Best Clam Stew in Busan: Fresh Scallops at Dappeojuneun House (다퍼주는집)
Why Fresh Clam Stew (Jogae Jjim) is Busan’s Must-Try Seafood Dish
When you visit Busan, fresh seafood isn’t optional — it’s the entire point. But here’s the challenge: Haeundae’s seafood scene is packed with options, and it’s genuinely hard to know which restaurants are worth your time. After exploring Haeundae’s seafood scene firsthand, I can tell you with confidence that fresh clam stew (jogae jjim) is your golden ticket to experiencing what this coastal city is truly about.
And after some serious searching, I found the spot that makes everything click: Dappeojuneun House (다퍼주는집). The name roughly translates to “the place that gives generously” — and as you’ll see, that’s not just a catchy name. It’s a promise the restaurant keeps with every single bowl.
Dappeojuneun House: Haeundae’s Best-Rated Fresh Seafood Restaurant
Dappeojuneun House has built a genuine reputation as one of Haeundae’s most beloved premium scallop and clam stew destinations. What sets it apart from the tourist-trap seafood joints lining the beachfront? The regulars. Walk in at peak hour and you’ll find local Busan residents sitting elbow-to-elbow with first-time visitors — a reliable sign that the kitchen earns its keep on quality alone, not foot traffic.
Celebrity Photos and Local Reviews That Prove Its Worth
The moment you step inside, the energy hits you immediately — lively conversation, the rich aroma of bubbling seafood broth, and walls lined with celebrity photographs from entrance to interior. That photo wall isn’t just decoration; it’s a running record of the restaurant’s reputation, built visit by visit. After my own meal here, I finally understood why locals will say, without hesitation, “You have to go to Dappeojuneun House when you’re in Haeundae.”
Fresh Clam Stew Menu: What Makes It Different
On this visit, I ordered the Medium Clam Stew (jogae jjim) with added octopus as the centerpiece, along with Grilled King Prawns (wang saeu gui), Fresh Marinated Octopus (san nakji), and Beef Bulgogi with Egg Fried Rice (bulgogi gyeran bap). The table looked like a small feast the moment everything landed, and I couldn’t wait to dig in.
Overflowing Bowl: Fresh Scallops, Octopus and Mussels in Signature Broth
The moment that fresh clam stew pot arrived at the table, I understood the hype immediately. The pot was genuinely overflowing — plump fresh scallops, live clams in impressive variety, mussels, shrimp, abalone, and thick whole chunks of octopus. Even a meaty blue crab was tucked in among the rest. This is what premium Haeundae seafood looks like: layered, generous, and unmistakably fresh.
I ordered the Medium, which is officially portioned for three, but four of us barely left a trace. The clam meat itself is tender and firm with zero fishiness — just a clean, natural sweetness that builds gently as you chew, followed by a mild salinity that lingers pleasantly. Every piece feels like it came straight from the sea that morning.
The fresh scallops are the undisputed highlight. Pulled straight from the shell and cooked in that signature broth, each one has a silky, almost buttery texture that practically dissolves the moment it touches your tongue. Dip lightly in the sweet-tangy chojang dipping sauce, and the flavor deepens into something genuinely memorable. With so many varieties of live clams and shellfish in the pot, every single bite offers something slightly different.
| 💡 Pro Tip: The Medium size is listed for 3 people but comfortably feeds 4. For larger groups, size up accordingly. The broth intensifies as the meal goes on, so pace yourself — eat the seafood first while slowly sipping the broth, then save the remaining liquid for kalguksu noodles at the end. That finale is not something you want to miss. |
House-Made Seafood Sauce: The Secret to Deep, Rich Broth
Even after extended cooking, the broth at Dappeojuneun House never tips into being overly salty. Instead, it deepens and rounds out beautifully over time. The key is the restaurant’s proprietary house-made sauce, which mingles gradually with the natural umami released by the fresh clams and seafood. What starts as a clean, bright broth slowly transforms into something layered and complex — the kind that keeps drawing your spoon back to the bowl.
Kalguksu (Hand-Cut Noodles) in Clam Broth: The Perfect Finale
When the seafood is finished, the real grand finale begins: kalguksu (hand-cut noodles) cooked directly in the remaining broth. The noodles absorb that concentrated clam and seafood essence as they cook, turning chewy and deeply flavorful. Paired with crisp, spicy kimchi on the side, it’s the kind of closing act that explains exactly why people come back to this restaurant again and again. Don’t skip it.
Other Must-Try Seafood Dishes at Dappeojuneun House
Grilled King Prawns: Why Locals Order It Fresh, Not Frozen
The Grilled King Prawns (wang saeu gui) arrive beautifully charred on the outside with a smoky, caramelized shell. Peel it back and the meat inside is impressively firm and naturally sweet — a world apart from anything frozen. The more you chew, the more sweetness comes forward. Even the heads are worth eating: roasted until nutty and rich, with almost nothing wasted. This is as good as grilled prawns get.
Beef Bulgogi with Egg Fried Rice (Bulgogi Gyeran Bap)
Plenty of regulars, I was told, make the trip specifically for the Beef Bulgogi with Egg Fried Rice (bulgogi gyeran bap). The beef is tender and glazed in that classic sweet-savory marinade, and when you fold it into the golden fried egg and rice, one bite makes the appeal completely obvious. It’s the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that works equally well for kids and adults — dangerously easy to finish entirely on your own.
Fresh Marinated Octopus (San Nakji): Still Moving on the Plate
The Fresh Marinated Octopus (san nakji) arrives still wriggling — the clearest possible signal of how fresh it is. Each piece is plump and tender with that characteristic chewy resistance, and as you chew through it, a pleasant, subtle nuttiness emerges. It’s the kind of textural experience that reminds you why octopus is considered a prized delicacy in Korean coastal cuisine.
By the time we finished our meal, the shell collection bucket beside the table was overflowing — a satisfying, visual reminder of just how generously this place feeds you. True to its name, Dappeojuneun House really does give generously. We left full, happy, and already talking about coming back. Washing down all that premium fresh seafood with an ice-cold shot of soju felt like exactly the right way to close a Busan evening.
Dappeojuneun House Haeundae: Complete Visitor’s Guide
Location: How to Get to Dappeojuneun House from Haeundae Station
Finding the best clam stew in Busan is easy once you know where to look. Dappeojuneun House is located just a 10-minute walk from Haeundae Station (Line 2), making it one of Haeundae’s most accessible fresh seafood restaurants. The address is 1F, 12 Haeundae Haebyeonro 209beon-nagil, Haeundae-gu, Busan — right in the heart of the district’s popular dining corridor.
If you’re navigating by phone, search for 다퍼주는집 on Naver Map or Google Maps for precise directions. The walk from Haeundae Station is straightforward and passes through the local dining strip, so you’ll know you’re in the right place when the seafood smells start intensifying.
Hours and Reservation: When to Visit for the Best Experience
Dappeojuneun House is open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with last orders taken at 10:00 PM. Peak lunch and dinner hours fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so arriving slightly before rush hour is a smart move if you want to avoid a wait. For larger groups, calling ahead is strongly recommended.
Why Dappeojuneun House Belongs on Your Busan Itinerary
This meal left the kind of deep, lasting satisfaction that’s genuinely hard to shake. The freshness of the seafood was present in every single component — not just the clams and scallops, but every element that hit the table. I found myself moved throughout the entire meal in the way that only truly exceptional food can manage.
Whether you’re visiting Haeundae for a weekend by the sea, a family trip, or a special night out, Dappeojuneun House delivers on every front. What you get here goes beyond a meal. You get premium fresh seafood handled with care, generous portions that reflect genuine pride in what’s being served, and an atmosphere that feels equally at home for locals and first-time visitors.
Busan residents endorse it. Celebrities have made it a regular stop. And travelers who find it tend to remember it long after they’ve left the city. If you’re putting together a Haeundae food itinerary, this fresh clam stew specialist deserves a spot at the very top of your list.
Dappeojuneun House — Essential Information
| 📍 Address | 1F, 12 Haeundae Haebyeonro 209beon-nagil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea |
| ⏰ Hours | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily (Last Order: 10:00 PM) |
| 📞 Phone | [Contact information to be added] |
| 🚇 Nearest Station | Haeundae Station (Metro Line 2) — approximately 10-minute walk |
| 💳 Payment | Cash and major credit cards accepted |
| 🗺️ Map Search | Search 다퍼주는집 on Naver Map or Google Maps |
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