Busan Unveils 2026 Gourmet Guide for Foodies-Hopetrip

The Busan Metropolitan City government has officially launched and distributed the '2026 Busan Gourmet Guide', offering travellers a comprehensive look at the city's top culinary destinations and recommended dining routes.

Starting 9 July 2026, physical copies of the new guidebook are available across key tourist hubs, including local tourist information centres and diplomatic consulates. According to the 2025 Busan Visitor Survey, 68.8% of tourists identified food and restaurant exploration as their primary reason for visiting the coastal city. To cater to this demand, the municipal government developed this dedicated resource to enhance Busan's international culinary competitiveness and streamline trip planning.

Six Key Culinary Zones and Smart Navigation

To make exploration straightforward, the guidebook set divides Busan into six distinct geographic zones:

* Geumjeong, Dongnae, and Yeonje

* Haeundae and Gijang

* Busanjin, Dong, and Yeongdo

* Suyeong and Nam

* Gangseo, Buk, and Sasang

* Saha, Seo, and Jung

Each guide features a folded map attached to the back cover, allowing visitors to cross-reference recommended eateries alongside suggested sightseeing itineraries. The listings feature curated establishments from prominent local culinary selections, including *Michelin Guide 2026*, *Taste of Busan 2026*, and *Taxichelin 2025* (driver-recommended venues). Entries detail signature dishes, addresses, contact details, and unique restaurant highlights.

The included maps integrate with the local metro network, marking dining spots using clear icons and index numbers. Travellers can use the blank maps provided on the reverse side to mark visited spots and build personalized food routes. Smartphone users can scan embedded QR codes to link directly to Naver Map, Google Maps, and the official 'Visit Busan' portal for real-time mobile navigation.

Multi-Language Rollout and Upcoming Food Events

Initial distribution includes printed Korean and English editions, following an early test run of 2,000 English copies and 200 Korean copies during the 'BTS World Tour Arirang IN Busan' event in June. Digital e-books in Japanese and Traditional Chinese are currently available online via the Busan City official website and Visit Busan portal, with physical print versions scheduled for later distribution. Distribution points will gradually expand to hotels, major bookstores, and key transport hubs in the Seoul Capital Area.

In the second half of 2026, Busan plans to broaden its culinary initiatives. The 'Busan Gourmet Selection' program, which launched in June with 26 participating fine-dining establishments, will expand in October to include local bakeries and cafes. The city also plans to host themed culinary festivals focusing on regional staples like pork soup (*dwaeji gukbap*), alongside international chef fam trips and a global gastronomy forum.