Bibimbap, a well-known Korean dish — introducing popular restaurants in Nampo-dong!

Bibimbap, a well-known Korean dish — introducing popular restaurants in Nampo-dong!

Bibimbap is a representative Korean dish. Originally, it was an easy meal made by mixing leftover rice with namul (seasoned vegetables), gochujang (red chili paste), and sesame oil — something eaten when feeling a bit hungry. However, it became popular on New Year’s Eve because of the saying, “Don’t carry leftover food into the new year,” leading families to gather all the side dishes in the house and eat them together. Bibimbap also reflects local characteristics, with ingredients differing by region. Here, we’ll introduce bibimbap restaurants in Nampo-dong, Busan’s bustling downtown area!

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Bibimbap, a well-known Korean dish — introducing popular restaurants in Nampo-dong!

1. Sejinjushikdang

Operating since 1955, the long-established Sejinjushikdang is located in a residential area about 10 minutes on foot from Nampo-dong. Maintaining the same flavor for decades, Sejinjushikdang is also famous as a popular spot often visited secretly by celebrities.

The recommended dish is Yukhoe Bibimbap (bibimbap with raw beef), which many customers order. The presence of yukhoe makes the gochujang taste more sweet and savory rather than just spicy. Even those who don’t like spicy food can enjoy it. Steamed shellfish are also included at the bottom, making it a bibimbap full of value where you can enjoy both meat and seafood. Though slightly away from tourist areas, this is a must-try dish when visiting Nampo-dong.

2. Ujeong

Ujeong (Nampo-dong Branch No. 8) is a chain specializing in dolsot bibimbap (stone pot bibimbap), with eight locations throughout Busan. It has a great reputation for delicious dishes at reasonable prices.

The recommended dish is the Dolsot Cheese Bibimbap. Packed with cheese and meat, the combination of melted cheese and sweetly seasoned meat is exceptionally tasty. Other menu options include Fried Egg Dolsot Bibimbap, Shrimp Dolsot Bibimbap, and Samgyeopsal (pork belly) Dolsot Bibimbap. An English menu is also available, so you can order comfortably. Ujeong also offers slightly modified tteokbokki dishes; the hot Cheese Tteokbokki, in particular, is outstanding.

3. Sanebap

Sanebap is a restaurant where you can enjoy all-natural bibimbap made without chemical seasonings. The bright interior filled with houseplants creates a relaxing atmosphere. The spoons on the clean tables come with paper covers, showing thoughtful attention to detail.

There are two recommended dishes. The first is the Dolsot Bulgogi Bibimbap — the savory aroma of the steam is irresistible. Be sure to mix it well with gochujang before eating. The second is the Flying Fish Roe Bibimbap — the popping texture is addictive. Since it contains many raw vegetables, the sweet and sour chojang (vinegar-based chili sauce) pairs better than gochujang. Be sure to try this refreshing, healthy new-style bibimbap!

4. Mihyang

Mihyang is a popular bibimbap restaurant located on the 10th floor of the Lotte Department Store Gwangbok Branch. It’s always full during lunchtime. The recommended dish is the Clam Bibimbap — a local specialty unique to the port city of Nampo-dong.

Non-stone bibimbap dishes sometimes come with rice and toppings served separately. Though this may surprise you, simply transfer the rice into the bowl with the toppings and mix well — that’s the proper way to enjoy it. Since it’s inside Lotte Department Store, which attracts many tourists, the easy-to-read menu also includes English translations. Definitely worth a visit!

◎ Summary

We’ve introduced some recommended bibimbap restaurants in Nampo-dong. Bibimbap is a deep and versatile Korean dish where you can enjoy various ingredients, flavors, and textures depending on the region or restaurant. In Nampo-dong, you can experience different types of bibimbap. If you have the chance to visit, be sure to taste your way through Nampo-dong’s bibimbap!

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