
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Jeju, Jeju, Korea, South
1. Jeju Black Pork BBQ (제주 흑구이)
Savor the unique taste of Jeju Black Pork at local restaurants like 'Olle's House', which offers a traditional BBQ experience.
- Unique Ingredient: Made from Jeju Black pigs, known for their tender and flavorful meat.
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared using traditional Jeju cooking techniques.
- Exclusive Availability: Harder to find outside of Jeju Island due to the unique breeding conditions.
2. Jeju Abalone Stew (제주 갯탕)
Taste the luxury of Jeju Abalone at restaurants like 'Gwangan Ilaeji Gukbap' in their signature abalone stew.
- Premium Ingredient: Made with premium Jeju Abalone, a delicacy highly valued for its texture and taste.
- Warming Properties: A hearty stew perfect for chilly Jeju evenings.
- Seafood-Rich: Features a variety of fresh seafood, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.
3. Jeju Dalkgalbi (제주 달갱닭갈비)
Experience the spicy, chewy goodness of Jeju Dalkgalbi at 'Dol Sot Gui' in Seogwipo.
- Unique Spice Blend: Seasoned with a special spice blend unique to Jeju.
- Tender Chicken: Made with tender, juicy chicken and chewy rice cakes.
- Shared Experience: Typically served family-style, making it a social dining experience.
4. Jeju Maeuntang (제주 매운탕)
Savor the spicy seafood soup 'Maeuntang' at 'Yeonpoong Jip' in Seogwipo.
- Spicy Flavor: Known for its spiciness, perfect for those who enjoy a kick.
- Seafood-Rich: Features a variety of fresh seafood, making it a seafood lover's dream.
- Local Specialty: A traditional Jeju dish that showcases the island's bountiful seafood.
5. Jeju Hwae (제주 화어)
Try the refreshing 'Hwae', a raw seafood dish at restaurants like 'Aewol Hwaro' in Aewol.
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with fresh, high-quality seafood.
- Refreshing Flavor: Offers a refreshing taste that complements Jeju's warm climate.
- Seasonal Availability: Availability may vary depending on the season and fresh catch.
6. Jeju Gomtang (제주 곰탱)
Taste the comforting beef bone soup 'Gomtang' at local eateries like 'Donghae Gomtang House' in Seogwipo.
- Warming Properties: A comforting soup perfect for chilly Jeju evenings.
- Tender Beef: Made with tender, slow-cooked beef bones and vegetables.
- Street Food: Often served as street food or at local eateries.
7. Jeju Tteokbokki (제주 떡볶이)
Experience the spicy, chewy rice cakes 'Tteokbokki' at restaurants like 'Samsik Tteokgalbi' in Jeju City.
- Unique Sauce: Made with a sweet and spicy sauce unique to Jeju.
- Tender Chicken: Made with tender, juicy chicken and chewy rice cakes.
- Spicy Level: Available in various levels of spiciness to cater to different tastes.
8. Jeju Bomyeon (제주 봄염)
Taste the refreshing 'Bomyeon', a seaweed salad at restaurants like 'Gwangan Ilaeji Gukbap' in Jeju City.
- Refreshing Flavor: Offers a refreshing taste that complements Jeju's warm climate.
- Seafood-Free: A seafood-free dish, making it suitable for vegetarians and seafood avoiders.
- Traditional Side Dish: Traditionally served as a side dish but can also be enjoyed as a main dish.
9. Jeju Guljeolpan (제주 굴절판)
Savor the colorful 'Guljeolpan', a Jeju royal dish at high-end restaurants like 'The Shilla Duty Free Restaurant' in Jeju City.
- Royal Connection: A traditional royal dish of the Joseon Dynasty, now enjoyed by all.
- Colorful Presentation: Known for its vibrant, colorful presentation.
- Seafood-Rich: Features a variety of fresh seafood, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.
10. Jeju Jeotgal (제주 젓갈)
Taste the fermented seafood 'Jeotgal' at local markets like 'Farmers Fish Market' in Jeju City.
- Preserved Flavor: Features a unique, preserved flavor developed through the fermentation process.
- Traditional Process: Made using traditional Jeju preservation techniques.
- Health Benefits: Known for its health benefits due to the fermentation process.
11. Jeju Kalguksu (제주 칼국수)
Experience the chewy, flavorful 'Kalguksu' noodles at local eateries like 'Seolleung Kalguksu' in Jeju City.
- Unique Noodles: Made with unique, hand-pulled noodles.
- Seafood Broth: Served in a rich seafood broth.
- Street Food: Often served as street food or at local eateries.
12. Jeju Sujeongwa (제주 수정화)
Try the sweet 'Sujeongwa', a traditional Korean persimmon punch at tea houses like 'Insadong' in Jeju City.
- Traditional Beverage: A traditional Korean beverage made with persimmons.
- Refreshing Flavor: Offers a refreshing, slightly sweet flavor.
- Seasonal Availability: Available during the persimmon season (fall).
13. Jeju Yuchae (제주 유채)
Taste the traditional 'Yuchae', a Korean rice cake at tea houses like 'Insadong' in Jeju City.
- Traditional Dessert: A traditional Korean dessert made with glutinous rice flour.
- Sweet Flavor: Offers a sweet flavor, often served with red bean paste or honey.
- Seasonal Availability: Available year-round but traditionally enjoyed during Korean holidays and celebrations.
14. Jeju Hallabong (제주 할라봉)
Taste the juicy, sweet 'Hallabong', a Jeju oranges at local markets like 'Farmers Fish Market' in Jeju City.
- Unique Flavor: Known for its unique, sweet flavor.
- Seasonal Availability: Available during the orange season (late winter to early spring).
- Local Specialty: A famous Jeju specialty and a must-try for visitors.
15. Jeju Cheonjang (제주 천장)
Taste the fermented black bean paste 'Cheonjang' at local markets like 'Farmers Fish Market' in Jeju City.
- Unique Flavor: Known for its unique, strong flavor.
- Traditional Ingredient: A traditional Korean ingredient used in various dishes and seasonings.
- Health Benefits: Known for its health benefits, such as promoting digestion and boosting immunity.