Food: Won Chon Restaurant in PNU
Go Back to the Old Korea
by Liam Cullivan
Aug. 2009

So, you are in Busan. You’ve gone to the beach, strolled through Jagalchi Market, and made the short hike up to Beomosa Temple. Yet, there is one thing the first time visitors should not miss: the food! And this is not about 2,500 won pork ribs or fried rice. Busan is located between the sea and some of the most productive farming areas on the peninsula. The fish and vegetables are infinitely fresher than the fare in Seoul. If you want to experience real Busan cuisine, you’ve got to visit Won Chon Restaurant in the PNU area.

Over thirty years ago the Lee family opened Won Chon in their own house near Pusan National University. While buildings and pre-fab shops have gone up and down and all around this traditional courtyard house, it has stayed the same. Won Chon gives us a glimpse into the Pusan of old; with sliding doors leading to traditional rooms, decades-old crooked trees shading the courtyard, and ample picnic tables for large groups.

The atmosphere IS Korea. The head waiter is probably the oldest head waiter you have met. There is even a resident monk to complete the scene (I asked the owners why the monk lives in a room in the restaurant and was told “Because, he just does.” Stupid question.)
Won Chon’s menu is loaded with tasty traditional dishes. I highly recommend the Pah-jeon, or Jee-jim in the local dialect. Often referred to as Korean

pizza, Pah-jeon is actually a fried green onion pancake. Some other favorites include Soon-du-bu (tofu, Morning Calm style), the Bu-dae-gee-kay (a delicious stew), and Oh-sam Bulgogi (tender marinated meat with veggies.) And for those adventuresome eaters, try the chicken feet (Dak-bal.) Wash all that down with some addictive Dong-dong-ju (a variant of Makoli, a traditional alcohol.) All of Won Chon’s offerings are very reasonably priced and the portion sizes rival those in North America.

On any given night you can see young lovers, office workers, students, and the occasional group of ex-pats all laughing, drinking and soaking up the historical vibe in this little oasis. Many times, my friends and I have gone there to pick up some dinner and ended up staying till close, not wanting to leave this refreshingly unchanged spot. It is what Insa-dong was twenty years ago. Do yourself a flavor (poetic license) and check it out.

To get there, walk out the PNU subway stop and go towards the University’s main gate. About one block before the main gate there is a one way street. Walk against traffic (wear bright reflective clothing) for about three blocks. Won Chon is on your left, right on the corner.

Liam is the owner of The Basement in PNU and Blowfish at Song Jeong Beach. He can be reached through his Facebook group Basement, the shizzle.