Makinochaya Blue debuts in Busan with ocean views and local flavors

Premium seafood buffet brand Makinochaya announced Monday it will open the first location of its new top-tier brand, Makinochaya Blue, at LCT in Haeundae, Busan.

Makinochaya Blue is an upgraded model that retains the identity of a traditional seafood buffet while enhancing ocean views, local menus, a live kitchen and grill offerings.

The flagship Haeundae LCT store was designed as a premium dining destination for both local Busan customers and tourists. Spanning about 1,320 square meters, the restaurant offers a panoramic ocean view overlooking Haeundae Beach. Private rooms accommodate family dinners, anniversary gatherings and business meetings.

Location is a key strength. LCT, where the store is situated, is one of Busan's most prominent landmarks, offering easy access for Haeundae visitors and residence guests. Foreign demand is also a significant draw. Foreign tourist arrivals in Busan from January through May this year reached about 1.94 million, up roughly 40 percent from the same period last year.

The menu blends a classic seafood buffet with distinctly Busan flavors. Offerings include fresh sashimi sourced directly from fishing grounds, snow crab, giant freshwater prawns and other seafood, along with the signature marinated crab. The live corner serves live abalone and sea squirt. Busan staples round out the menu — Gijang grilled eel, Haeundae daegu-tang (cod soup), conger eel, milmyeon noodles and pork gukbap.

Beyond seafood, the live-and-grill corner features Peking duck carving and premium lamb chops and steak prepared by specialist chefs. Guests receive unlimited freshly squeezed 100-percent orange juice, Häagen-Dazs ice cream, Stella Artois draft beer and local makgeolli. A breakfast buffet is also available for LCT residence guests.

"Makinochaya Blue Haeundae LCT adds Haeundae's ocean view and Busan's local menu to the fundamentals of a seafood buffet," a Makinochaya official said. "We will provide a highly satisfying dining experience for both tourists visiting Busan and local customers."

Makinochaya is also running an opening promotion offering complimentary Häagen-Dazs mini cups to visiting customers. Online reservations are available through Naver Reservations and Catch Table.