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Busan’s Hidden Gem: Discovering the Best Dwaeji Gukbap Based on Local’s Choice

When you think of Busan cuisine, one dish undoubtedly comes to mind: Dwaeji Gukbap (돼지국밥), or pork soup. This hearty and flavorful soup is a staple in Busan and considered the city’s soul food. Recently, a local Busan newspaper conducted a poll asking Busan natives to vote for their favorite Dwaeji Gukbap restaurants. The results were quite revealing, and I decided to embark on a culinary journey to explore the top picks.

The Busan Local’s Choice Dwaeji Gukbap Ranking

The poll featured 39 renowned Dwaeji Gukbap restaurants in Busan, leading to fierce competition. Here are the top 3 winners:

• 1st Place (51% of votes): Yangsan House (양산집) – Located in Jung-gu, Busan
• 2nd Place (27% of votes): Youngjin Dwaeji Gukbap (영진돼지국밥) – A popular chain restaurant with multiple locations
• 3rd Place (8% of votes): Yangsan Gukbap (양상국밥) Haeundae Main Branch – Situated in Haeundae, Busan

Interestingly, none of these top 3 restaurants were previously featured in the popular “Baek Jong-won’s Alley Restaurant” TV show. This poll truly reflects the authentic preferences of Busan locals.

My Dwaeji Gukbap Adventure: From Expectation to Surprise

My initial plan was to visit the highly anticipated 1st place winner, Yangsan House. However, on New Year’s Day, it was unexpectedly closed. Attempts to visit 2nd place, Youngjin Dwaeji Gukbap, also proved unsuccessful due to apparent closure. With limited options, I reluctantly decided to try Yangsan Gukbap (양상국밥), the 3rd place winner, which wasn’t even on my original radar.

To my utter surprise, Yangsan Gukbap turned out to be an absolute revelation! Being someone who appreciates a good Dwaeji Gukbap, I can honestly say, without exaggeration, that it was the best pork soup I’ve ever tasted. Unlike the typical milky broth Dwaeji Gukbap, Yangsan Gukbap featured a clear, broth, reminiscent of Gomtang (Korean beef bone soup). There was absolutely no porky smell, and the savory depth was incredible. It was clean, rich, and utterly satisfying.

Revisiting the Top Pick: Yangsan House

Intrigued by the vast difference in my experience and the poll results, I had to revisit Yangsan House (양산집), the 1st place winner. Despite having high expectations, Yangsan House, while good, felt more like a standard, widely available Dwaeji Gukbap. It was tasty, no doubt, but it didn’t possess the same unique and unforgettable quality that Yangsan Gukbap offered.

In my opinion, a truly exceptional restaurant should not only be delicious but also distinct. It should offer something unique that you can’t find just anywhere. While Yangsan House provided a solid, traditional Dwaeji Gukbap experience, it felt comparable to many other Dwaeji Gukbap places across Korea. It lacked that special “wow” factor that sets a true 맛집 (Matjib – 맛집, meaning delicious restaurant) apart.

The Verdict: A Matter of Preference

Ultimately, my experience led me to believe that Yangsan Gukbap (양상국밥), despite being ranked 3rd by Busan locals, was, for my palate, the more exceptional and genuinely unique Dwaeji Gukbap restaurant. The clear, flavorful broth was a refreshing departure from the usual Dwaeji Gukbap, offering a taste I hadn’t encountered before.

Of course, taste is subjective. This review is based on my personal experience and preference. However, if you’re in Busan and looking for a Dwaeji Gukbap experience that’s a little different and potentially more memorable, I highly recommend giving Yangsan Gukbap in Haeundae a try. You might just discover your new favorite Dwaeji Gukbap spot, even if it’s not officially ranked number one!

Restaurant Information:

• Yangsan House (양산집): Jung-gu, Busan. (Ranked 1st in local poll)
• Yangsan Gukbap (양상국밥): Haeundae, Busan (Main Branch). (Ranked 3rd in local poll)

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