Perhaps being isolated from the South Korean mainland enabled Jeju to establish its own unique identity in different aspects, including cuisine. Various dishes, even those already familiar, impart flavors so fresh and so delicate that they leave you wanting for more.
That being so, when in Jeju, eating is one of the activities you should make the most out of. Any dish is impressive, but here are the best local delicacies you shouldn’t miss.
Black Pork
Black pork is made from Jeju’s native black pig, which is relatively small and has a distinct black coat. The meat is distinctly chewy and rich in flavor, best enjoyed fresh off the grill at one of the many black pork BBQ restaurants on Black Pork Street in Jeju City.
Eat it at Black Pork Street – Gwandeok-ro 15-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Gogi Guksu (Pork Noodle Soup)
Another way to enjoy Jeju’s black pork is by savoring it together with a hearty soup and noodles. In this traditional dish, the meat is slow-cooked to create the creamy soup and then mixed with yellow noodles with garnish.
Eat it at Guksu Geori (Noodle Street) – Samseong-ro, Ildoi-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Pheasant Buckwheat Noodles
Pheasant meat is said to taste best during winter. During the season, pheasant buckwheat noodles are the most sought-after, a healthy combination perfect for health-conscious diners.
Eat it at Memilkkoccharong – 368-1 Yeon-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Abalone Porridge
Abalone is a popular health food, well-loved for its delicate flavor, which used to be exclusively served to royals. Now, you can find it easily all over the island — best prepared in an abalone porridge. You can find the freshest abalone at haenyeo houses (restaurants run by women divers).
Eat it at Ojo Haenyeo’s House – 3 Ojo-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Fresh Sashimi
Seafood lovers get a real treat in Jeju, as the island has an abundance of fresh seafood that you can enjoy even raw. It’s easy to find a good and cheap restaurant that serves sashimi, from haenyeo houses to fishing ports.
Eat it at Wimi Port Raw Fish Center – 6-37 Wimijungang-ro 196-beongil, Namwon-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Green Tea
Thanks to its idyllic environment and unique volcanic geology, Jeju is renowned as one of the best producers of green tea in the world. Vast green tea fields are a sight to behold, and it’s on these farms where a calming tea experience is a must.
Try it at Osulloc Tea Museum – 425 Sinhwayeoksa-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Hallabong Desserts
Hallabong is the native tangerine of Jeju that you can easily buy at a local market or a street vendor. The fruit itself is great as a snack, especially for those with a sweet tooth. Some cafes also offer different concoctions of hallabong as a juice, tea, or jelly dessert.
Try it at Cafe & / Hyoeun Yanggaeng – 662-2 Deoksu-ri, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Is your Jeju itinerary complete yet? Read up on the latest travel guidelines as well as the best things to do in Jeju in this guide.
Book all your travel essentials, local tours, and other unique activities on KKday!
*Featured images via Visit Jeju & Hyoeun Yanggaeng
