When you visit Busan, everyone heads straight for dwaeji-gukbap (pork soup), right? But let me be honest with you… I’d recommend getting samgyeopsal (pork belly) at Geobuk-i Dongne instead 😎 They’ve expanded to multiple locations across Korea, but you won’t find them in Seoul yet!
Why “Turtle Village”? 🐢
At first, I thought the name was hilarious. Geobuk-i Dongne literally means “Turtle Village” – do they sell turtles? LOL! Turns out, they age their meat slowly for 14 days, and in today’s fast-paced world, this slow, proper aging process is as slow as a turtle – hence the name.
In Korea’s “ppalli-ppalli” (hurry-hurry) culture, waiting 14 days to serve meat… you can feel their commitment, right? 🥹
The Mystery of the Crowd
Here’s what’s fascinating: while other restaurants nearby sit quietly, there’s ALWAYS a line at Geobuk-i Dongne! I recently visited their Hwamyeong-dong location (not Seomyeon), and even there, you need to put your name on Catch Table for a table. I’ll share details from the Hwamyeong location – the menu might vary slightly by branch, but they’re pretty similar. The Seomyeon location always has lines too!
Locations:
- Geobuk-i Dongne Busan Seomyeon Branch: 1F, 61 Dongcheon-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan
- Geobuk-i Dongne Busan Hwamyeong Branch: 1F, 4 Haksaro 17beon-gil, Buk-gu, Busan
Did I Come for the Rice or the Meat? 🍚
Have you ever had freshly cooked pot rice at a Korean BBQ restaurant? They serve gamasot-bap (traditional cauldron rice), and it’s so perfectly fluffy that you’ll wonder if you came for the meat or the rice!
After you scoop out all the rice, they pour water in to make nurungji (scorched rice). This is amazing! When you’re feeling full from all the meat, a spoonful of nurungji is just… heaven 🤤
Why Is the Doenjang-jjigae So Good?
The doenjang-jjigae (soybean paste stew) bubbling away in a stone pot is seriously delicious. The rich, savory broth is a perfect match with the grilled meat!
Try this eating route: Lettuce wrap → Piece of meat → Spoonful of stew → Spoonful of rice
Your mouth will thank you 💕
The Magic of Aged Meat ✨
After 14 days of aging, the meat is incredibly tender. No gamey smell whatsoever, and the juices are so alive that every bite fills your mouth with savory goodness.
Samgyeopsal (pork belly), mokssal (pork neck), hangjeongsal (pork jowl), gabrisal (outside skirt)… you can try various cuts, and they’re ALL delicious. Seriously, ALL of them (emphasis needed!)
The Beauty of Self-Service 💪
They don’t grill the meat for you here. You cook it yourself, and you grab side dishes from the self-service bar.
At first, I was like “Ugh, self-service…” but once I got there, the self-service bar is AMAZING!
Lettuce and vegetables for wrapping, sliced green onions, various sauces, pickled vegetables… unlimited refills of everything you want! I actually prefer this – you can eat as much as you like 😋
Not for Business Dinners, Perfect for Friends! 👫
Since staff don’t grill the meat and everything is self-service, it might be awkward for formal business dinners. Nobody wants to grill meat while watching their boss, right? LOL
But it’s PERFECT for families and friends! Grilling meat while chatting comfortably, walking back and forth to the self-service bar for some “exercise” ㅋㅋㅋ
Be Ready to Wait ⏰
This place is seriously popular. Especially during dinner time, waiting is a must!
While other restaurants in the neighborhood sit empty, there’s a line only at Geobuk-i Dongne… Once you try it, you’ll understand why. It’s simply delicious 😂
Either go early or be mentally prepared for a wait!
A Busan-Born Brand 🌊
Geobuk-i Dongne started in Busan in 2017. After becoming a huge hit in Busan, they’ve now expanded to Daegu, Gyeonggi Province, and Incheon.
They’re not in Seoul yet (this is the key point!) That’s why it’s a must-visit when you’re traveling to Busan ✈️
Final Verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When that sudden craving for samgyeopsal hits! The combination of aged meat with pot rice and doenjang-jjigae at Geobuk-i Dongne… this is it 😮
It might be a bit of work since it’s self-service, but the value and taste are so worth it! It’s the perfect spot to enjoy grilled meat and good conversation with family or friends.
If you’re walking by Geobuk-i Dongne and see a line, don’t just pass by – go in and try it!
Practical Tips for International Visitors:
- Most staff speak limited English, but the menu has photos
- Payment: Cash and cards accepted
- Reservations: Use Catch Table app or arrive early
- Average cost: Around 15,000-20,000 KRW per person
- Best time: Lunch (less crowded) or early dinner (5-6 PM)
- How to find it: Search “거북이동네” on Naver Map to find the nearest location!
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