What food best reminds you of Busan’s sea? Nothing can beat grilled clams when it comes to seafood. Various clams piled on a plate, the scent of the sea from the clams grilled over a briquette fire, and the savory and salty flavor will give you a special experience. Grilled clams offer the real sea flavor of Busan.

Cheongsapo Village and Taejongdae Park are perfect places to enjoy grilled clams. Although clams are grilled in the same way, they seem to taste different depending on its location. Cheongsapo embraces a plain sea, while Taejongdae features a splendid and magnificent cliff. Grilled clams have a unique taste that you would want to let your long-distance friends taste when they visit you. It is the best dish for friends gathering to catch up and talk about the old times.

Take a look at the heaping plate of clams. Various clams, such as fan-like scallops, pen shells larger than your palm, and plump short-necked clams, are mixed with mushrooms and hot peppers seasoned with butter. Seaweed soup and mussel soup accompanied by side dishes are unlimitedly served, giving you the vibe of the sea in just one hot sip. The aroma of grilled clams coming from the next table would make your mouth water.

Grilling clams is not easy for first-timers, especially figuring out how to grill and when to eat it. However, there is no need to worry as servers will patiently tell beginners everything they need to know. After putting clams on the charcoal grill, clam juice will come out, which is when it’s time to separate clam meat from the shell. Then, the clam meat with clam juice should be transferred to a foil container and boiled with onion and mushrooms together with the shells placed on top of the foil container as covers. If you get confused, you will be assisted by friendly servers who will help you cook or even cook for you.

Finally, tasting the grilled clams is the best part. You can try various flavors using butter, kimchi, or spicy sauce to your liking. Once you put a cooked clam into your mouth, it will be filled with the flavor of the sea and savory butter. A drink would also go well with this meal. If your stomach is not yet filled enough with clams, seafood ramen is recommended. Last but not least, Korean meals are completed with rice. Spicy stew, soybean paste stew full of clam flavor, or fried rice seasoned with clam juice will be a perfect finishing touch to your dinner course.

Whether you’re in the plain and simple Cheongsapo Port with the sound of gentle waves and sea breeze or in the hustle and bustle of Dadaepo Port, you can always enjoy Busan’s sea to the fullest with grilled clams.