Jeju Island Food Guide: What to Eat in Jeju - 제주도 음식 가이드: 제주에서 꼭 먹어야 할 음식

Introduction

Jeju Island is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, volcanic coastlines, and peaceful rural atmosphere — but it is also one of Korea’s top food destinations.

Thanks to its clean ocean, fertile soil, and volcanic terrain, Jeju offers unique dishes you cannot taste anywhere else in Korea.

제주도는 바다·오름·돌·숲이 어우러진 아름다운 자연뿐 아니라, 독특하고 맛있는 음식으로도 유명합니다.

맑은 바다와 화산 지형 덕분에 제주에서만 만날 수 있는 특별한 맛이 많습니다. 아래는 제주도에서 꼭 먹어야 할 대표 음식 10가지를 정리한 가이드입니다.

In this Jeju Food Guide, you’ll discover the must-eat dishes, where to find them, and why locals love them. Whether you’re visiting for a short trip or a long vacation, this food list will make your Jeju trip unforgettable.


Top 10 Must-Eat Foods in Jeju

1. Black Pork BBQ (흑돼지)

Jeju’s most iconic dish.

The pork is chewier and more flavorful than regular pork.

Best style: Thick-cut black pork belly grilled over charcoal.

Try at: Dongmun Market, Tapdong, or Jeju City BBQ streets.


2. Abalone Porridge (전복죽)

Creamy, soft, and luxurious.

Perfect for breakfast or a light meal.

Jeju abalone is incredibly fresh and tender.

전복음식 사진


3. Hairtail Fish Stew (갈치조림)

Spicy, sweet, and rich in flavor.

Hairtail fish in Jeju is especially fresh and large.


4. Jeju Seafood Hotpot (해물탕)

Oversized hotpot filled with octopus, abalone, clams, and prawns.

Recommended for groups or cold-weather travel.


5. Jeju Tangerine Desserts (한라봉 디저트)

Try: Hallabong juice, tangerine cake, tangerine chocolate.

Jeju’s citrus fruits are world-famous.


6. Swordfish Sashimi (방어회)

A winter-season must-eat.

Thick, buttery, and perfect with Korean chili paste.


7. Mackerel Grill (고등어구이)

Jeju mackerel is extremely fresh due to the island’s coastal environment.

A simple but delicious lunch.


8. Momguk (몸국)

A traditional Jeju soup made with seaweed stems and pork broth.

Very local — perfect if you want a true Jeju taste.


9. Octopus Bibimbap (문어비빔밥)

Warm rice mixed with fresh Jeju octopus, seaweed, sesame oil.

Light but deeply flavorful.


10. Jeju Peanut Ice Cream

A sweet, nutty dessert found in coastal cafés and markets.

Great for warm summer days.

제주도 성산 사진


Extra Useful Tips for Jeju Food Lovers

Check real-time reviews before deciding

Jeju restaurants can vary depending on the day’s ingredient freshness. Look at recent reviews (within 2–3 days) on Naver Maps or Google Maps for more accurate expectations.


Avoid tourist traps by checking the menu first

If a restaurant has a too-long menu or doesn’t show food photos, it’s often geared toward tourists. The best spots usually focus on 3–5 signature dishes.


Try “half portions” or combo menus if possible

Many Jeju restaurants allow you to order half portions of seafood stew, marinated crabs, or side dishes. This helps you taste more places in one day.


Jeju seafood is seasonal—ask what’s freshest today

A simple phrase works:

“What is fresh today?”

This often leads you to the best dish of the day at seafood restaurants.


Rent a car if you want to try hidden food spots

The best local spots are usually in small towns or residential areas, where transportation is limited.


Conclusion

Jeju Island is more than a scenic travel destination — it is a culinary paradise shaped by the sea, mountains, and volcanic culture. From black pork barbecue to fresh abalone dishes, Jeju’s flavors are bold, unique, and unforgettable.

Save this list for your upcoming trip and enjoy Jeju like a true local foodie!

제주도는 자연과 음식이 함께 즐거운 특별한 여행지입니다.

흑돼지부터 전복, 갈치까지제주 음식은 여행의 만족도를 크게 높여줍니다.

음식 리스트를 참고해 제주 여행을 더욱 맛있게 즐겨보세요!