Visitors enjoy a meal in front of Busan Station at the 11th annual Taxchelin Festival in the southern port city, May 17, 2024. Courtesy of Busan Metropolitan City
In a city shaped by winding mountain roads and coastal alleys, the most reliable restaurant recommendations don’t come from critics, but from the men and women who drive the streets for a living.
Busan Metropolitan City announced Thursday the return of the 11th Busan Old Town Activation Festival, aptly dubbed "Taxchelin" — a portmanteau of "taxi" and "Michelin."
Running from May 22-24, the festival celebrates the authentic local flavors endorsed by veteran cab drivers with more than a decade of experience. This year, the event expands its geographic footprint beyond the historic districts of Jung District, Seo District, Dong District and Yeongdo District to include the southern reaches of Nam District.
The festivities will kick off on the evening of May 22 at Busan Station Square with an opening ceremony that bridges the gap between heritage and haute cuisine. The highlight of the evening will be the unveiling of a collaboration between Sinbalwon — a century-old dumpling house in Busan’s Chinatown — and Chef Park Ki-seop of the Michelin-recognized Sogongan Dining. Together, they have developed a signature dish that will headline a special multicourse dining experience featuring amuse-bouche and appetizers sourced from Taxchelin-awarded eateries.
For those looking to explore, the "Taxchelin Guidebook" will be available starting May 20 at Kyobo Book Centre locations across Korea, including Seoul and Daegu. To cater to an increasingly international audience, an English edition has been produced, complete with QR-coded maps and foreign-language menus.
The three-day festival offers more than just meals.
Adventurous visitors can join Taxchelin Run the Old Town, a running tour that ends with a local feast, or board a Guide Taxi for a customized tour based on personal stories and driver recommendations. For those who prefer a nocturnal atmosphere, the Night Market Pocha at Yurari Square will pair local specialties with regional liquors.
"The 2026 Taxchelin is designed to allow visitors to experience Busan’s local gastronomy more deeply through our guidebooks and immersive programs," said Na Yun-bin, director general of the city government’s Tourism and MICE Bureau.
In Busan, it seems, the best way to find the soul of the city is to follow the taillights of a seasoned pro.
Source: Korea Times News
