Explore 70 years of flavor at Samjin Fish Cake in Yeongdo—Busan’s iconic spot for Korean street food, hands-on fun, and tasty souvenirs.
🕰️ How Samjin Fish Cake Became a Symbol of Busan’s Resilience
What began in 1953 as a modest street-side stall has become one of Korea’s most beloved culinary icons. This enduring brand, born in post-war Busan, blends historical roots with modern innovation.
Today, Samjin serves not just food—but stories, nostalgia, and culture in every bite.
👉 Discover how Busan’s food scene was shaped by war—and why fish cake matters more than ever. Read this deep dive →
🏪 Visiting the Flagship Store in Yeongdo
Just minutes from Busan Station, this iconic location is equal parts bakery, museum, and gift shop.
Here, you’ll find:
Traditional skewers
Cheese- and shrimp-stuffed croquettes
Premium seafood bars
Protein-rich salad sticks
Beautifully packaged gift boxes
With multilingual signage and helpful staff, it’s tourist-ready from the moment you walk in.
🍢 Must-Try Fish Cake Favorites in Busan’s Yeongdo
Item
Description
Price (KRW)
Fish Cake Balls (어묵경단)
Filled with garlic stem, perilla, or roe butter
₩2,500 each / ₩10,000 for 5
Fusion Croquettes
Cheese, shrimp, egg-potato, spicy pepper
₩3,000
Seafood Skewers
Premium cuts with squid, conch, shrimp
₩2,700–₩4,900
Salad Bars
Basil olive or chipotle chicken options
₩3,300
Gift Sets
Includes the bestselling 1953 Box
₩40,000
👉 Fish cake isn’t the only soul food in Busan. See why locals swear by Dwaeji Gukbap in 2025. Explore the full story →
🍽️ Eat In or Take Out: Enjoy Korean Fish Cake Your Way
Whether you’re craving a quick snack or want to sit down and savor the flavors, this two-story flagship offers both. Indoor tables, microwaves, and even hot broth stations are ready for use.
Each item is packed with care—ideal for bringing home or back to your hotel room.
Pro Tip: Visit early on weekends to avoid missing the most popular varieties.
🎨 Make Your Own Korean Snack at the Samjin Workshop
Right next door, the Samjin Fish Cake Experience Center offers hands-on fun for all ages. Roll, stuff, and cook your very own creations!
🧑🏫 What You’ll Make:
Program
Highlights
Price
Weekday Class
Character fish cakes, pizza bars, sausages
₩20,000
Weekend Course
Grilled skewers with fancy toppings
₩20,000
Kids Class
Fun shapes and simple methods
₩13,000
Sessions last about 60–90 minutes. English guidance is available. Book early via Naver, especially for weekends.
🌍 Taking Korean Street Food from Yeongdo to the World
Since 2013, Samjin has expanded to Indonesia, Vietnam, and Australia—proving that Korean fish cake can travel far beyond its coastal beginnings.
Their seafood-based pizza even turned heads at CES Las Vegas 2025, earning praise for tradition-meets-tech flair.
🧭 Is Samjin Worth a Stop on Your Busan Food Tour?
Traveler Type
Why Visit
First-Time Visitors
Easy to find and highly photogenic
Street Food Fans
Taste 70 years of culinary history
Families
Great for kids, parents, and grandparents
Gift Hunters
Pre-packed sets perfect for travel
🅿️ Free parking 🕒 Go early for best selection
🌊 What Else to See After Your Fish Cake Fix
There’s more to Yeongdo than fish cakes—explore historic bridges, peaceful cliff walks, and artistic alleys.
Don’t miss:
Yeongdo Bridge: rises daily for remembrance
Huinnyeoul Culture Village: a former refuge turned art town
Rooftop cafés with sea views
Taejongdae: nature, lighthouses, and seaside seafood stalls
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (SEO Optimized for Snippets)
Q1. Can foreigners join the Samjin Fish Cake workshop in Busan? A1. Yes, foreigners can participate in the Samjin Fish Cake workshop in Busan, and English instructions are provided for an easy experience.
Q2. How long do Samjin Fish Cakes stay fresh after buying them in Busan? A2. Samjin Fish Cakes stay fresh for up to 3 days refrigerated or 2 weeks frozen. The packaging is optimized for travel and storage.
Q3. What payment methods are accepted at Samjin Fish Cake in Yeongdo? A3. The store accepts both credit cards and major mobile payments, including contactless options.
Q4. Do I need to book the Samjin Fish Cake experience workshop in advance? A4. Yes, advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. Booking is available via Naver.
Q5. Are the Samjin Fish Cake gift boxes travel-friendly? A5. Absolutely. Samjin’s gift boxes are insulated and designed for long-distance travel, keeping contents fresh and intact.
Q6. How do I get to the Samjin Fish Cake store in Yeongdo from Busan Station? A6. The store is easily accessible by local bus or taxi from Busan Station and other major areas, taking about 15–20 minutes.
✨ Final Thoughts
This isn’t just a snack shop—it’s a time machine wrapped in seaweed and soy. Warm, humble, and proud of its Busan roots, Samjin shows that food can carry memory across decades and oceans.
👉 Still think Seoul is the star? This guide to Busan in 2025 might change your travel plans. See why Busan is rising →
