Best Restaurants In Jeju Island

Jeju Island, also known as the Island of the Gods, is one of South Korea’s top tourist destinations. The island is home to breathtaking natural scenery, including pristine beaches, waterfalls, and volcanic craters. But beyond its stunning landscapes, Jeju Island is also a food lover’s paradise. The island boasts some of the best restaurants in South Korea, serving up delicious local and international cuisine. In this article, we will explore the best restaurants in Jeju Island that you should not miss during your visit.

Why Jeju Island Is the Perfect Destination for Foodies

Jeju Island’s rich culinary heritage is influenced by its unique geography, history, and climate. The island’s volcanic soil and temperate climate create ideal conditions for growing some of the freshest fruits, vegetables, and seafood in South Korea. The island’s location, far from the mainland, has also allowed for the development of distinct local recipes and cooking techniques.

But beyond its natural resources, the island’s history and culture have also played a significant role in shaping its cuisine. Jeju Island was once a gateway for international trade, and as a result, it has been exposed to various foreign flavors and influences. The island’s history of isolation has also led to the preservation of traditional recipes and food practices that have been passed down from generation to generation.

With all of these factors combined, it’s no wonder that Jeju Island is home to some of the best restaurants in South Korea.

The Best Restaurants in Jeju Island

Whether you’re looking for traditional Jeju Island dishes or international flavors, the island has something for every palate. Here are some of the best restaurants in Jeju Island that you should add to your itinerary:

1. Black Pork Street (Heukdwaeji Golmok)

Black Pork Street is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves meat. The street is lined with restaurants that specialize in Jeju Island’s famous black pork, a local breed of pig that is fed chestnuts and acorns and raised in a stress-free environment. The result is a flavorful and tender meat that is often compared to wagyu beef. Some of the best restaurants to try black pork on the street include Gogi Gyeongbokgung, Jeju Heukdwaeji Sikdang, and Jeju U-do Black Pork Restaurant.

2. Seongeup Folk Village

The Seongeup Folk Village is a cultural attraction that features traditional Jeju Island houses and a variety of local food stalls. Here, you can sample a range of Jeju Island specialties, including haemul pajeon (seafood pancake), haejangguk (spicy hangover soup), and abalone porridge (a rice porridge with abalone and other seafood).

3. Haenyeo House

Haenyeo House is a restaurant that celebrates the island’s female divers, who are known for their exceptional diving skills and ability to hold their breath for long periods. The restaurant features a menu that showcases seafood caught by these divers, including haenyeo bibimbap (a mixed rice dish with vegetables and seafood), haenyeo gomtang (a clear soup made with beef and seafood), and haenyeo bulgogi (grilled marinated meat).

4. Sanbanggulsa Temple

The Sanbanggulsa Temple is a Buddhist temple located on the southern coast of Jeju Island. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning ocean views. It also features a vegetarian restaurant that serves a variety of dishes made with seasonal ingredients, such as yachae bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables) and jeon (pan-fried vegetables or seafood).

5. Jeju Noodle Road

Jeju Noodle Road is a street that features a variety of noodle shops that specialize in different types of noodles. Some of the most popular noodle dishes to try include kalguksu (handmade knife-cut noodles in a chicken broth), naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles in a tangy broth), and jjolmyeon (spicy chewy noodles with vegetables and meat).

6. Jeju Jungmun Resort

The Jeju Jungmun Resort is a luxurious beachfront resort that features a range of high-end restaurants. Some of the top restaurants at the resort include Ryun (a Korean restaurant that serves Jeju Island cuisine), Takju (a Japanese restaurant that specializes in sushi and sashimi), and Yeon (a French restaurant that features Jeju Island ingredients).

7. Gwakji Gugija Sikdang

Gwakji Gugija Sikdang is a seafood restaurant located on the western coast of Jeju Island. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, including abalone, sea urchin, and octopus. The restaurant also offers a set menu that includes a variety of dishes made with the catch of the day.

8. Jeju Dongmun Market

Jeju Dongmun Market is a traditional market that features a variety of food stalls and vendors. Here, you can sample local specialties such as omegi tteok (a rice cake made with mugwort), heukdwaeji gukbap (black pork soup with rice), and kongguksu (cold soybean noodle soup).

9. Kkotji Beach

Kkotji Beach is a hidden gem on the western coast of Jeju Island. The beach is known for its crystal-clear water and stunning sunsets. But beyond its natural beauty, the beach is also home to a variety of seafood restaurants that serve up fresh and delicious seafood. Some of the best dishes to try include grilled mackerel, sashimi platters, and hwae bibimbap (mixed rice with raw fish).

10. Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market

Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market is a bustling market that features a wide variety of food stalls and shops. Here, you can sample local specialties such as gamjatang (spicy pork bone soup), bungeoppang (a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste), and choco pie (a chocolate-covered marshmallow snack).

11. Jeju Island Chocolate Museum

The Jeju Island Chocolate Museum is a unique destination that combines chocolate-making workshops with a cafe and restaurant. Here, you can learn how to make your own chocolate and sample a range of chocolate-based recipes, such as chocolate fondue, chocolate cake, and chocolate truffles.

12. Jeju Folk Village

The Jeju Folk Village is a cultural attraction that showcases traditional Jeju Island houses and lifestyle. The village also features a variety of food stalls that serve up local specialties such as Jeju mandarin oranges, Jeju black pig sausage, and Jeju Makgeolli (a traditional Korean rice wine).

13. Jeju Olle Market

Jeju Olle Market is a vibrant market that features a variety of food stalls and vendors. Here, you can sample local specialties such as Jeju tangerines, Jeju black pork skewers, and Jeju citrus makgeolli. The market also features a variety of seafood stalls that serve up fresh and delicious seafood.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Jeju Island’s most famous dish?

Jeju Island is known for its black pork, which is a local breed of pig that is fed chestnuts and acorns and raised in a stress-free environment.

2. What is Jeju Island’s most popular noodle dish?

Jeju Island is known for its kalguksu, which are handmade