- 5. Haejangguk
- 4. Black Pork
- 3. Hairtail Fish & Chips
- 2. Abalones
- 1. Grilled Cutlassfish
- All you ever need:
This post is a BLOG version of my video guide on YouTube
Hello adventurers!
I’ve curated a list of 5 food that you MUST Try when visiting Jeju island. This list is very close to my heart (stomach), BUT I’m sharing it with you because I DON’T want you to miss out on the amazing food in Jeju.
This is NOT a sponsored post (unfortunately?), the foodie inside of me just wanted to share the food that made me really happy.
5. Haejangguk
At the 5th place, we have the Haejangguk, also known as the HANGOVER Stew.
The name comes from its reputation to cure hangovers… and it’s not surprising because it’s soo hearty!
Each spoonful of the thick beef-broth soup felt like a warm hug.
This is definitely a must try – especially if it’s your FIRST time in Korea.
4. Black Pork
In the 4th place we have Jeju’s BLACK PORK.
WHY is it called Black Pork you might ask?
Their meat color is actually indistinguishable from a regular pork. The BLACKNESS is said to be due to a special protein in the pork that stains your tongue BLACK if you eat it.
…Just kidding !!
They are called black pork because the pigs they came from have black fur-coat.
The black pigs are unique to Jeju Island and they are said to produce BETTER meat- BUT is it TRUE?
Let’s find out
We went to Doldam Black Pork BBQ and ordered the pork neck and belly. It’s nice that the staffs helped us to cook and even cut it up for us.
Now, the moment of truth:
I can vouch that the pork to have a special juiciness and tenderness to it, BUT the kicker is how well they smoked it in the cooking process, bringing the flavour to another level.
I recommend wrapping the pork in perilla leaves, vegetables, and sauce to balance the juiciness, add more crunch and experiment with more flavors.
Definitely worth the try
3. Hairtail Fish & Chips
I know it may sound weird having Fish & Chips in 3rd place considering we’re in Korea… but the Fish and Chips served in this Hawaiian Restaurant is DIFFERENT.
Just look at this:
At first I thought the fish bones were decorations, but not only they were edible, they were very delicious. The CRUNCH is the cherry on top making it so addictive. The rest of the fish are filleted and fried in batter – Very flavourful and very crispy. The potatoes at the side were cooked in rich oil that gives it deeper flavor.
I have NEVER eaten fish and chips like this before. You definitely cannot miss this MUST-EAT.
2. Abalones
- Naver: link
- Google Map: link
- Price:
- Porridge: 10.000 KRW / portion
- Soup: 13.000 KRW / portion
- Grilled: 22.000 KRW / 7 pieces
One night, my wife and I were starving. However it was already so late into the evening, many places were already closed for the day.
That’s when we found this abalone restaurant that made it a night to remember.
We started with the Abalone porridge, it was quite good. I could taste the velvety richness of the abalone.
AND it gets better WITH the abalone soup. Mixed with prawn, mussels, clams, and crabs, it makes for an even richer flavorful broth. It was an umami explosion.
BUT the star of the night is the BUTTER grilled abalones.
The smell of grilled butter, the savoury goodness in my mouth, and the springy silky texture was life changing. I liked it so much i actually brought the shell back home.
This is a Must-Eat food!
1. Grilled Cutlassfish
At number one, we have the Grilled CUTLASSFISH. It actually looks like an eel right?
This long silver fish that looks like a knife, also known as galchi, is also unique to Jeju island- and boy it’s a good fish.
I had an unforgettable dining experience when i tried the cutlassfish at Chunshim.
While waiting for the cutlassfish, we started with the side dishes.I really liked their fish cake and JapChae, the anchovies were really tasty to eat with rice.
It’s very obvious when the grilled fish finally comes, because your salivas would be all flowing from the TRAINWRECK of GRILLED FISH AROMA.
The service is so good that the staff actually helps you to efficiently remove the fish bones so you don’t fumble and end up with bones all over the fish.
Recalling this dish makes me very hungry. The grilled fish had the perfect balance of saltiness, sweetness, and char. It was SO delicious, perfect pair with the accompanying onion and white rice.
The best part was I can take my time to enjoy my fish without it going cold because it’s served on a heated plate!
They also sell the stewed version, but if i were to go back I’d get the grilled one.
Yeah I really do want to go back now!!
All you ever need:
I recommend using Naver to navigate in Korea. I bookmarked all 5 locations here.
Else, the summary to ALL the links to the food places in this post:
- 5. Woojin – Haejangguk
- 4. Doldam – Black Pork
- 3. Glagla Hawaii – Hairtail Fish & Chips
- 2. Jejutai – Abalones
- 1. Chunshim – Grilled Cutlassfish
Let me know in the comments if you think there are other MUST-EAT food that should make the list.
If you’re looking to explore more of Jeju island, check out my other post/video!
I’ll see you there 🙂
Dashing Heights 