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Satisfy Your Cravings: Best Western Restaurants in Busan

Busan offers an impressive variety of foods, and while I love the local cuisine, I sometimes find myself missing a bit of home. Every now and then, the craving for a thick, juicy hamburger—free from the usual sticky-sweet sauce—hits hard. For those days when you’re not in the mood to experiment with street food or the freshest seafood, Busan has plenty of spots where you can indulge in familiar Western comfort food.

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Get Your Comfort Food in Busan
Classic Western Style Food 

Busan offers an impressive variety of foods, and while I love the local cuisine, I sometimes find myself missing a bit of home. Every now and then, the craving for a thick, juicy hamburger—free from the usual sticky-sweet sauce—hits hard. For those days when you’re not in the mood to experiment with street food or the freshest seafood, Busan has plenty of spots where you can indulge in familiar Western comfort food. That’s when I head south 40 minutes by train to South Korea’s second city. You may not know that Busan has a large ex-pat community. It’s a great city to live in as an American ex-pat. As well as a shot in the arm for those needing a break from the “Korean” experience. Of course, there are the McDonald’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, Baskin Robbins, Burger Kings, Subways, Pizza Huts, T.G.I.Fs, and KFCs. But there are also options for a traditional burger, pizza, or deli sandwich.

There are restaurants that serve French, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, and Spanish Tapas. And of course, Korean BBQ—a little something from every corner of the globe. There are also a few upgraded American restaurants, bars, and breweries that offer some home sweet home options. The best western restaurants in Busan cater to a wide range of tastes, ensuring you’ll find a bit of comfort no matter what you’re craving.

The Wolfhound Irish Pub and Bar

The Wolfhound Irish Pub and Bar, located a short walk from the aquarium on Haeundae Beach, also caters to an English-speaking clientele. The fare is more pub-like with chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, burgers, and fish and chips. The pub also serves English favorites like toad in the hole, bangers and mash, and shepherd’s pie. Breakfast is dished up every day, all day long. The bar serves Korea’s local brew Cass but also offers some good beer too. You can get an Indica IPA, a Guinness Stout, and a Red Rock Ale along with numerous cocktails, liqueurs, and wines.

The Wolfhound is one of the best western restaurants in Busan, providing a taste of home for many ex-pats and travelers. Go to http://wolfhoundpub.com for more information. The Wolfhound has a second location in Inchon. We ate there a few months ago because we loved the pub in Busan. However, the experience, food, and service were not the same, and I would not recommend that one at this time.

Sharky’s Bar & Grill

Sharky’s Bar & Grill has three locations in Busan: Haeundae Strip, on Haeundae Beach, and on Gwangalli Beach. The restaurant has an extensive menu of comfort foods like burgers, Mexican, and bbq. California-born brothers, Mike and Rick Schneider have imported an authentic slice of San Diego to Busan. And it’s a great fit for this laid-back beach city that enjoys yummy food and a fun atmosphere.

My favorite location is Gwangalli Beach. It is also the largest beach and is packed on the weekends. It also boasts a beautiful view of the Gwangan Bridge and the strip. The grill has games and cards for guests. Hours vary, so check the website for addresses, hours, and daily specials.

Hard Rock Cafe

I’ve eaten at the Hard Rock Cafe twice in my life. Once in Disney World and once in Phuket. They are everywhere, offering the traveler a familiar spot to get something quite elusive outside of the United States– a good ole American classic cheeseburger. The Hard Rock Cafe in Busan is one of the newest locations in the chains long list of conquered cities. Busan’s installment of the popular music-themed restaurant opened in the Fall of 2015 to an eager HRC fan base. There are more than 300 seats in the indoor dining room, outdoor terrace to enjoy the live music presented on the stage.

The menu consists of classic American comfort food as well as a dash of Korean flavor. Dinner comes with a heavy dose of their signature decor of music memorabilia on the walls and ceilings. The restaurant is located on the first floor over the souvenir and paraphernalia shop.

Johnny Rockets

I can’t remember the last time I ate at Johnny Rockets. But they have one in the basement of the food court of the Shinsegae Department Store in Centum City.  Johnny Rockets is an American restaurant franchise whose themed decor is based upon 1950s diner-style restaurants. Tin plaques featuring Coca-Cola advertising, life-size cardboard illustrations of women in World War II armed services uniforms, individual jukebox stations, chrome accents, and red vinyl seats and banquets are key characteristics of the restaurant. The staff is usually very high-energy, dancing and singing around the restaurant. French fries come with a ketchup happy face and burgers are old school too– topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, bacon, and grease. They also serve some of the best thick and creamy hand-blended milkshakes too.

Galmegi Brewing Company

Galmegi Brewery is an American style craft brewpub with three locations in Busan. The Brewery has two floors and a view of the huge beer vats behind the bar on the ground floor. It is located on the second floor of a backstreet near Gwangalli Beach. Galmegi Haeundae Beach is less than 10 minutes off Haeundae Beach. Galmegi Taphouse is also located on the second floor just off Gwangalli Beach. According to my husband, the beer is pretty good. I’m just glad they serve pizza and wine too. Go to their website for more information on their menu, hours of operation , and addresses.

Gumbo House

We found the Gumbo House on a backstreet near Gwangalli Beach. We were exploring, and the cold air was biting through my sweater. It was so cold I decided to shop for a coat. It is a casual dining restaurant in Gwangalli serving signature dishes from Louisiana such as Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Pan Roast. The restaurant serves American-style breakfast until 4 pm every day. It also serves seafood boils and steamed clams. Or try one of their modified footlongs: bulgogi, chili peppers, or macaroni and cheese for some ultimate comfort food. The Gumbo House is one of the best western restaurants in Busan; it’s the ultimate cozy spot to enjoy a taste of home.

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