Busan is this year's Best Culinary Destination as chosen by the Excellence Awards of TripZilla, Southeast Asia's leading online travel platform. (Busan Metropolitan Government)

By Lee Da Som

Southeast Asia's largest travel media outlet has named Busan as the top food city.

The Busan Metropolitan Government on Nov. 5 said the country's No. 2 metropolis was the sole winner of Best Culinary Destination at this year's TripZilla Excellence Awards.

Last year, the Singapore-based TripZilla gave Busan the honor of Best City Destination.

"South Korea's spirited coastal city serves up a culinary scene as lively as its waterfront, where bustling seafood markets, humble neighbourhood eateries and irresistible street-food stalls reveal the flavours of local life," it said. "From the day's freshest catch to recipes passed down through generations, every meal offers a delicious introduction to Busan's character."

TripZilla spotlighted the city's signature dishes like dwaeji gukbap (pork and rice soup), milmyeon (wheat noodles) and ssiat hotteok (sweet buns with grain seeds).

Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo said, "We will continue to connect a wide range of Busan's gourmet content, from its distinctive food culture to world-class fine dining, with our tourism attractions so that visitors can experience both the flavors and charm of Busan."

TripZilla hands out its annual awards to honor leading travel destinations and tourism services.

dlektha0319@korea.kr