Busan eel restaurant for a summer meal ending in ochazuke: Shunsaikubo

What is Shunsaikubo in Hwamyeong-dong like?

Tucked into a quiet alley in Hwamyeong-dong, Busan, Shunsaikubo (슌사이쿠보) serves authentic Nagoya-style hitsumabushi, grilled eel over rice, and it's the pride of the neighborhood and a long-time legit favorite! It has been a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand pick three years running (2024–2026), listed in the Blue Ribbon Survey for 8 years in a row, and even featured as an eel rice bowl master on SBS's <Master of Living> (생활의 달인). Those in the know already know it's in a different class!

There's a veterinary clinic for my dog right across the street, and every time I come, the line of people is insane~

I heard the owner-chef learned the craft firsthand at a Michelin-level restaurant in Japan and grills only top-grade, 100% Korean eel until it's crispy outside and tender inside! You can tell from the color alone~ I once had a miserable failure at a pricier, more famous eel place in Haeundae, but this one is the real deal, no doubt!!

Book Shunsaikubo Hwamyeong ahead

It's so popular that slots for a day or two out are constantly full, so booking in advance on Naver before you visit is a must! Assume walk-ins are almost impossible~ In this brutal summer heat, it's a place you have to go to recharge with hitsumabushi eel rice!!

Shunsaikubo started in 2018 as an omakase and izakaya. We put good ingredients, cooking true to the basics, and our care for guests into Nagoya-style hitsumabushi.

Shunsaikubo hitsumabushi prices and table setting

I ordered the signature hitsumabushi, a whole eel (₩39,000) and a half (₩27,500)! Before the eel rice bowl arrives, an assorted tempura with a still-crunchy texture comes out to whet your appetite~ It's a set of eggplant, lotus root, and kabocha squash!

Soon the main hitsumabushi arrives, and I inhaled the jiggly chawanmushi (Japanese steamed egg) sitting next to it first. Why is Japanese-style steamed egg so good!!!

The moment you lift the lid, the smoky charcoal aroma and the glossy, moist look give off a "this place is the real thing~~" vibe before you've even taken a bite, haha

It's top-grade eel, so even the thick cut is something special!! Golden and crisp outside, melting apart inside, and I just buried my face in it, hahaha. Shunsaikubo's hitsumabushi!!! So delicious, seriously haha

The 4 steps of hitsumabushi: ochazuke was the best

Hitsumabushi is usually enjoyed in four Nagoya-style steps, and Shunsaikubo has a guide posted too~

First, quietly savor the clean, mild flavor of the eel and rice on their own. Second, mix it with the steamed egg that comes with the bowl. Then add a little scallion and wasabi~ You can also turn it into ochazuke (rice in hot tea or broth)! Finally, finish with whichever way you liked best~ Personally, I loved the ochazuke so much!!

Near the end of the meal, a homemade chilled matcha pudding is served for dessert. From start to finish you feel looked after, a perfect course!! Great job~~~

Now I get why Michelin and Blue Ribbon pick this place year after year. Shunsaikubo is the best restaurant in Hwamyeong-dong! If you want a special meal with someone dear or a stamina-boosting dish, I recommend Shunsaikubo's hitsumabushi 200%!

Shunsaikubo Hwamyeong visitor info

• Address: 17 Yangdal-ro 4beon-gil, Buk-gu, Busan (Geumsaem Building, 1st floor)
• Hours: daily 11:30–21:00 / break time 15:00–17:30
• Parking: building lot or Hwamyeong public parking lot (1 hour covered for ₩50,000 or more)
• Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand, 2024–2026 in a row
• Blue Ribbon Survey, 8 years in a row, 2019–2026
• Featured as an eel rice bowl master on SBS <Master of Living>
• Reservations, takeout, and delivery available (Naver reservation)