Geumnyeonsan Japanese diner: half-day-off menbosha lunch, Daidokoro

I visited a cozy Japanese restaurant I'd really recommend if you're looking for lunch near Geumnyeonsan Station: Daidokoro Gwangalli Main Branch (다이도코로 광안리본점).

Daidokoro Gwangalli Main Branch hours and parking

Daidokoro Gwangalli Main Branch is open from 11:00 to 21:00, with last order at 20:00, and it never closes. There is no dedicated parking lot, so you'll need to use a nearby paid one.

• Hours: 11:00–21:00
• Last order: 20:00
• Closed: open year-round
• Parking: nearby paid lots; Namhae Parking or Golden Beach Parking recommended
• ₩4,000 per hour; ₩1,000 refunded with a parking receipt

Getting to Daidokoro Gwangalli Main Branch from Geumnyeonsan Station

If you can't decide on lunch near Geumnyeonsan Station, Daidokoro Gwangalli Main Branch is an easy find, about a 6-minute walk from Exit 5. (Gwangalli Beach is just a little further down after your meal, so it's great for a post-lunch stroll!!)

Walking down the quiet road felt so refreshing, and as always, lunch after a half-day off is happiness above all else~ haha

What's the weekday lunch atmosphere like at Daidokoro Gwangalli Main Branch?

Personally, I love Daidokoro because the prices are reasonable and the set menus are generous and varied enough to suit different tastes. There's also a branch at Lotte Department Store Gwangbok, so if you're passing by Busan Station or Nampo Station, I'd recommend stopping in.

The Gwangalli Main Branch has more tables than I expected, so it wasn't crowded, which was nice. I went at weekday lunchtime, and 3 or 4 other groups were eating while I was there, with no discomfort at all!!

Special services for workers and students

At Daidokoro Gwangalli Main Branch you can get special services for various reasons, such as being a office worker or a student. I only noticed it after I'd already ordered. It's not a big perk, but I think it's fun to get a little something extra.

I didn't use any of the services that day, but next time I want the bite-sized draft beer, hehe

How are the menbosha and udon at Daidokoro?

At Daidokoro Gwangalli Main Branch, the menbosha (fried shrimp toast) and udon came out first. Ta-da~ The menbosha was irresistibly crispy, and the udon, with tempura in it, was delicious too.

The menbosha in particular has lots of cabbage in it, so it never felt greasy.

What makes Daidokoro Gwangalli Main Branch special

A meal at Daidokoro is always satisfying. As a lunch spot near Geumnyeonsan Station, here's what makes Daidokoro Gwangalli Main Branch special!!

• Soft curry with deep flavor from 100 hours of aging
• Polished, authentic Japanese home cooking
• Interior that captures the Japanese feel
• Warm service and desserts

I hear Daidokoro Gwangalli Main Branch is a representative Busan eatery, featured on Visit Busan. It was introduced as one of 8 can't-miss Busan restaurants, so it's the real deal, recognized by the city of Busan.

After the Gwangbok branch, my first time at the Gwangalli Main Branch, with curry set for my housemate

I'd previously been to the Daidokoro Gwangbok branch in Lotte Department Store, but this was my first time at the Gwangalli Main Branch. I'd enjoyed the Gwangbok branch so much that I went in with full trust.

My housemate came on my recommendation. They love curry and have a kid's palate, so they snatched the curry set right away~ and said they enjoyed it and were happy with it.

The downside: the oil smell on your clothes

The only downside is that you come out smelling strongly of frying oil..? But that's something you have to accept at any place selling tempura or tonkatsu, so I can't help it.. sob. I washed all my clothes as soon as I got home! If you carry deodorizer like me, you'll probably be fine, lol

If you can't decide where to have lunch near Geumnyeonsan Station, I absolutely recommend Daidokoro Gwangalli Main Branch!!