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Unaju Busan: Michelin Guide Hitsumabushi in Haeundae

Traditional white Japanese lantern and Michelin Guide plaque at entrance of Unaju Busan

Nestled quietly along the scenic coastal road of Cheongsapo near Haeundae, Unaju Busan is an exceptional Japanese dining destination honored in the Michelin Guide Busan for its authentic Nagoya-style hitsumabushi.

Masterfully grilling freshwater eel over fragrant charcoal, Unaju brushes each fillet with a deep, savory tare glaze that delivers a delicate balance of smoky crispness and meltingly tender texture.

Set inside a stylish multi-story stone building overlooking the peaceful sea, it provides an exquisite culinary experience where guests can enjoy premium eel rice served in traditional lacquer bowls across four distinct, ritualistic dining methods.

🗺️ How to Visit Unaju Busan: Location & Access Guide

📍 Quick Info

  • Address: 1-2F, 39 Cheongsapo-ro 67beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan (우나쥬)
  • Phone: +82 51-702-6250
  • Hours: Wed – Mon 11:00 – 22:00 (Break time: 15:00 – 17:00 / Last order: 20:30) *Regularly closed every Tuesday
  • Price Range: ₩28,000 – ₩58,000 per person
  • Popular Menu: Hitsumabushi / 1 Eel (우나쥬히츠마부시 ₩39,000), Weekday Lunch Special (평일점심특선 ₩28,000), Eel Gimbap (장어김밥 ₩12,000), Tendon / Tempura Rice Bowl (텐동 ₩28,000), Japanese Eel Egg Roll (장어계란말이 ₩18,000)
  • Map: View on Google Maps
Walking:

[ 🚃 Haeundae Blueline Park Cheongsapo Station ]
        │        
        │ (Approx. 500m / 6-7 min walk)
        ▼
[ 🍱 Unaju Busan (우나쥬) ]


🚌 By Bus:

Take Haeundae Maeul Bus No. 2 (해운대구2) ➔ Get off at "Cheongsapo (청사포 종점)" Bus Stop ➔ Walk about 2-3 minutes (approx. 200m) slightly uphill into Cheongsapo-ro 67beon-gil alley.

🚕 By Taxi:

Approx. 10-12 mins from Haeundae Beach or Jangsan Station (Line 2). Show the driver: "부산 해운대구 청사포로67번길 39 (우나쥬)".

✨ Inside Unaju Busan: Atmosphere & Food Guide

I visited this grilled eel rice restaurant, which was recently selected for the Michelin Guide Busan in 2026. Cheongsapo is a quiet coastal neighborhood located on the outer edge of Haeundae, and you can travel here comfortably using the Haeundae Blueline Park coastal train.

Exterior view of Unaju Busan hitsumabushi restaurant and parking area in Cheongsapo

The building’s exterior appears to be built with a refined Japanese architectural atmosphere.

Exterior architectural facade of Unaju Busan with tiled eaves and textured stone wall
Veranda wooden deck and waiting bench along the outdoor walkway of Unaju Busan
Traditional stone lanterns and lush bamboo garden walkway beside Unaju Busan

Let us take a direct look at the dining menu.

There was an impressive variety of alcoholic beverages available, including premium sake and champagne. Since I personally love wine, the champagne selection naturally caught my eye.

Glass beverage refrigerator stocked with chilled sake, champagne, and Japanese liquor at Unaju Busan

While ordering my meal, I also walked up to the second floor, where the dining space is arranged into private rooms.

Second-floor corridor leading into private Japanese-style dining rooms at Unaju Busan
Modern wooden ceiling slats, pendant globes, and private room doors on floor 2 of Unaju Busan

From the second-floor window, you can also catch a peaceful view of the sea in the distance.

Scenic Cheongsapo coastal and distant blue ocean view from the second-floor window of Unaju Busan
Cluster of Japanese-style ribbed paper pendant lights hanging against the interior brick wall of Unaju Busan

Before the main dish arrives, a warm Japanese-style steamed egg custard (chawanmushi) is served as a starter.

Uniquely, you can find a tender piece of grilled eel hidden inside the egg custard.

Spoon scooping a piece of tender grilled eel from inside the chawanmushi custard at Unaju Busan

After waiting for about 30 minutes, my meal was served. The grilled eel rice arrived alongside a personal hot pot of yosenabe, which was fascinating to see as it was my first time trying this dish.

Covered lacquer bowl of hitsumabushi and boiling pot of yosenabe soup on wooden tray at Unaju Busan
Uncovered hitsumabushi eel rice set with boiling yosenabe soup on wooden tray at Unaju Busan
Top-down view of Nagoya hitsumabushi eel bowl, yosenabe soup pot, and condiments at Unaju Busan

Following the table guide on how to enjoy hitsumabushi, I tried eating it according to the recommended steps.

Acrylic instruction card showing the four-step method to enjoy hitsumabushi at Unaju Busan

Taking my very first bite, the texture of the grilled eel was delightfully crispy on the outside yet wonderfully moist on the inside.

Chopsticks lifting three glossy slices of crisp, glazed grilled eel over rice bowl at Unaju Busan

Next, I moved on to trying the second dining method by adding seasonings, and this combination was easily my favorite.

Ceramic bowl portion of eel rice garnished with green onions, wasabi, and shredded nori at Unaju Busan

Enjoying warm spoonfuls of yosenabe soup between bites,

Silver tabletop burner pot filled with yosenabe soup, udon noodles, and vegetables at Unaju Busan

I completed the third dining method and finished my meal.
(Before enjoying step 3, simply ring the call bell and the staff will bring you the warm dashi broth for ochazuke.)

Having visited many of the well-known hitsumabushi restaurants around Busan, this place suited my taste buds best, though my preference might always evolve over time.

Ceramic teapot pouring warm dashi broth over seasoned eel rice bowl for ochazuke at Unaju Busan

Even the charming little cat figurine added a lovely finishing touch. I expect to visit here quite frequently for a while, so you might even bump into me, haha!









On another visit, the Weekday Lunch Special (₩28,000) was ordered to see how it compares. The portion of grilled freshwater eel was noticeably smaller than the signature Hitsumabushi / 1 Eel (₩39,000) course. For adult male diners or those with hearty appetites, the portion may feel somewhat insufficient. It is helpful to keep this portion difference in mind when choosing between the lunch special and the regular whole-eel hitsumabushi.

Cheongsapo street and sea view from Unaju Busan window seat with Japanese fan decor

Nearby, there is my absolute favorite cafe.
It is truly special and rare to find, so I encourage you to take a look!

Read Next: [ Simmian Busan: Kyoto-Style Matcha Cafe in Haeundae Guide ]

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