Michelin Guide Restaurant in Busan? Honest Review of HaeMok Haeundae
Looking for the best eel rice bowl in Busan?
During my recent trip to Haeundae, I finally visited HaeMok, one of the most famous Michelin-selected restaurants in Busan.
I had seen this place all over Korean social media and travel recommendations before, especially for its signature hitsumabushi (Japanese-style grilled eel rice bowl).
After visiting myself, I completely understood why people wait in line for it.
Here’s my honest review of HaeMok Haeundae, including:
- waiting time
- reservation tips
- menu recommendations
- and whether it’s actually worth the price.
Location
HaeMok is located near Haeundae Station and GUNAM-RO street, making it very convenient for travelers visiting the Haeundae area.
The restaurant exterior already gives strong Japanese dining vibes with a clean and minimal atmosphere.
It honestly feels more like a trendy restaurant in Tokyo than a typical Korean restaurant.
Because of the Michelin reputation, many tourists and locals visit throughout the day.
Waiting Time & Reservation Tip
Yes… there was definitely a wait.
Since HaeMok is one of the most popular restaurants in Haeundae, waiting is almost expected during dinner hours.
Luckily, I reserved through the Catch Table app while driving there.
Highly recommended tip:
👉 Download Catch Table before visiting.
If you want to avoid long waiting times, I personally recommend:
- • visiting right at opening time
- or choosing an awkward in-between hour.
That alone can save a lot of time.
Signature Menu: Hitsumabushi
HaeMok’s signature menu is definitely the hitsumabushi, a Japanese grilled eel rice bowl.
The price is not cheap, but honestly, once the food arrived, it felt understandable considering the quality.
Menu I ordered:
- Hitsumabushi Half Size — ₩39,000
- Full Size — ₩58,000
. The main difference is simply the amount of eel.
They also sell:
- Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl)
- side dishes
- fried items
- cream burrata dishes
- alcohol pairings
Was It Actually Good?
Honestly… yes.
The eel was incredibly soft and flavorful without any fishy taste.
The sauce was rich but not overpowering, and the balance with the rice felt perfect.
One of the best things about hitsumabushi is that you can enjoy it in three different ways:
- Eat it normally
- Add seaweed and wasabi
- Pour broth over the rice
Personally, the last method completely changed the dish for me.
It almost felt like eating a totally different meal.
That was probably my favorite part.
Drinks & Dessert
Since I don’t drink alcohol, I ordered the plum juice instead.
It was not overly sweet, which I personally loved.
For dessert, I finished with one of my favorite Japanese-style desserts:
Mochi Tofu.
Soft, creamy, and honestly the perfect ending after such a rich meal.
Is HaeMok Worth It?
✔ Michelin-selected restaurant in Busan
✔ One of the best eel rice bowls in Haeundae
✔ Great atmosphere for travelers
✔ High-quality grilled eel
✔ Reservation strongly recommended
The price is definitely on the expensive side, but the quality and overall experience felt worth trying at least once.
If you are visiting Busan and looking for a famous Haeundae restaurant, HaeMok is honestly one of those places that lives up to the hype.