The Best Food in Jeju: A Culinary Delight

Discover the Mouth-Watering Cuisine of Jeju Island

Jeju Island, South Korea’s largest island, is known for its stunning natural beauty. The island is a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from all over the world. But Jeju is not just about beautiful landscapes and pristine beaches. It is also a food lover’s paradise. The island’s unique culinary culture is a blend of traditional Korean cuisine and local Jeju specialties. From fresh seafood to savory pork dishes, Jeju’s cuisine is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

What Makes Jeju Cuisine So Special?

Jeju is a volcanic island, which makes its soil rich in minerals and nutrients. The island’s climate is also ideal for farming and fishing, which means that Jeju’s produce and seafood are of the highest quality. Furthermore, the locals in Jeju have their unique way of preparing and cooking food, using traditional techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Top 15 Must-Try Dishes in Jeju

1. Black Pig BBQ 🍖

Jeju’s black pig is a famous local specialty thanks to its tender and succulent meat. The pigs are raised in the clean air and natural environment of the island, which contributes to their unique taste. One of the best ways to enjoy the black pig is to try it barbecue-style, grilling it over an open flame.

2. Seafood Stew 🍲

Jeju is surrounded by the sea, so it’s no surprise that seafood is a staple of the island’s cuisine. The seafood stew is a must-try dish, made with a variety of fresh seafood, such as clams, squid, octopus and fish, cooked in a flavorful broth.

3. Abalone Porridge 🍚

Abalone is a rare and expensive delicacy, and Jeju is one of the few places in the world where it is cultivated. The abalone porridge is a hearty and nutritious dish made with rice, vegetables, and abalone. It is a perfect meal for a chilly day.

4. Peanut Ice Cream 🍦

Peanuts are one of Jeju’s main crops, and the island produces some of the best peanuts in South Korea. The peanut ice cream is a popular dessert, made with creamy ice cream and crunchy peanuts. It’s a perfect treat after a long day of sightseeing.

5. Jeju Tangerine 🍊

Jeju tangerines are famous for their sweet and juicy taste. They are full of Vitamin C, which makes them perfect for boosting your immunity. You can try the fruit fresh or in various forms, such as tangerine jam, tangerine tea, or tangerine makgeolli (traditional Korean rice wine).

6. Grilled Hairtail 🐟

Hairtail is a popular fish in Jeju, and it’s often grilled or pan-fried. The fish is long and slender, with tender and flavorful flesh. It’s a must-try dish for seafood lovers.

7. Jeju Citron Tea 🍵

Jeju’s citron tea is a delicious and refreshing beverage made with citron fruit and honey. It’s perfect for warming up on a cold day or refreshing your body after a long hike.

8. Raw Fish Salad 🐟🥗

Raw fish salad is a healthy and tasty dish that’s popular in Jeju. It’s made with fresh raw fish, vegetables, and a spicy sauce. It’s a perfect dish for those who love raw fish and spicy flavors.

9. Jeju Noodle Soup 🍜

Jeju noodle soup is a traditional dish made with handmade noodles, meat, and vegetables. The broth is rich and flavorful, making it a perfect meal for a cold day.

10. Cuttlefish Jeon 🦑

Cuttlefish Jeon is a savory pancake made with fresh cuttlefish and vegetables. It’s a popular street food in Jeju, and it’s perfect for a quick snack or lunch on the go.

11. Fried Chicken 🍗

Fried chicken is a popular dish in South Korea, and Jeju is no exception. The island has its unique take on fried chicken, often served with a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s a perfect dish for those who love crispy and juicy chicken.

12. Jeju Makgeolli 🍶

Makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine, and Jeju is famous for its unique and refreshing version of the drink. Jeju Makgeolli is made with rice and tangerine, which gives it a sweet and tangy taste.

13. Jeju-style Sashimi 🍣

Jeju-style sashimi is a must-try dish for seafood lovers. It’s made with fresh raw fish, sliced thinly and served with various dipping sauces. The fish is so fresh that it melts in your mouth.

FAQs

1. Where can I try the best black pig BBQ in Jeju?

The best black pig BBQ in Jeju can be found in the Seogwipo area. Some popular restaurants include Jeju Samsunghoe Gogi and Seongeup Folk Village Restaurant.

2. Is Jeju tangerine available all year round?

Jeju tangerine is available from November to March, which is the peak season for the fruit.

3. What is the best time to visit Jeju for food?

Jeju’s food scene is excellent all year round. However, the best time to visit Jeju for food is during the autumn months (September to November), when the island’s harvest season is in full swing.

4. What is Jeju’s specialty drink?

Jeju’s specialty drink is Jeju Makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine made with rice and tangerine.

5. Where can I try Jeju-style sashimi?

You can try Jeju-style sashimi at various seafood restaurants in Jeju, such as Haenyeo House in Seogwipo or Dongmun Traditional Market in Jeju City.

6. What is the best dessert in Jeju?

The best dessert in Jeju is peanut ice cream, which is made with creamy ice cream and crunchy peanuts.

7. Is Jeju cuisine spicy?

Jeju cuisine is not necessarily spicy, but some dishes can be quite spicy. If you are sensitive to spicy food, make sure to ask the server for a milder version of the dish.

8. What is the difference between Jeju black pig and regular pork?

Jeju black pig is a specific breed of pig indigenous to Jeju Island. The black pig is known for its tender and flavorful meat, which is attributed to the pig’s unique diet and living conditions on the island.

9. What is the history of Jeju cuisine?

Jeju cuisine has a rich history that dates back over 2,000 years. The island’s cuisine is a blend of traditional Korean cuisine and local Jeju specialties. The locals in Jeju have their unique way of preparing and cooking food, using traditional techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.

10. What is the most popular seafood dish in Jeju?

The most popular seafood dish in Jeju is the seafood stew, made with a variety of fresh seafood, such as clams, squid, octopus and fish, cooked in a flavorful broth.

11. What is the best way to enjoy Jeju tangerine?

The best way to enjoy Jeju tangerine is to eat the fruit fresh or in various forms, such as tangerine jam, tangerine tea, or tangerine makgeolli (traditional Korean rice wine).

12. What is the best time to visit Jeju for seafood?

Jeju is a seafood haven all year round. However, the best time to visit Jeju for seafood is during the winter months (December to February), when the island’s fishing season is in full swing.

13. What is the best way to get around Jeju to try different foods?

The best way to get around Jeju to try different foods is to rent a car. This gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace and try different foods in various regions of the island.

Conclusion

Jeju Island is not just a beautiful tourist destination; it’s also a food lover’s paradise. The island’s unique culinary culture is a blend of traditional Korean cuisine and local Jeju specialties, making it a must-visit destination for foodies. From fresh seafood to savory pork dishes,