Nampo-dong, Busan (Day 4)

Nampo-dong is one of my favourite shopping areas in Busan – I like it even more than Seomyeon! While Seomyeon is much larger in scale, I find that its size makes it rather confusing to navigate the streets properly. On the other hand, Nampo-dong is much easier to walk around, with just a main street (Gwangbok Street), and some smaller lanes alongside.

Photo Credit: KTO

We had the bestest Budae jjigae or army stew in Nampo-dong at a shop called King Kong Budae (킹콩부대찌개). It is so cheap and good! Only 7,000 KRW per person!! There are over 90 outlets across Korea, and I think you can probably find it at most places. Just look out for its instantly recognizable mascot!

Photo Credit: King Kong Budae Facebook page

Shop front

If you’re curious why the dish is called army stew, the dish has its roots from the Korean War when food was hard to come by. People made this stew simply by combining whatever leftover ingredients they could find (ie Spam and hot dogs from U.S. Army facilities).

Free flow of instant noodles!

I believe what we’re eating today is a much more luxurious version than what people ate in the past! There are so many different types of ingredients such as teokpokki, ham, sausage, kimchi, cheese, baked beans etc that the whole pot almost overflowed! There is also free flow of ramen and rice and free soup top-ups! It is super worth it if you are a big eater!

cute caps and bags galore

After dinner, we went shopping. The main street (Gwangbok Street) is where you can find the flagship stores of the major clothing and cosmetic brands such as Etude House, Face Shop, Innisfree. Prices as well as promotions are pretty much the same here as in Seoul, so we didn’t buy much stuff here. Clothes on the other hand, seemed much cheaper in Busan! I found the exact same top in Seoul selling for much more! Yet another reason to love Busan!!

Kim Soo Hyun is everywhere! Squeals!

Had a bingsu-like dessert at Lotteria coz of Chajumma

At the end of Gwangbok street, there is an escalator to go up to Yongdusan Park, but since it was already night time, we didn’t venture up there. The BIFF Square (where the Busan International Film Festival is held) is also nearby and here is where lots of street vendors congregate selling all kinds of knick-knacks, accessories and Korean snacks like the hotteok. If you come in the morning, you can explore the Jagalchi Fish Market and get to eat some fresh seafood. 

How to get here:

Getting to Nampo-dong is easy - it's just two stops away from Busan Station. Alight at Nampo station exit #1. Turn right and walk for two blocks (or simply just follow the crowd to the shopping street)!