TV-featured Gwangalli bar in Busan with grit-free clam soup: Moknal

I visited Moknal, an ocean-view bar near Gwangalli Beach where you get a lovely mood and a night view.

Where to park for Moknal in Gwangalli

Moknal has no private parking lot. You can park at the nearby Suyeong-gu Gwangan public parking lot.

Getting to Moknal and the outside atmosphere

Moknal is on the 3rd floor of the building at 191 Gwangan-haebyeon-ro. When you reach the entrance, a bright standing signboard greets you first.

The place appeared on the famous TV show Dongsangimong, so my expectations went up right at the entrance. The signboard lists the dishes, soups and skewers in detail, so you can check the menu before going in.

Going up to the 3rd floor, you see a board saying the Gwangan Bridge night view is beautiful.

The front door feels cozy and retro. There was also a notice about reservations for the fireworks festival, which reminded me again that this is a Gwangalli landmark. Open the door and soft orange lighting wraps the whole interior warmly.

Moknal's window seats and Gwangan Bridge ocean view

Tables are spaced widely and the seats are comfortable, so it works for group gatherings or a date.

Above all, what grabs your eye is the fantastic night-sea scenery beyond the huge open windows.

Sit by the window and the brilliant lights of Gwangan Bridge fill your view at this Gwangalli ocean-view bar. Sipping a drink while looking out at the open sea at night, I felt the day's tiredness melt away.

What's on the menu at Moknal?

The menu is well stocked, from grilled dishes to various set menus, meals and soups. With good-value set menus, it is an easy Gwangalli second-round bar even when you are already full. We ordered the mixed skewers and the clam soup, which has a wonderfully spicy broth.

Moknal's complimentary snacks and drinks

Once you order, a neat set of basic snacks arrives. Crispy, nutty puffed rice crackers (ppeongtwigi) and mild green peas come in tidy stainless steel bowls.

The drinks we ordered also came out with cold glasses full of ice.

Moknal's mixed skewers: how strong is the charcoal flavor?

The mixed skewers were bacon-wrapped skewers, grilled mushrooms, ginkgo nut skewers and chicken skewers, served generously on a long plate. Freshly grilled, they smelled wonderfully savory, and the charcoal aroma tickled my nose. There was salty, tender bacon wrap, chewy grilled mushroom, nutty ginkgo and hearty chicken, a really full lineup.

Every skewer is deeply infused with smoky char flavor. Dip one lightly in the special sauce served alongside and the drinks just go down by themselves. It is substantial without being heavy, so it is just right as a snack at a Gwangalli second-round bar late at night.

Moknal's clam soup: is it properly cleaned of grit?

The clam soup comes bubbling in a big pot set on a burner. It is loaded with fresh, plump clams, and enoki mushrooms, green onion and chili give it depth. As the broth boils, a savory, spicy scent of the sea spreads across the whole table.

The broth is clear yet refreshing. Filling your small plate and picking out the perfectly cooked clam meat is quite fun.

The clams were purged of grit cleanly, so there was no off smell or grit, just the chewy, nutty flavor of the clams themselves.

This is an aerial shot of all the food together: the mixed skewers, clam soup and basic snacks.

Verdict: Moknal, a TV-featured Gwangalli bar in Busan

Moknal is a place to enjoy tasty dishes alongside the beautiful Gwangan Bridge night view. Friendly service, great atmosphere and top-notch snacks made everything feel perfect. It is a good choice for anyone looking for an ocean-view bar in Gwangalli where you can happily sip a drink while admiring a stunning night view. If you want tasty snacks and a night view late at night without pressure, make sure to visit Moknal, a Gwangalli second-round bar.

• Address: 3rd floor, 191 Gwangan-haebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan
• Hours: Daily 17:00 to 05:00
• Parking: No private lot; use the Suyeong-gu Gwangan public parking lot