A bowl of soup, a bottle of Busan

After the beach, what is for dinner? In Busan, choosing between a bowl of pork soup and a plate of boiled pork gives you a good place to start choosing a local drink.

Start with a bowl of soup

Dwaeji-gukbap is pork soup served with rice. Saengtak, a 6% fresh makgeolli, is described as gently sweet, grainy and light in texture. It is a bottle to consider when you want the meal to do most of the talking.

A different bottle beside boiled pork

Gamcheon is also 6%, with pear-like aroma and a smooth texture in its published tasting descriptions. The pear is an aroma comparison. Try it with suyuk, boiled pork, and a little salted shrimp on the side.

Which part of Busan is on the label?

Saengtak comes from Busan Joint Brewery; Gamcheon connects you with a brewery in western Busan’s Gangseo district. Turn the bottles around and read the makers’ addresses. You may find a neighborhood name you have not met on the beach.

Choose dinner before chasing bottles

Near Busan Station, look up Bonjeon Dwaeji Gukbap; around Jagalchi Market, try Yangsan-jip as a dining lead. Check the menu and whether your chosen bottle is served. One good meal is enough reason to start exploring.