Dragon Dream (The Cave Bar)

Carved into the side of a mountain in the heart of Busan, Dragon Dream serves traditional Korean food and drink in a uniquely subterranean setting. A keen sense of direction is needed to navigate the twists and turns to get there, but it’s worth the effort, as any previous patron will attest. Known to the foreigner crowd as “The Cave Bar,” what was once a bomb shelter now attracts clientele with a craving for pajeon (onion pancake), grilled prawn, and other seafood specialties – all with a generous side of cave drippings. The specter of a seven-foot dragon stares on as diners enjoy their first bites of dubu kimchi, arguably the best in Busan, while waiting for their meal.

Although the food is delicious and reasonably priced, the main attraction beside the atmosphere is the dongdongju and bamboo soju found on the drink menu. In regular or ginseng flavors, the dongdongju comes in a heavy kettle with enough liquid to satisfy your thirst and leave you wanting just one more bowl. The din within the restaurant gradually elevates with each passing kettle, and so too the ambiance of this strangely enchanting restaurant within a cave. Come hungry and thirsty and let the fruits of this dragon’s dream satisfy your desire.

Getting there: Take subway line 1 to Beomil-dong Stn., exit 7. Take a right at the top of the stairs walking past Hyundai Department Store. Cross the pedestrian footbridge and go left to the first crosswalk. Cross the street and turn left until reaching a meat restaurant with a red sign that translates to “Samgyeop Party.” Go right and then take a quick left at So Hee Hair Salon. About 30 meters ahead, look for a simple red and white sign on the right reading 용꿈 (Yong Ggum), which translates to “Dragon Dream.” 051-646-5924

From 10 Magazine