Nampo-dong & Jagalchi Market Food Alley: Busan's Original Downtown, 80 Years of Old Shops

Nampo-dong and Jagalchi Market are Busan's oldest downtown area and a birthplace of its food culture. Here's a city-certified lineup of local institutions, from monkfish soup to Chinese-style pan-fried dumplings.

Jung-gu is home to Jagalchi Market and Gukje (International) Market, Busan’s most iconic tourist landmarks, and also the district where over 80 years of culinary memory — dating back to Busan’s time as South Korea’s wartime provisional capital — is most concentrated. Grilled intestine street, grilled mackerel street, sashimi town, Bupyeong night market — there are multiple streets famous purely for food. This list again pulls a handful of representative old shops from the city’s official “2026 Taste of Busan” list.

1. Mulkkong Sikdang (물꽁식당)

A monkfish restaurant run across three generations for over 60 years, turning fresh monkfish into steamed dishes, hot-pot style boils, and soups. The signature steamed monkfish keeps the seasoning light and clean rather than heavy, and despite its age the shop is kept impressively spotless.

Signature: Steamed monkfish ₩15,000-70,000 / Boiled monkfish ₩40,000-70,000
Address: 3 Heukgyo-ro 59beon-gil, Jung-gu
Phone: 051-257-3230
Hours: 10:00-21:00, closed on regular off-days

2. Bon Chamchi (본참치)

A destination shop for tuna lovers nationwide. The chef holds culinary master certification for tuna and sources ingredients daily, using everything the same day. The shop also runs occasional events for elderly locals, giving back to the neighborhood — a place with real warmth behind it.

Signature: Chef’s special set ₩36,000 / Premium sushi ₩20,000
Address: 1F, 9 Jungang-daero 81beon-gil, Jung-gu
Phone: 051-463-3737
Hours: 11:30-14:30 / 17:00-22:30, closed Sundays

3. Samsong Sushi Nampo-dong Main Branch (삼송초밥 부산남포동본점)

Over 65 years of history for this well-known Japanese restaurant, built on generations of regulars — best known for its seaweed sushi roll (godo-maki).

Signature: Seaweed sushi roll ₩17,000 / Sushi tasting set ₩30,000-50,000
Address: 13 Gwangbok-ro 55beon-gil, Jung-gu
Phone: 051-245-7870
Hours: 11:00-14:30 / 16:30-21:00, closed Sundays and public holidays

4. Seokgi Sidae Main Branch (석기시대 본점)

Opened in 1987, this Chinese-style pan-fried dumpling specialist keeps prices friendly and flavors consistent. Its five-spice braised pork and pan-fried dumplings are the signature order — a solid light meal with a drink, and a spot with plenty of longtime regulars.

Signature: Five-spice braised pork ₩23,000 / ₩29,000, pan-fried dumplings ₩7,000
Address: 75-1 Donggwang-ro, Jung-gu
Phone: 010-2334-0358
Hours: 15:00-21:00, closed Sundays, public holidays, and regular off-days

5. Lee Jaemo Pizza Main Branch (이재모피자 본점)

Running for over 30 years, this pizza shop counts as an old-school institution among old-school institutions, given how early it opened relative to when pizza started catching on in Busan. Made with Korean-produced Imsil cheese and generous toppings, the flavor hasn’t changed over the years.

Signature: Cheese pizza ₩25,000 / ₩29,000, baked pasta ₩9,000
Address: 31 Gwangbok Jungang-ro, Jung-gu
Phone: 051-255-9494

Where to Stay Nearby

Nampo-dong and Jagalchi form Busan’s most classic sightseeing route, with plenty of hotel options close to Busan Station — a good fit for your first or last night in the city.

[Check lowest Nampo-dong hotel rates on Agoda →]　[Compare on Booking.com →]

Before You Go

This area has many alleys and some old shops (like Seokgi Sidae) with no obvious signage — pin the location on a map before you head out
Jagalchi Market draws big crowds — keep an eye on your wallet and phone
For transit, see 〈Busan Subway & Bus Complete Guide〉

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Source: Busan Metropolitan City’s official “2026 Taste of Busan” food guide (December 2025 edition). Actual hours, closing days, and prices are subject to change — please confirm with the shop.

Busan Food Series — All 5 Parts ① Haeundae Food Guide ② Seomyeon Food Guide ③ Nampo-dong & Jagalchi Food Alley (this article) ④ Gwangalli Food List ⑤ Yeongdo Food Walk