Busan Pork Soup Guide 2: Gyeongju Parkga Gukbap in Busan

While there are many places claiming to be the “original” Busan Pork Soup spot in Busan, and many guidebooks point to various famous names, there is one place that true locals swear by: Gyeongju Parkga Gukbap.
It’s a 24-hour institution, and with multiple branches across the city, it’s incredibly convenient to visit one regardless of where your Busan itinerary takes you.

1. About Gyeongju Parkga Gukbap

Established in 1943, this restaurant is a representative
Gukbap history in Busan. Its quality and heritage were officially recognized in 2009 when it was designated as a “Busan Local Specialty Restaurant.”
The business is family-run across all its locations, which is
their secret to maintaining the consistent, deep flavor of their traditional recipes.

Out of their six locations, these three are the most accessible for international travelers:

• Suyeong Branch: Located right in front of Suyeong Station, near the scenic Millak Waterfront Park.
• Seomyeon Branch: Situated near the vibrant Seomyeon Pocha Street and Lotte Department Store.
• Sajik Branch: Located near Sajik Stadium, the heart of Busan’s baseball culture.

I personally frequent the Seomyeon branch most often.
I have shared easy directions from Busan Station for you below!

2. Gyeongju Parkga Gukbap Menu

Busan pork soup generally falls into two styles:
the clear, light broth focused on lean meat,
or the rich, deep, long-boiled bone broth.
Gyeongju Parkga specializes in the latter—a deep, savory flavor that feels truly hearty.

1) Understanding the Busan pork soup

If you prefer a clean, light taste, go for the Dwaeji-gukbap.
If you want to sample the variety of textures that pork offal offers, try the Sundae-gukbap or Modeum-gukbap. They also offer larger dishes like Wang-Chapssal Sundae (Giant Glutinous Blood Sausage), Suyuk (Boiled Pork Slices), and Sundae-jeongol (Spicy Blood Sausage Hot Pot), which are perfect for a late-night dinner with drinks.

2) Modeum-gukbap & Makgeolli

I often order the Modeum-gukbap when I crave something more robust. It’s fun to toggle between the textures of the meat, Blood Sausage, and offal—It keeps the meal interesting. Because they simmer the broth for 24 hours, the depth of the flavor is on another level. I’ve tried every item on the menu, and they’ve perfected the recipe to remove any “gamey” odors, making it very approachable for international visitors. Don’t forget to add the dadaegi (spicy seasoning paste) provided for a spicy kick!

I also highly recommend pairing your meal with Saeng-tak,
a local Busan brand of Makgeolli. It’s significantly crisper and more refreshing than other common brands like ‘Jangsu Makgeolli.’

3) Korean Blood Sausage (왕찹쌀순대)

My favorite part? Their giant Wang-Chapssal Sundae. It contains a higher ratio of seonji (blood sausage) and glutinous rice than standard versions, giving it a firmer texture and a size nearly twice as large as regular sausages. I have actually visited just to get this packed to-go!

Did you know that dipping sauces for Blood Sausage vary
by region in Korea?
✔️In Seoul – it’s typically salt.
✔️In Busan – Makjang (a special soybean paste blend).
✔️In Gwangju – use spicy red chili paste
✔️In Gangwon-do – shrimp sauce
✔️In Jeju Island- soy sauce.

The best spots for handmade Sundae are found in Jeonju
and Busan. The flavor here is a bit stronger and more “raw” compared to Seoul’s versions. Try dipping it in Makjang and topping it with a generous amount of chives for the perfect bite!

4) The Side Dishes & Tips

They say you can judge a Gukbap restaurant by its Kkakdugi (radish kimchi) & Kimchi. If a place masters its side dishes, the main course is guaranteed to be good.
Their Kkakdugi is a personal favorite—spicy and slightly sweet, it harmonizes beautifully with the hot, savory soup.
You can enjoy unlimited refills of kimchi and garlic chives

Caution: garlic chives are delicious and packed with nutrients, but they can cause lingering breath. Eat them in moderation!

3. Seomyeon Branch Information

• Address: 21 Seomyeon-ro 68beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan
• How to get there:
  –Subway: Take Exit 1 at Seomyeon Station (Line 1/2),
  turn right at the first alley, then left into the alley
  where Ediya Coffee is located.
  –Bus: From Busan Station, take bus 85, 81, 167, or 88
  for 11 stops, then walk for about 3 minutes.
• Hours: 24hours 7 days
• Foreigner-Friendly: English menu available,
  luggage storage, indoor restrooms.

The Seomyeon branch is located in the famous
“Gukbap Alley,” right next to other highly-rated spots like Anmok, Songjeong 3-dae Gukbap, and Suyeong Bon-ga.
If there’s a long wait at Gyeongju Parkga, don’t worry—
there are plenty of fantastic alternatives nearby!

For those interested in other local recommendations: