Food & Drink
Five of the best tteokbokki spots in Busan: From street stalls to restaurants
haps Magazine Korea
August 13, 2025
Tteokbokki (Photo courtesy of haps Magazine Korea)
Spicy, chewy, and irresistibly comforting, tteokbokki is one of Korea’s most beloved street foods, and Busan offers some of the best versions in the country.
From old-school market stalls to modern restaurants serving creative twists, here’s five places where to get your tteokbokki fix in the city.
Halmae Tteokbokki – Gukje Market
A Busan institution for over 60 years, Halmae Tteokbokki serves a simple, classic version made with chewy rice cakes, fish cakes, and a perfectly balanced sweet-and-spicy gochujang sauce.
Location: Gukje Market, Jung-gu
Tip: Visit around 3:00 pm for shorter lines but still a lively market atmosphere.
Gukje Bupyeong Tteokbokki Alley
This alley is a paradise for tteokbokki lovers. Dozens of stalls serve slightly different versions, including ones with tempura toppings, cheese, or ramyeon.
Location: Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, Jung-gu
Tip: Bring cash and try two or three stalls to taste the differences.
Sangsang Tteokbokki – Seomyeon
Known for its thick, spicy sauce and generous cheese melt, Sangsang Tteokbokki has a cult following among young locals. The menu also includes rose tteokbokki with a creamy, mildly spicy flavor.
Location: Near Seomyeon Station Exit 7, Busanjin-gu
Tip: Great for late-night cravings and open until midnight.
Cheongnyeon Tteokbokki – Centum City
A modern tteokbokki restaurant offering set menus with fried chicken, gimbap, and specialty sauces. Their “seafood tteokbokki” loaded with mussels, shrimp, and squid is a local favorite.
Location: Centum City, Haeundae-gu
Tip: Visit for dinner and walk to nearby Suyeong River for night views.
Jinjja Tteokbokki – Yeonsan
A hidden gem that makes everything fresh to order. Their sauce is slow-cooked, resulting in a deep, rich flavor. Spice levels can be adjusted.
Location: Yeonsan-dong, Yeonje-gu
Tip: Ask for extra fish cakes, they’re made in-house.