Jung-gu is a great place to explore different sides of Busan Food, from long-time local favorites to newer restaurants with a modern twist.
This time, we’re looking at two very different spots: Dongsamjung and 1969 Buwondong Kalguksu.
At one, you can try pasta made with Korean ingredients, while the other is known for comforting bowls of seafood kalguksu.
After your meal, Bosu Book Street and Bupyeong Kkangtong Market are close enough to turn lunch into an easy old-town Busan itinerary.
Table of Contents
1. What to Eat in Jung-gu, Busan
The two restaurants in this Busan Food guide couldn’t be more different.
Dongsamjung is a brunch and Korean-Italian fusion restaurant near Bosu Book Street, while 1969 Buwondong Kalguksu is a local noodle spot near Nampo-dong. If you want variety instead of eating similar dishes throughout your trip, these two are easy to compare.
| Category | Dongsamjung | 1969 Buwondong Kalguksu |
|---|---|---|
| Cuisine | Korean-Italian fusion | Kalguksu |
| Area | Bosu-dong | Near Nampo-dong |
| Signature dish | Chamnamul & perilla pasta | Buwon kalguksu |
| Best for | Brunch and fusion food | Warm noodle soup |
If you’re in the mood for something modern and a little different, Dongsamjung is the better fit. If you want a warm, comforting Korean meal, 1969 Buwondong Kalguksu is an easy choice.
2. What Is Dongsamjung?
Dongsamjung was previously known as a Korean-style pub in the Nampo-dong area, but it has since moved to 3-1 Heukgyo-ro 46beon-gil, Jung-gu, close to Bosu Book Street.
The restaurant now focuses on brunch and fusion-style Italian dishes. What makes it especially interesting for a Busan Food trip is the use of familiar Korean ingredients such as chamnamul, perilla seeds, mullet roe, and nuruk.
| Dongsamjung | Information |
|---|---|
| Area | Bosu-dong, Jung-gu |
| Style | Brunch / Korean-Italian fusion |
| Signature dish | Chamnamul pesto & perilla pasta |
| Closed | Tuesday |
If you’re already planning to visit Bosu Book Street, Dongsamjung fits nicely into the same route.
3. What Should You Order at Dongsamjung?
The menu feels familiar at first, but the ingredients make things more interesting.
One of the standout dishes is chamnamul pesto and perilla pasta, which combines Korean greens and nutty perilla flavors with pasta. You’ll also find dishes such as Jirisan mullet roe pasta and nuruk chicken Caesar salad.
For travelers looking for a less traditional side of Busan Food, it’s a fun way to see how Korean ingredients can work in Italian-style dishes.
| Dish | Good for |
|---|---|
| Chamnamul pesto & perilla pasta | First-time visitors |
| Jirisan mullet roe pasta | Richer flavors |
| Nuruk chicken Caesar salad | Something lighter |
| Korean beef striploin steak | Sharing |
If you already enjoy pasta, the Korean ingredients give the dishes a completely different character. That also makes Dongsamjung easy to introduce as a Korean-Italian fusion restaurant in Busan.
4. What Is 1969 Buwondong Kalguksu?
Now for something completely different.
1969 Buwondong Kalguksu is located at 3 Gudeok-ro 22beon-gil, Jung-gu. The restaurant is known for kalguksu topped with seafood such as oysters and scallops, making it a comforting choice when you want a warm Korean meal.
It also appears in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Busan, making it an interesting stop for travelers searching for well-known local food without going somewhere overly formal.
| 1969 Buwondong Kalguksu | Information |
|---|---|
| Area | Jung-gu, near Nampo-dong |
| Signature dish | Buwon kalguksu |
| Another popular dish | Bibim kalguksu |
| Cuisine | Korean noodles |
For anyone looking for kalguksu in Busan, this is an easy place to add to a Jung-gu itinerary.
5. Which Kalguksu Should You Try?
For a first visit, Buwon kalguksu is the simplest choice.
The warm broth and seafood make it especially comforting when you want something filling but not too heavy. If you prefer stronger flavors, bibim kalguksu gives you a spicier, tangier alternative.
That contrast makes this stop in the Busan Food series especially easy to enjoy.
| Dish | Best for |
|---|---|
| Buwon kalguksu | Warm, comforting soup |
| Bibim kalguksu | Spicy noodles |
If you’re not sure which one to order, just decide whether you want broth or something spicy and mixed.
6. Dongsamjung or 1969 Buwondong Kalguksu?
There’s really no need to rank the two because they offer completely different meals.
Choose Dongsamjung if you want brunch, pasta, or modern Korean fusion. Go with 1969 Buwondong Kalguksu if you’re craving warm noodles and a more traditional Korean comfort-food experience.
That contrast is exactly what makes this Busan Food pairing work so well.
Dongsamjung → Korean-Italian fusion and brunch
1969 Buwondong Kalguksu → Korean handmade noodles and seafood broth
For international travelers, Dongsamjung is easy to describe as Korean-Italian fusion, while 1969 Buwondong Kalguksu is a good introduction to Korean handmade noodle soup.
7. Where to Go After Your Meal
You don’t need to travel far after eating.
From this part of Jung-gu, you can easily continue to Bosu Book Street and Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, two places that show a very different side of Busan from the beach areas.
A simple route would be:
Dongsamjung or 1969 Buwondong Kalguksu
→ Bosu Book Street
→ Bupyeong Kkangtong Market
Bosu Book Street has a nostalgic atmosphere with rows of small bookstores, while Bupyeong Kkangtong Market is a good place to keep exploring local snacks and street food.
It’s an easy way to combine Busan Food with a relaxed walk through the city’s old downtown area.
FAQ
Is Dongsamjung the same restaurant that used to be in Nampo-dong?
Yes. It previously operated as a Korean-style pub, but it has since moved to Bosu-dong and now focuses more on brunch and Korean-Italian fusion dishes.
Is 1969 Buwondong Kalguksu in the MICHELIN Guide?
Yes. It is listed in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Busan, where its noodles and seafood-based broth are highlighted.
Which restaurant is better for first-time visitors to Busan?
If you want something modern and unusual, Dongsamjung is more interesting. If you want to try a comforting Korean noodle dish, 1969 Buwondong Kalguksu is easier to start with. Together, they show two very different sides of Busan Food.
Quick Summary
This Busan Food guide brings together two very different restaurants in Jung-gu.
Dongsamjung
Best for Korean-inspired pasta, brunch, and modern fusion dishes.
1969 Buwondong Kalguksu
Best for seafood kalguksu and comforting Korean noodles.
After eating, continue to:
Bosu Book Street → Bupyeong Kkangtong Market
It’s an easy way to enjoy both local food and the old-town atmosphere of Busan in one trip.