Busan's Signature Dish Named "World's Most Dangerous" by CNN: The Truth Behind the Korean Cuisine

CNN Highlights Busan's Puffer Fish Cuisine
"Rising Interest in Korea Boosts Tourism to Busan"

Bokguk. Korea Tourism Organization

A piece of delicate, milky-white flesh floating atop a clear broth. Behind this mild flavor, however, lurks a toxicity so potent that it can threaten life itself. Recently, CNN spotlighted pufferfish soup as one of the “world’s most dangerous soups,” focusing on the blowfish dishes of Busan.

CNN recently described Busan as Korea’s second-largest city and a leading marine tourism destination, noting that it has become the center of pufferfish cuisine. In particular, the coastal area of Mipo was explained to be so densely packed with specialty restaurants that it is commonly referred to as “Pufferfish Village.”

Lethal Toxicity and Strict Certification: The Conditions of a “Dangerous Delicacy”

Blowfish Full Course. Korea Tourism Organization

The reason pufferfish is called a “dangerous dish” is clear. Its organs contain powerful toxins, so even the smallest mistake during preparation can have fatal consequences. CNN pointed out this risk, explaining that “pufferfish is not an ingredient that just anyone can prepare.” In Korea, only those who have passed specialized examinations and received government certification are permitted to handle and cook pufferfish.

However, CNN also emphasized that once the toxins are completely removed, it is a safe dish to enjoy.

Political History Related to ‘Chowon Bokguk’

CNN noted that pufferfish cuisine is intertwined with a chapter of Busan’s modern political history. Chowon Bokguk, one of Busan’s most renowned pufferfish restaurants, was the site of the so-called “Chowon Bokguk Incident” in 1992, when conversations among politicians were wiretapped and released ahead of the presidential election, causing a major stir.

Mentioning this, CNN introduced the restaurant as “a space with political symbolism comparable to Washington D.C.’s Watergate.” However, it added that today, the restaurant is better known for the quality of its food than its political significance.

CNN analyzed that as global interest in Korea has grown, travelers are now expanding their journeys beyond the capital region to regional cities. At the center of this trend, Busan is highly regarded. Attractions such as its mild climate along the coastline, relaxed city atmosphere, and fresh seafood were cited as key draws for international visitors.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.