Drink Like a Local: Busan with Jo Minseok (JoJo)

Explore Busan with Jo Minseok (JoJo), to discover a city driven by passion and contrast, where ocean air, deeply rooted food culture, and a fast-evolving bar scene come together through the eyes of a local bartender determined to elevate his hometown.

Set between mountains and sea, Busan moves at a rhythm unlike anywhere else in Korea. It is a port city shaped by trade, resilience, and constant motion, where traditional markets sit alongside high-rise beachfront districts and winding hillside roads reveal unexpected views of the ocean. Life here unfolds outdoors as much as it does indoors, on beaches, along promenades, and late into the night around tables filled with food and bottles.

Busan’s cultural identity is grounded in practicality and warmth. Longstanding eateries that have served generations coexist with a younger wave of cafés, wine bars, and cocktail spots that reflect the city’s growing confidence. Neighborhoods define the experience: Seomyeon and Jeonpo pulse with youthful energy and experimentation, while Haeundae and Gwangalli offer a more polished, ocean-facing nightlife. Across all areas, food remains central, anchoring every night out.

Jo Minseok is the co-founder of Corduroy Fellaz and Saan, two venues that reflect his belief in locally rooted hospitality. His bartending career began in Singapore, where he trained and worked in cities known for strong cocktail cultures before deciding to return to Busan with a clear purpose: to contribute to the city where he grew up.

Born in nearby Haman and moving to Busan at sixteen, JoJo has spent more than twenty years in the Gyeongsang region. After finishing high school in Busan and later returning from overseas, he recognized the ambition and pride shared by many in the local F&B community. That shared drive inspired him to help shape a cocktail culture that feels authentic to Busan rather than borrowed from elsewhere.

Through his venues, JoJo focuses on local ingredients, local talent, and a style of service that mirrors the city’s direct yet warm character. His teams are made up of people born and raised in Busan and its surrounding areas, reinforcing a sense of place that guests can feel the moment they walk in.

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Big Picture

Busan’s nightlife is defined by variety. Each neighborhood carries its own personality, from decades-old local drinking spots to refined wine bars and contemporary cocktail rooms. The city’s cocktail culture is growing steadily, particularly in Seomyeon and Jeonpo, where young crowds gather around creative drinks, casual bars, and a handful of clubs. These areas feel energetic and experimental, shaped by a generation eager to explore new ideas.

Along the coast, neighborhoods such as Haeundae and Gwangalli present a different mood. Here, nightlife leans toward upscale venues and stylish spaces, many framed by ocean views. Despite these contrasts, one constant remains: traditional eateries are never far away. A typical night often begins with local food and so-maek, soju mixed with beer, before moving on to cocktails, wine, or whisky for second and third rounds.

Socializing usually starts with dinner, followed by multiple stops as the night unfolds. If the energy remains high, nights often end at clubs or noraebang, Korea’s karaoke rooms. While weekends are predictably busy, Mondays in Busan are surprisingly lively, reflecting a local tendency to extend the weekend spirit rather than surrender to it.

The legal drinking age is 20 in Korean age, roughly 19 internationally. Younger crowds often socialize in cafés instead, and Busan’s abundance of 24-hour cafés creates a parallel nightlife centered on studying, coffee, and conversation rather than alcohol.

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The Food

Food is inseparable from drinking culture in Busan. Korean cuisine naturally invites alcohol, with soups, stews, grilled meats, and spicy dishes pairing effortlessly with soju and beer. This connection is especially strong in Busan, where local dishes are hearty, comforting, and designed for sharing.

Street food plays a major role. Busan is famous for eomuk, fish cakes, often enjoyed straight from the stall. A local specialty, mul-tteok, combines rice cakes with hot fish cake broth, offering a simple but deeply satisfying snack. Markets and street corners across the city provide endless opportunities to eat well before, during, or after a night out.

Three experiences define Busan’s food culture. Gukbap, a rich pork-bone soup served with rice and offal, is considered local soul food. Milmyeon, Busan’s wheat-based cold noodle dish topped with seasoned seafood, is a summer staple that reflects the city’s coastal identity. Makgeolli, Korea’s traditional rice wine, rounds out the experience, with Busan offering both historic breweries and modern craft producers.

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The Drinks

Traditional drinking in Busan mirrors the rest of Korea, with soju and makgeolli at its core. Local identity comes through in specific brands, such as Daesun soju and Geumjeongsanseong Makgeolli, both closely associated with the city. These are the drinks that define everyday Busan life.

Modern drinking culture has expanded rapidly. Cocktails, natural wine, whisky, and craft makgeolli now sit alongside traditional options, giving drinkers a wide spectrum of choices. Importantly, food remains central even in cocktail bars, where guests pay close attention to bar snacks and pairings as part of the overall experience.

For visiting bartenders, inspiration often lies beyond bars. Traditional markets reveal local produce and ingredients rarely seen elsewhere, while coastal neighborhoods offer a reminder of how place shapes flavor. The Banyeo-dong Agricultural Market, the city’s largest, stands out as a source of creative inspiration for anyone interested in ingredients and local culture.

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The Big List

Cafés

• Momos Coffee (multiple locations)
• Suan Coffee
• OAS Roasters
• STRUT Coffee
• Aery Coffee

Bars / Cocktail Bars

• Corduroy Fellaz
• Nyx Bar
• Make Zero
• Bar Daat
• Hong Dan
• Bahr
• The Booze Haeundae
• Park Hyatt Busan Living Room Bar

Restaurants

• Ramsey
• Shindo Lab 2.0
• Le DORER
• Elboos by Sooble
• Sogonggan
• Outro by Vito
• Palate
• Saan
• Ultra Bite
• Fiotto

Local Restaurants & Street Food

• Geodae Dwaeji Gukbap
• Halmae Gaya Milmyeon
• Subok Centa
• Haeundae Rib Barbecue Restaurant
• 100.1.Pyeongnaeng
• Geumsu Bokguk
• Jomaru Gamjatang
• Haejeon Gopchang
• Dosaegi
• Cha Ae Jeon Halmae Kalguksu
• Samjin Fish Cake
• Hotteok street stalls
• Myeongmun Kimbap

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Tips & Phrases

Tipping: Not expected. Service charge is included. If service feels exceptional, a small cash gesture given hand-to-hand with thanks is appreciated but never required.
Getting around: Taxis are highly recommended and offer a unique way to experience the city’s winding hillside roads.
Legal drinking age: 20 (Korean age), approximately 19 internationally.
Where to stay: Park Hyatt Busan, Marine City, Haeundae.

Local Busan Dialect

• Cheers: Uri-ga nami-ga! (우리가 남이가!)
• Thank you: Gomapseumnidei (고맙습니데이)
• Hello / Nice to meet you: Bangapseumnidei (반갑습니데이)
• How are you?: Bap muntna? (밥 묵나?)
• Goodbye: Deugara (드가라)