Jeju Island Restaurants: Where & What to Eat in Jeju, South Korea

Possibly, Jeju Island‘s separation from South Korea’s mainland allowed it to develop a distinct identity in various areas, cuisine included. Nowadays, the island is celebrated not only for its stunning natural beauty but also for its unique culinary delights. Truly, a Korean trip wouldn’t be complete without trying some of the famous local delicacies at these beloved Jeju Island restaurants. Whether you are an adventurous foodie or a bit of a picky eater, there is something for your palate. 

Also read: 10 Best Cafes in Jeju for Coffee, Brunch, and More

Must-try Jeju Island restaurants for a hearty local meal

1. Samsunghyeol Haemultang

If you’re looking for the best seafood restaurant in Jeju Island, there’s no doubt Samsunghyeol Haemultang should be on your must-try list! Here, each dish is prepared to highlight each ingredient’s unique taste and texture. Served either raw, grilled, or steamed, seafood platters are a popular delicacy to both locals and tourists. The crew also offers fantastic service which makes the dining experience worth the wait.

Surrounded by water, Jeju promises fresh seafood all year round! Haenyeo, or local female divers, collect seaweed and various seafood by diving underwater and holding their breath with no oxygen mask. Their catch typically includes sea cucumbers, octopus, oysters, sea urchins, and other shellfish.

Address: 20 Seondeok-ro 5-gil, 특별자치도, Cheju, Jeju-do, South Korea

2. Sukseongdo

Next on our list of Jeju Island restaurants is Sukseongdo which specialises in Jeju barbeque. It’s one of the most famous local dishes; Jeju black pigs roam freely and are fed a natural diet that contributes to the meat’s tenderness and rich flavour. Sukseongdo is deemed the best black pork restaurant in Jeju — even celebrities pay a visit.

A must-try for any traveller, Jeju BBQ is so well-loved on the island that it even has its own Black Pork Street! The traditional way of cooking Jeju barbecue is over volcanic rock giving it a smoky taste. At Sukseongdo, it is also served with kimchi and perilla leaves and dipped in seasoned bean paste.

Address: 41 Wonnohyeong-ro, Cheju, Jeju-do, South Korea

3. Aewol Bakery

Craving for something sweet and tangy? Look no further: Jeju hallabong treats are next on our list! Hallabong, popularly known as Jeju mandarin, is a citrus hybrid that many say is one of the sweetest oranges you can try. It’s not only delicious but also a healthy snack to eat by itself.

Hallabong treats come in different forms like ice cream, refreshments, or jelly desserts! We recommend visiting Aewol Bakery to sample the shop’s famous hallabong ice cream with a view of the emerald ocean. It’s the perfect way to chill by the beach!

Address: 2550-1 aewol-ri, Aewol-eup, Cheju, Jeju-do, South Korea

Also read: 10 Beaches in South Korea to Visit For a Fun-Filled Adventure 

4. Chunshim Jeju

Adding to our list of must-try Jeju Island restaurants is Chunshim Jeju which has mastered the art of cooking cutlassfish (galchi) in a variety of ways. This slender, silver fish is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, with white meat that offers a subtle flavour and tender yet chewy texture. Jeju’s traditional cooking methods — such as grilling, stewing, and making a flavorful soup called galchi guk — bring out the best in cutlassfish’s taste and texture. 

Jungmun Saekdal Galchi is known for its braised cutlassfish served with side dishes such as seaweed, soy-marinated egg, and kimchi. The restaurant offers a bunch of set meals that are great for sharing with friends and family.

Address: 16, Changcheonjungang-ro 24beon-gil, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

5. Hareubang Milmyeon

Perfectly paired with Jeju barbeque, wheat noodles are a staple in Korean local cuisine. One of the best Jeju island restaurants that serve wheat noodles is Hareubang Milmyeon. Typically, tourists enjoy eating it hot because it feels like a warm embrace against the cold days in Jeju. However, you also have the option to have it cold if you are feeling a bit more adventurous.

Wheat noodles are versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways such as gogi guksu (pork noodle soup), stir-fried with some vegetables, or even topped with Jeju BBQ.

Address: 2 Gonghang-ro, 특별자치도, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

6. Hi, Abalone

This one is for foodies who are culinary daredevils! Hi, Abalone is one of the best seafood restaurants in Jeju. Plus, it’s conveniently located just 10 minutes away from the airport. As its name suggests, the restaurant specialises in abalone, one of the most prized delicacies on Jeju Island. The perfect mix of tender and firm, these sea snails enjoy a subtle sweet flavour — diners say it tastes a little bit like a bite of the ocean.

Eating it raw is not the only way to enjoy this at Hi, Abalone. Instead, you can try abalone on top of porridge, bibimbap (rice dish), grilled, or in soup. Care to partake in this daring dining experience?

Address: 3 Gwandeok-ro, Jeju, South Korea

7. Jimmy’s Natural Ice Cream

Besides the white sand beaches and emerald seas, Udo Island in Jeju is famous for its peanut farms. Peanut ice cream might sound a little peculiar but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! Jimmy’s Natural Ice Cream is a great Jeju Island restaurant to visit for your sweet tooth fix. 

The ice cream itself is creamy and smooth, with the nutty, roasted flavour of peanuts infused throughout, often complemented by chunks of peanuts for added texture and taste. No need to fret if that flavour isn’t to your liking; there’s a wide selection available, including classic favourites like strawberry, chocolate, and the crowd-favourite hallabong.

Address: 1132 Udohaean-gil, Udo-myeon, Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

8. Haenyo Gimbap

What’s a South Korea trip without indulging in savoury kimbap? Although kimbap is a popular dish throughout Korea, Haenyo Gimbap added its own flair by incorporating local ingredients such as abalone, Jeju barbeque, and other seafood specialities. Even the name of the restaurant pays homage to Jeju women divers who fearlessly harvest different shellfish. While you’re here, you should also try Haenyo Gimbap’s sea urchin seaweed soup and seafood ramyeon that feels like comfort in a bowl. 

Address: 302, 3rd Floor, No. 40, Hamdeok-ro, Chacheon-eup, Jeju-si

9. Jeju Hot Pot

The seafood hotpot experience is something you mustn’t miss when you visit Jeju. Jeju Hot Pot is one of the best Jeju Island restaurants for hotpot, sourcing their ingredients locally to ensure premium freshness.

The hotpot features an assortment of seafood such as clams, mussels, prawns, crabs, pork, fish and abalone. We recommend ordering spicy soup to elevate the flavour, too. The restaurant’s entrance mimics the lively atmosphere of a local Jeju seasonal market, featuring dynamic displays of live seafood, marbled meats, and freshly harvested vegetables.

Address: 12 Noyeon-ro, Cheju, Jeju-do, South Korea

10. Hanseong Omegi Tteok

Got some room for dessert? The perfect way to cut that Jeju barbeque grease is to bite into omegi rice cake.  It’s a scrumptious rice cake crafted from glutinous millet cultivated in Jeju, combined with red beans, various legumes, and nuts. Grab a few at Hanseong Omegi Tteok, a local hotspot close to the airport.

Compared to other Jeju Island restaurants, Hanseong Omegi Tteok only uses domestic red beans which gives it a sweet yet light flavour. They also sell individually-wrapped rice cakes which you can bring as a souvenir — a bite of Jeju to bring home.

Address: 9-2 Dongmun-ro 4-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Also read: Korea Food Alleys: Discovering the Best Things to Eat in Seoul, Busan, and More!

Exploring Jeju Island restaurants is not just about satisfying your hunger; it’s about embarking on a culinary adventure that offers a taste of the island’s culture. What’s the eatery that you’d add to your food bucket list? 

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