 18–20 kilometers.

Fares range between ₩15,000 to ₩25,000 KRW (~$15–$25 CAD). This makes it a hassle-free way to reach the market. Dive straight into the food adventure!

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Join the Conversation!

Have you visited Haeundae Traditional Market? What dish are you most excited to try? Share your favorite finds in the comments below—we’d love to hear about your foodie adventures!

And don’t forget to check out our vlog, Busan Food Tour: Eating Our Way Through Haeundae Traditional Market, on YouTube. Like, comment, and subscribe to follow along with our next adventure!

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Keywords

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