[Store Information]
Hours: 1st Floor: Open 24/7, year-round | 2nd Floor (Fugu Specialty Restaurant): 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Break time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Address: 23 Jungdong 1-ro 43beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Parking: Valet parking available
While researching the best dining spots in Busan, Kumsu Bokguk Haeundae was at the top of my must-visit list. I visited on a weekday afternoon, and the place was bustling with customers. Staff members are stationed in the parking area to direct traffic, ensuring smooth parking.
Wait Times at Busan’s Famous Fugu Restaurant
Even on a weekday lunchtime, there was a waiting line. The restaurant does not use modern reservation platforms like Catchtable or Tabling; instead, diners take a paper number ticket on-site. Numbers are called out over a microphone when a table opens up. If you miss your call, your turn will be skipped, so waiting near the entrance is recommended. There were about 10 groups ahead of us, but because table turnover is fast, our number was called in roughly 20 minutes.
Inside, as expected of a long-established eatery, various original souvenirs and takeaway products were displayed. Takeout orders are also available.
A collaboration item with Korea’s premium soju brand Hwayo was being sold for 15,000 KRW / 1,700 JPY (about $11).
Original earthenware pots (ttukbaegi) were available for 9,000 KRW / 1,000 JPY (about $6.50), tempting enough to consider bringing one home.
There were also adorable blowfish character items for 7,000 KRW / 800 JPY (about $5) and blowfish dog treats for 20,000 KRW / 2,300 JPY (about $15).
The dining space is divided by floor: the 1st floor serves basic blowfish soup (bokguk), while the 2nd floor offers multi-course fugu set meals. The two floors operate independently with separate reception counters, so the 2nd floor often has shorter wait times. The 2nd floor features a calm and relaxed atmosphere that contrasts with the lively 1st floor.
After waiting around 20 minutes, we were seated inside.
Each table comes equipped with vinegar, soy sauce, chogochujang (sweet and spicy chili paste), wasabi, and seasoned dategi paste for the fugu soup. Adding a dash of vinegar into the soup is the local secret to bringing out the best flavor.
Menu Selection at Kumsu Bokguk Haeundae
The menu offers a surprisingly wide variety. Because the restaurant operates 24 hours, there are plenty of side dish options that pair well with drinks. It serves equally well for morning hangover relief (haejang) or a late-night nightcap. I ordered the standard silver pufferfish soup (shiro-saba fugu) for 15,000 KRW / 1,700 JPY (about $11).
The complimentary side dishes (banchan) were delicious, especially the freshly served warm tofu.
Setting up table condiments gets you ready for the meal.
The ordered blowfish soup soon arrived at the table. This was my first time tasting blowfish cuisine, and the dish looked clean and appetizing.
While Busan has many fugu specialty shops, the fish pieces here are thick and firm, providing a satisfying bite.
Following the recommended way to eat, adding a little dategi paste and a spoonful of vinegar remarkably enhances the savory broth. The refreshing flavor makes it exceptional hangover comfort food.
Dipping the plump blowfish meat into chogochujang creates a great flavor combination.
The portion of rice served alongside was modest.
I finished the entire bowl of soup. The satisfying depth of flavor made it obvious why this establishment holds such a solid reputation.
Near the exit, ‘Kumsu Moju Ice Cream’ was available. Moju is a traditional Korean alcoholic drink prepared by simmering makgeolli with various Korean herbal ingredients.
The ice cream topped with mixed grains costs 4,000 KRW / 500 JPY (about $3). It has a light, subtle sweetness with a clean finish, making it a great dessert after a hot meal.
Live blowfish can also be seen swimming in the store’s indoor tanks.
Although reviews online vary due to its high popularity, my overall experience was fantastic. This is definitely a restaurant worth revisiting when traveling to Busan.