Another bucket list spot for me, and this time it was all about pufferfish. Located right in Haeundae, it caught my attention right away. I did not realize it was Michelin Bib Gourmand at first, but after the meal, it made complete sense. This is exactly the kind of place that defines “good food at a reasonable price.” Coming from meals that often lean heavy with thick broths and bold flavors, this was a completely different direction. The pufferfish soup is all about clarity and restraint. The broth is clean, light, and almost transparent, yet it carries a subtle depth of umami that lingers quietly. It is not the aggressive kind of hangover soup people might expect. Instead, it is gentle enough to enjoy even first thing in the morning. I had the silver pufferfish soup, and from the first spoonful, it just clicked. That clean, refreshing profile really brought out something familiar, almost nostalgic in a Korean way that is hard to explain. It felt like a textbook example of how Korean broth based dishes should be. No excess, no shortcuts. From ordering to service, everything was smooth and efficient, even from a traveler’s perspective. What made it even more special was that a kind local at the next table showed me how to properly enjoy the dish, which made the experience feel more complete. This feels like the result of decades of focusing on one dish and refining it. Warm, clean, and deeply comforting in a very Korean way. I already want to go back.

+1

Had a wonderful meal at Geumsubokguk. The puffer fish soup was incredibly clean, light, and comforting, with a rich flavor that felt both healthy and satisfying. The fish was fresh and tender, and the variety of side dishes complemented the meal perfectly. The restaurant has a long history and is one of Busan's most well-known spots for puffer fish, so it was great to experience such a local specialty in its original setting. The service was efficient despite how busy the restaurant was, and the atmosphere felt authentic and welcoming.

+3

Our first time trying pufferfish! The fried pufferfish was nice and crispy, but it didn’t have much of a distinctive fish taste - more like chicken nuggets? But not bad. The non-spicy soup one was the highlight - it was a really interesting experience for first-timers. Definitely worth trying if you’re curious about pufferfish.

One of my absolute favorite restaurants in Busan, which I visit often these days. This place sells Puffer fish soup as main but you must try Puffer fish sashimi served with gold pieces, which is absolutely delicious. Puffer fish is also very good, make sure you add the vinegar that's on the edge of table for best taste.

+3

Very delicious Puffer fish tarte with sea urchin and radish and fish roe and some little chilli peas. The buffer fish soup is so-so. Less than 7min walk across from Paradise Hotel. Alas, no English speaking. 1 person eat. Small dishes are a lot and refillable. Lemon water served. Very friend hosts/waitresses.

+3