Millak-dong sashimi restaurant in Busan: seasonal set at The Bangpaje

Walking around Busan's Gwangalli Beach, you'll spot countless sashimi restaurants, but today I visited a spot famous in Millak-dong. It's called The Bangpaje, and even from the entrance I could feel that mix of history and modern sensibility that got me excited to step inside. Today I'm sharing the seasonal sashimi set I had at Bangpaje, a restaurant well known on the Blue Ribbon list.

• 24 Gwangan-haebyeon-ro 294beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan, South Korea
• Mon–Sun 11:30–22:00
• Parking available at Millak public parking lot or Marine Land parking

Being already well established as a top sashimi spot in Millak-dong, the entrance felt anything but ordinary. Rows of blue ribbon stickers lined the front, proof of its many Blue Ribbon selections. Walking past that entrance with real-deal energy, I was greeted inside by a neatly arranged interior.

Parking is available at Millak public parking lot or Marine Land parking, both just a minute from the restaurant.

What is the interior and private room like at The Bangpaje?

The interior was much more spacious and comfortable than I expected. Warm wood-toned lighting throughout gave it the feel of an upscale dining restaurant, quite different from a typical Millak-dong sashimi place.

The tables were also generously spaced, making it easy to chat comfortably with your company over the meal.

Folding doors along the window side gave the space an open feel, and softly placed lighting around the room added to the atmosphere.

The second floor is set up with private dining rooms. It was stylish enough to work perfectly for a family gathering or a date.

While the first floor is mostly regular table seating, the second floor's private dining rooms would also be great for group dinners or important business meals.

What comes with the seasonal sashimi set?

We ordered the restaurant's signature dish today, the seasonal sashimi set.

Right after ordering, the basic side dishes started arriving at the table. A fresh seafood platter, marinated shrimp jeotgal, salmon gimbap (seaweed rice roll), and seasoned crab — at a glance, the whole spread was neat and appetizing.

Among them, the seafood platter was my favorite — the sea squirt and sea cucumber were served incredibly fresh.

The sea squirt carried a full ocean aroma with that distinctive bitter-sweet flavor still alive, and the sea cucumber had a satisfying chewy texture.

Finally the main dish I'd been waiting for arrived, and the visual alone was overwhelming. The seasonal sashimi set lived up to Millak-dong's reputation — the phrase 'you eat with your eyes first' fit perfectly here.

On the plate sat seasonal fish — flounder, hirasu (yellowtail amberjack), and sea bass — arranged beautifully by cut. What I especially liked was that each fish came with a small label naming it, so you could actually know and appreciate what you were eating.

Each slice of sashimi was cut to just the right thickness for a satisfying chew, and the freshness — like it had been caught moments ago — spread across the whole mouth.

Placing a slice of sashimi on washed aged kimchi with a touch of gochujang and wasabi was an absolutely fantastic combination. Lifting the thick slice with chopsticks, I could actually feel its weight. The generous size filled my mouth with satisfaction, and the natural sweetness of the fish that came through with each chew made it instantly clear why this place earned its Blue Ribbon.

The special ssamjang dipping sauce served alongside was another highlight, packed with minced garlic and chili that sharpened up what could otherwise be a plain bite of sashimi. Dipped in that special ssamjang, the sashimi never got boring — it was the real MVP of the meal.

Finishing the meal with spicy fish stew (maeuntang)

Of course, the course needed to close with something hot and brothy. The set ended with a bubbling spicy fish stew (maeun-tang), which made the whole meal feel even more filling. The broth was loaded with tofu, fish bones, and assorted vegetables, giving it a deep, rich flavor. Spicy yet refreshing, the broth cleaned the palate for a perfect finish to the meal.

My time at The Bangpaje in Millak-dong was a precious experience — tasting the very best of seasonal seafood in an upscale atmosphere.

Between the neat table setting and the attentive service, it's the kind of place that naturally makes you want to come back with someone special. If you're looking for a sashimi restaurant in Millak-dong, I recommend The Bangpaje.