Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is a food lover’s playground. Its bustling markets, seafood bounty, vibrant street food scene, and local culinary traditions make it a prime destination for food tours. Unlike many cities, Busan offers a mix of immersive market visits, hands-on cooking classes, and lively street food crawls that reveal the city’s authentic flavors straight from the fishermen’s stalls and bustling alleyways. We particularly love tours that combine local insights with interactive experiences, like the Busan Tailored Korean Cooking Class, which offers personalized cooking lessons alongside a market tour — a rare chance to learn the secrets behind lesser-known Korean dishes. For a quick, authentic taste of Busan’s seafood, the Food Market Tour with Smash Seafoods provides a lively exploration of vibrant markets with fresh catches and street snacks.
Busan is especially known for its seafood, markets, and street foods, but it also offers immersive cooking classes and night tours that showcase the city’s lively atmosphere. Whether you want a full day of culinary discovery, a quick market stroll, or a luxurious night cruise, this list covers the best options to satisfy every type of foodie.
1. Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK) with market tour
At number 1, this private, customizable cooking class and market tour gives you the chance to learn how to prepare lesser-known Korean dishes — think spicy sea snail salad — in a relaxed, hands-on setting. Led by a local host, you’ll first tackle the bustling Bujeon market, where you can shop for fresh ingredients and learn about local produce and seafood. The class then moves to your host’s home or cooking studio, where you’ll cook several dishes tailored to your dietary preferences, including vegetarian options. What makes this experience stand out is the personal attention and customization — you choose the menu, and the host helps you perfect your techniques. Guests consistently praise the chef’s knowledge and friendly guidance, with one reviewer noting, “We made a wonderful authentic meal and created lasting memories.” This tour is best suited for travelers who want a meaningful, hands-on culinary experience and enjoy personalized learning. Bottom line: if you want to walk away with new skills and recipes, this is an excellent pick.
2. Busan history and market food tour with local chef
Number 2 on our list is a 2-hour walking tour through Busan’s most iconic markets — Jagalchi, BIFF Square, and Bupyeong Kkangtong Market — led by a knowledgeable chef guide. This tour offers a perfect blend of culinary sampling and local history, with stops that include tasting the famous hotteok (sweet pancakes), fresh seafood, and traditional street snacks. The guide’s insider tips help you navigate the markets confidently, while the tastings give you an authentic flavor of Busan’s street food scene. Guests love the small group size, which allows for personalized interaction, and one reviewer called the guide “super friendly and very knowledgeable.” If you’re interested in a lively, informative, and delicious introduction to Busan’s markets in a short time, this tour is ideal. Bottom line: a great choice if you want a quick yet comprehensive taste of Busan’s street foods and market culture.
3. Busan: Small-Group Traditional Korean Food Cooking Class
Number 3 offers a 3-hour class focused on authentic Korean dishes like bibimbap, miyeok guk (seaweed soup), and vegetable fritters. Led by an experienced chef, this small group experience makes learning both fun and intimate. Guests rave about the chef’s passion and clear instructions. The class includes tasting your creations, Korean tea, and a dessert, giving a full culture. The focus on traditional techniques and flavorful recipes makes this a favorite for those who want to learn to cook Korean food at home. The reviews highlight the chef’s care and the delicious results, with one guest saying, “Min takes such good care of you and makes the lesson easy to follow.” This tour suits travelers who want a hands-on culinary skill that they can replicate elsewhere. Bottom line: an excellent choice for serious foodies eager to master Korean cooking.
4. Busan: Food Market Tour, Smash Seafoods and Street Foods
Number 4 takes you into Busan’s largest seafood market and street food venues for an immersive experience. This tour starts with a seafood smash — where you sample freshly grilled seafood and learn about Korea’s drinking culture — plus visits to Bupyeong Kkangtong Market for endless street food options. This experience is especially appealing to seafood lovers and those eager to see the lively market atmosphere. The guide shares insights into local food traditions and market customs, making it both fun and educational. Guests appreciate the lively environment and fresh seafood tastings, with one reviewer calling it “an amazing experience with great food and a friendly guide.” If you want an energetic, seafood-filled day that showcases Busan’s authentic flavors, this tour fits the bill. Bottom line: perfect for seafood lovers and market explorers.
5. Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour
Number 5 offers a 4-hour hands-on experience combining cooking and market visits. You’ll prepare several traditional Korean dishes in a cooking studio, then visit Bupyeong Food Market with your instructor for ingredient insights. The class emphasizes Korean techniques and customs, such as the tea ceremony, providing cultural context alongside cooking skills. Reviews highlight how well-organized and personable the guide is, with one saying, “We learned to make delicious local dishes and enjoyed the customs of a Korean tea ceremony.” This tour is great for travelers who want a deeper dive into Korean food and culture, with plenty of recipes to take home. Bottom line: ideal for those who want detailed cooking skills and cultural insights.
6. Busan: Gukje and Jagalchi Market Food Tour with Tastings
Number 6 is a guided tour of two historic markets — Gukje and Jagalchi — offering a taste of local seafood, handmade specialties, and market history. The local guide shares stories of the markets’ past and their importance to Busan’s identity. The tour is perfect for travelers wanting to understand the cultural significance of Busan’s food scene while sampling its best. Reviewers mention the “insights into Korean culture” and “delicious seafood” as highlights. It’s well-suited for history buffs and foodies alike. Bottom line: a balanced mix of culture, history, and culinary sampling.
7. Busan: Food Crawl with Fish Market, Soju Tents & Local Snacks
Number 7 is an evening food crawl combining street foods, fish market visits, and soju tents for a lively, social experience. You’ll start at Bupyeong Kkangtong Market with famous noodle dishes, then explore Jagalchi Fish Market, and finish at Yeongdodaegyo Bridge with pojangmacha (soju tents). The tour immerses you in Busan’s nightlife, with plenty of local snacks and drinks. Guests love the fun, energetic atmosphere and the chance to mingle with locals. One says, “Come hungry and thirsty because it’s a great night out.” This is perfect for travelers who want a lively, social evening with lots of tasting and local culture. Bottom line: a spirited way to explore Busan’s night scene.
8. Busan Food Market Tour Seafoods and Street Foods
Number 8 offers a 3-hour tour of Busan’s major seafood and street food markets. You’ll explore Jagalchi Market, the largest seafood market in Korea, and Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, sampling diverse street foods. The guide provides insights into the markets’ history and their role in local life. Reviewers mention “friendly guides and delicious food,” highlighting how accessible and enjoyable the experience is. It’s suited for those who want a quick, energetic introduction to Busan’s seafood scene. Bottom line: an engaging, flavorful market visit.
9. Busan Private Night Tour – City Lights & Food
Number 9 is a luxurious night tour on a yacht, combined with exploring Busan’s city lights and local markets. You’ll cruise along the Diamond Bridge, visit Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, and enjoy panoramic views from Cheonmasan Observatory. This experience is perfect for travelers seeking a special, upscale outing. While more costly, it offers a unique perspective of Busan’s nightscape paired with excellent food and scenery. Few tours combine luxury, sightseeing, and food in such style. Bottom line: best suited for those wanting a memorable, high-end experience.
10. Busan: Local K-BBQ Experience with a Food Buddy
Number 10 provides an authentic Korean BBQ experience with a local host. You’ll enjoy various pork cuts at a favorite local spot and learn tips on enjoying KBBQ like a local. It’s a straightforward, delicious way to experience Korean grilling traditions with personalized guidance. Reviewers mention the “insider tips and great food,” making it perfect for casual diners wanting a relaxed, authentic meal. Bottom line: a no-fuss, tasty introduction to Korean BBQ.
11. Vegan Friendly Korean Food Cooking Class
Number 11 is a short, 1.5-hour rooftop cooking class focusing on vegan Korean dishes. You’ll learn to make tofu stew and vegetable pancakes, with ingredients harvested from a rooftop garden. The friendly guide and delicious food make this a good option for plant-based travelers. As one reviewer put it, “The food was amazing, and I will keep the recipes at home.” It’s best suited for vegans or anyone interested in healthy, vegetable-based Korean cuisine. Bottom line: ideal for vegan travelers wanting authentic, flavorful dishes.
12. 3-Day Busan Hidden area and Local foodie Tour with Pick Up
Number 12 offers a comprehensive three-day tour exploring Busan’s lesser-known neighborhoods, markets, and scenic spots, including Haeundae, Gamcheon Village, and a fishing coast village. This trip combines sightseeing with food experiences, providing a well-rounded view of the city. It’s perfect for travelers who want a deep, personalized experience. One reviewer said, “Amazing tour, was the best part of our entire Korea trip.” This tour is a good fit for those with time and curiosity to explore beyond the usual tourist spots. Bottom line: best for serious adventurers with days to spare.
$800.00 per person
13. (Private Vehicle) Busan Tailored Tour: Curation for Food, Design, History, Culture
Finally, number 13 is a flexible, private 6-9 hour tour that can be customized to your preferences. Whether it’s food, architecture, or cultural sites, your local guide will craft an itinerary including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Cheongsapo Skywalk, Nurimaru, and more. This tailored approach suits travelers who want control over their experience and appreciate personalized planning. Reviews note the guide’s attentiveness and the tour’s diverse sights, including the stunning Dadaepo Beach sunset. The bottom line: perfect for those who want a bespoke, all-encompassing adventure.
$305.00 per person
How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Busan
When selecting your ideal Busan food tour, consider your budget, available time, and interests. If you want a quick introduction to markets and street foods, the Food Market Tour with Smash Seafoods or the Gukje and Jagalchi Market Tour are excellent options. For those eager to learn cooking skills, the Korean Cooking Class or Vegan Cooking Class provide deeper cultural engagement. Travelers with more time and a desire for luxury might enjoy the Night Yacht & Market Tour, whereas the 3-Day Local Food Tour offers a comprehensive exploration. Remember to book early, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Busan has an impressive array of food experiences, from quick market tastings to immersive cooking classes and luxury sightseeing. For travelers seeking a full culinary immersion, the personalized Busan Tailored Korean Cooking Class or the Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour are top choices. Seafood lovers should not miss the Food Market Tour with Smash Seafoods, which captures the city’s seafood essence.
Those with limited time might prefer the Market and Street Food Tours or the Gukje and Jagalchi Market Tour. For a truly memorable experience, consider the Luxury Night Tour that combines scenic views, markets, and fine dining.
No matter your style or budget, Busan’s diverse food tours promise authentic flavors and memorable moments. Book well in advance during busy months, and get ready to taste the real Busan.