Nourishing the Body with Inshore Hagfish and Pajeon after a Hot Spring Bath

Dongnae Hot Spring has existed since the Silla period and was renowned as the premier hot spring destination through the Joseon dynasty. Although it may not hold the same fame today due to amusement theme parks, you can enjoy various amenities at Heosimcheong and revitalize your body with Dongnae's famous grilled inshore hagfish and Dongnae pajeon (green onion pancake). In the Oncheonjang Hagfish Alley, there are over 10 hagfish restaurants, and Dongnae pajeon made with rice flour instead of wheat flour is extra chewy and generously topped with seasoned meat and seafood such as clam meat and shrimp, making it a hearty meal.

Along the way

1. 1

   Dongnae Hot Spring Outdoor Foot Bath

   동래온천 노천족탕

   As one of the oldest hot springs in Korea, its water temperature is 63°C. It is a weakly alkaline saline spring, and drinking the hot spring water in addition to bathing is known to be effective for chronic gastrointestinal disorders and gastric muscular weakness. It is also known as a therapeutic hot spring effective for rheumatic diseases, motor disorders, neuralgia, arthritis, fatigue recovery, and blood circulation disorders. The foot bath stimulates the muscles and joints around the feet and ankles—often referred to as the 'second heart' where key acupoints of the body's 12 meridians are concentrated—with hot water to facilitate smooth blood circulation throughout the entire body. It is known to be particularly effective in preventing and treating foot fatigue, hypertension, hypotension, lethargy, menstrual irregularities, lower back pain, and arthritis.MoreLess

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2. 2

   Wonjo Somunnan San Gomjangeo

   원조소문난산곰장어

   Advocating authentic hagfish, Somunnan Gomjangeo receives live inshore hagfish directly shipped from the source, boasting fresh and chewy flesh. The menu here consists of three types: seasoned grilled hagfish, salt-grilled hagfish, and whole-grilled hagfish. The first floor is set up for regular guests, while the second floor is arranged with banquet seating for groups.MoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Dongnae Market

   동래시장

   One of Busan's representative traditional markets, Dongnae Market (formerly Dongnaebu Eupnaejang) was originally a five-day market, but it currently exists as a permanent market.MoreLess

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4. 4

   Ancient Tombs in Bokcheon-dong, Busan

   부산 복천동 고분군

   These are Gaya tombs located on the hills of the Bokcheon-dong area in Busan. Around 40 tombs were identified through several excavation surveys, but most tombs still remain underground. There are various types of tombs, including wooden chamber tombs (togwang mokgwakmyo) made by digging the ground to create a spacious chamber and placing a wooden coffin, pit-style stone chamber tombs (suhyeolsik seoksilmyo) built by stacking square stones in the ground and covering the ceiling, and pit tombs where bodies were buried directly in the ground.MoreLess

   

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5. 5

   Dongnae Halmae Pajeon

   동래할매파전

   This restaurant has been carrying on the flavor of Dongnae pajeon—a traditional local delicacy of Dongnae that was once presented as a tribute to the king by the Dongnae magistrate during the Joseon dynasty—for four generations. Currently, the grandson's wife (Ms. Kim Jeong-hui) continues the family legacy, which originally began under the name Jeil Sikdang when the grandmother ran it. Dongnae pajeon is made by mixing glutinous rice flour and non-glutinous rice flour into a savory broth, and it delivers a tender, soft, and slightly sweet flavor as various seafood and beef harmonize with fragrant green onions.MoreLess

   

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6. 6

   Chungnyeolsa Shrine

   충렬사

   Because Allakseowon Confucian Academy enshrined loyal and patriotic martyrs of the Imjin War, it was not dismantled during the abolition of seowon led by Heungseon Daewongun and remained intact until recent years. In 1977, following the government's plan to make Chungnyeolsa a sacred precinct, the grounds were expanded, new buildings such as a shrine and an exhibition hall were constructed, and efforts have been made for its preservation and management. For centuries since its founding, Allakseowon has contributed greatly to edifying local residents, inspiring loyalty and patriotism, and fostering pride among the people of this region. MoreLess

   

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