Nampo Station Japanese eatery, Set A and free milk pudding: Daidokoro

A Busan Nampo-dong department store gem with real character: an honest review of Daidokoro Lotte Department Store Gwangbok Branch

If you're shopping around Busan's Nampo-dong and Jungang-dong, or looking for a comfortable, delicious Japanese home-style meal, there's one spot you absolutely have to visit. With an overwhelming 4.93 rating backed by more than 2,800 glowing reviews, that place is Daidokoro Lotte Department Store Gwangbok Branch.

Located right in front of Nampo Station Exit 8, on the 10th floor of the main building of Lotte Department Store Gwangbok Branch, this restaurant serves up a hearty, thoughtfully prepared meal inside a space that feels like a charming little prop shop in Dotonbori, Osaka. Here's a detailed look at all the varied charms I discovered on this visit.

Where is Daidokoro Gwangbok and what are its hours?

• Address: 2 Jungang-daero, Jung-gu, Busan, 10th floor (just 27m from Nampo Station Exit 8)
• Hours: open daily (last order 8:00 PM, check for department store holiday closures)
• Amenities: takeout available, free Wi-Fi, separate men's/women's restrooms, group-friendly, convenient parking within the department store, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety certified
• Special perks: various events running, including a 'Croquette FLEX! Crispy Crispy' coupon for customers who sign up for alerts

Since it's located inside a department store, you can always visit comfortably no matter the weather — rain, snow, or scorching heat. This makes it an ideal location for tourists exploring Jagalchi Market, Yeongdo, and Nampo-dong, or anyone who wants a stress-free meal without worrying about parking before or after shopping.

Daidokoro's atmosphere and seating: can you eat alone?

Stepping inside Daidokoro Gwangbok Branch, you're greeted by cute little figurines, vintage Japanese-style props, and warm lighting that combine to create a cozy, unique atmosphere.

• A perfect space from solo meals to family outings: cozy bar seating and comfortable table seating are both available, so it's never awkward to eat alone, and it also works great as a date spot or a family outing with kids.
• Comfort and convenience on the 10th floor: with spacious parking available, you can visit without any parking stress, and it's easy to plan a course that includes browsing the department store or nearby Nampo-dong landmarks before or after your meal.

What comes in Daidokoro's Set A for Two, and how it tastes

On this visit I ordered the generously filled Set A for Two. It comes packed with the signature popular chicken nanban set, a crispy kkanpunggi (sweet-and-spicy fried chicken) set, and irresistibly crunchy menbosha (4 pieces). On top of that, I also got to enjoy a milk pudding to cap off the meal perfectly.

Light, non-greasy fried chicken: chicken nanban and kkanpunggi sets

I usually enjoy chicken and fried dishes, but I was a little worried since eating something greasy at lunchtime or early in the day can sometimes leave my stomach feeling heavy. But Daidokoro's fried dishes were surprisingly light — not greasy or heavy at all, fried in clean oil so only the nuttiness and crispness came through.

The chicken nanban set features tender fried chicken topped with a harmonious blend of the restaurant's special sauce and tartar sauce, delivering the ultimate softness,

while the kkanpunggi set is a textbook case of crispy outside, tender inside, with a sweet-and-spicy sauce that instantly grabs your palate. I was so absorbed in eating that before I knew it, the plate was completely empty — a real testament to the quality.

Dessert favorite: Daidokoro's free milk pudding

If you visit Daidokoro, there's another signature item you absolutely can't miss: the soft, smooth milk pudding. By participating in the Naver review event after your meal, you can either enjoy this sweet, silky handmade milk pudding for free on the spot or take it home. The way it melts in your mouth with pure smoothness took the satisfaction of the meal to an absolute peak — it was the best dessert of the day.

Verdict: is Daidokoro at Nampo Station worth it?

Located on the 10th floor of Lotte Department Store Gwangbok Branch in Nampo-dong, Busan, Daidokoro Gwangbok Branch is a standout spot showing off the essence of authentic Japanese home cooking that just about anyone can enjoy.

• A solid lineup of dishes including tonkatsu made with 100-hour-aged curry and fresh, same-day-prepped meat, juicy karaage, and the chicken nanban set
• Charming, comfortable interior with genuine Japanese local vibes, plus the convenience of department store infrastructure
• The perfect trio, topped off with a sweet milk pudding dessert available just for joining the review event

If you're looking for a can't-go-wrong restaurant near Nampo-dong or Jungang-dong, I'd highly recommend filling your lunch or dinner today with a happy, satisfying meal at Daidokoro Lotte Department Store Gwangbok Branch.