What to Eat in Jeju: 23 Must-Try Dishes
Wondering what to eat in Jeju? You’re in for something special. The island is famous for its beaches and volcanoes, but honestly, the food is just as unforgettable.
The island has its own flavors you won’t find anywhere else in Korea, from smoky black pork BBQ to seafood fresh off the coast.
In this travel guide, I’ll share the must eat dishes in Jeju and a few desserts you’ll definitely want to save room for.
Jeju’s famous meats and seafood
Jeju black pork (heuk dwaeji)
If there’s one dish you can’t miss in Jeju, it’s black pork barbecue.
The meat is famous for its firmer texture and deep flavor. When it’s grilled over charcoal, the skin crisps up into this golden, crackly layer that locals swear by.
I love the whole ritual of it: wrapping the meat in lettuce, adding garlic and dipping sauce, then chasing it with endless little side dishes.
The best spot? Head to Jeju Black Pork Street in Jeju City. Just follow the smoke and the crowds, and you’ll be eating one of the best meals on Jeju island.
Abalone (jeonbok)
Abalone is more than just food in Jeju; it’s part of the island’s heritage. The haenyeo divers have been harvesting it for generations, and many still run small restaurants along the coast.
You’ll see it grilled in butter, served raw over rice, or simmered into jeonbokjuk (abalone porridge). My favorite is the porridge: it’s creamy, rich, and comforting without feeling too heavy.
If you want the freshest version, head east near Seongsan or Seopjikoji where the haenyeo still cook what they catch.
Hairtail (beltfish) stew (galchi-jorim)
Galchi might not be the prettiest fish, but once you try it, you’ll see why it’s one of the best Jeju foods.
The braised version, galchi-jorim, comes bubbling in a spicy red sauce with big chunks of radish, and the fish turns so soft it practically falls apart.
It’s bold, messy, and exactly the kind of dish that makes you order a second bowl of rice.
If spice isn’t your thing, grilled galchi has a buttery softness that’s completely different. I’d say Seogwipo is the place to try it since the fish goes straight from harbor to table.
Red tilefish (okdom)
Okdom is another must-try Jeju seafood dish! The fish is usually just salted and grilled, but the flesh comes out tender, flaky, and slightly sweet.
People here often order it for holidays and special gatherings, so it feels a little more celebratory than other dishes.
I tried it in Seogwipo at a traditional seafood restaurant. And to be fair it didn’t need anything extra, just a bowl of rice on the side. If you’re looking for a taste of Jeju that feels elegant without being fussy, okdom is a great choice.
Grilled mackerel (godeungeo gui)
Sometimes the simplest dishes are the best, and grilled mackerel proves it.
Fresh from Jeju’s coast, the fish is salted, grilled until the skin crackles, and served with rice and a few side dishes. The meat is oily, rich, and so satisfying when eaten with a spoonful of kimchi.
You’ll smell this dish before you see it. Walk past a seaside restaurant in Jeju and that smoky aroma of grilling fish will pull you right in.
Seafood hotpot (haemultang)
Haemultang is perfect when you want something hearty. It’s a bubbling hotpot loaded with crab, clams, shrimp, squid, and vegetables all swimming in a spicy broth.
The flavor is bold and a little spicy, but the seafood balances it with natural sweetness. I like it best when you share it with a group because digging into a huge pot together feels like an event.
You’ll find haemultang on menus all over Jeju, especially in family-style seafood restaurants.
Traditional Jeju soups and noodle dishes
Pork noodle soup (gogi guksu)
If Jeju has a comfort food, it’s gogi guksu.
The broth comes from pork bones simmered for hours, so it’s deep, savory, and full of flavor. Add chewy wheat noodles and slices of pork belly on top, and you’ve got a bowl that warms you from the inside out.
It’s simple, affordable, and feels homestyle in the best way. I love grabbing a bowl in Jeju City near Dongmun Market. You’ll find locals slurping noodles alongside travelers, which always tells me it’s the real deal.
Brown seaweed pork soup (momguk)
Momguk is one of Jeju’s most traditional dishes, and it’s unlike any soup you’ll find elsewhere in Korea.
This Jeju soup is made with gulfweed, pork, and a broth that’s cooked for hours until it turns thick, rich, and almost stew-like. The flavor is earthy and savory, with a hint of the sea.
It might not look fancy, but once you taste it you’ll understand why it’s been loved for generations.
I like it on cooler days, especially after being outside chasing fall colors. You won’t find momguk everywhere, but small family diners in Seogwipo serve some of the best.
Spicy raw seafood soup (mulhoe)
Mulhoe is Jeju’s answer to a hot day. It’s a chilled soup filled with raw fish, vegetables, chili paste, vinegar, and sometimes even crushed ice.
The first spoonful always wakes me up. It’s cold, tangy, spicy, and a little sweet all at once. Some versions are punchier while others more refreshing, but all of them taste like the ocean.
I usually order it after a walk along the coast, and it’s the perfect reset.
You’ll see mulhoe in seaside restaurants everywhere, and Dongmun Market in Jeju City is another fun place to try it.
Pheasant buckwheat noodles (kalguksu)
This one surprised me the first time I tried it. Instead of the usual chicken or pork broth, pheasant kalguksu uses pheasant, and the noodles are made with buckwheat.
The broth is lighter but still flavorful, and the noodles give it a rustic feel that feels very “Jeju countryside.”
It’s not as common as gogi guksu or momguk, so you’ll want to look for traditional restaurants that specialize in it. If you’re curious about Jeju food beyond the classics, this is a great dish to try.
Hangover soup (haejangguk)
Even if you’re not hungover, haejangguk is one of the most comforting Jeju cuisine you can try.
The local version is gosari haejangguk, made with pork and bracken fern. The broth is thick, savory, and a little earthy from the fern, while the pork makes it hearty enough to fill you up.
Locals swear by it as the best cure after a night out, but I think it’s just as good after a long hike or a busy day of sightseeing.
If you’re in Jeju City, check out Ujin Haejangguk. It’s famous for this dish and always buzzing with both locals and travelers.
Hairtail soup (galchi guk)
If galchi-jorim is bold and spicy, hairtail soup is its lighter, comforting cousin. The broth is clear but rich, flavored with Jeju’s fresh hairtail fish, radish, and a little seasoning.
The fish itself is soft and almost melts in your mouth, while the radish soaks up all that umami flavor.
I like it because it feels homestyle. It’s simple, warm, and really showcases how fresh Jeju’s seafood is. You’ll find galchi guk in small restaurants across the island, often served with rice and plenty of banchan.
Jeju desserts and sweet treats
After all the grilled fish, soups, and hotpots, you’ll definitely want something sweet. From café treats to market snacks, here are the ones worth saving room for.
Hallabong and tangerine desserts
You can’t talk about Jeju desserts without mentioning Hallabong, the island’s signature citrus. It’s sweet, juicy, and just a little tangy, basically sunshine in fruit form.
You’ll find Hallabong juice stands on almost every corner, plus cafés selling tangerine cakes, jellies, and even gelato. And these desserts are Instagram favorites because of their bright color.
If you want a souvenir, Hallabong chocolates and marmalades are easy to pack (though mine rarely make it home untouched).
Green tea desserts at O’Sulloc
If you love matcha, O’Sulloc is your spot. Jeju grows its own green tea, and the O’Sulloc Tea Museum café transforms it into dreamy desserts.
The soft serve is creamy with just the right balance of bitter and sweet, and the roll cakes are light but full of flavor. And the lattes? Perfect when you just want a cozy break.
I usually stop here after exploring the west coast. The museum itself is interesting, but let’s be honest, the green tea ice cream and lattes are the real reason I keep coming back.
Peanut ice cream
Peanut ice cream sounds simple, but in Jeju it’s iconic. The most famous version comes from Udo Island, where the peanuts are grown locally.
The ice cream is creamy, nutty, and has just enough crunch to keep each bite interesting. It tastes especially good after salty seafood or a long coastal walk.
I still remember standing by the ocean with a cone. The sea breeze mixing with the sweet peanut flavor just felt so Jeju!
While Udo is the best place to try it, you’ll also spot peanut ice cream at shops around the island. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll probably go back for a second scoop.
Jeju mugwort rice cake (omegi tteok)
Omegi tteok is Jeju’s signature rice cake, and it’s very different from what you’ll see elsewhere in South Korea.
It’s made with mugwort and sticky rice, sometimes with millet mixed in, and usually filled with red bean. Then they roll it in more beans or powder so it’s chewy with a hint of earthy flavor.
The sweetness is light, so you can easily eat a few without feeling stuffed.
like grabbing a box from Dongmun Market. The shops there are always busy and the rice cakes are super fresh. They also make a great souvenir if you don’t eat them all first.
Jeju sweet potato bread (goguma ppang)
Goguma ppang, or Jeju sweet potato bread, might fool you at first glance.
It looks just like a roasted sweet potato, skin and all. But when you bite in, it’s soft bread filled with sweet potato paste. Sometimes the filling is creamy, sometimes chunky, but it’s always delicious.
I tried it in autumn when sweet potatoes are in season, and it felt like the perfect seasonal treat.
You’ll find goguma ppang in bakeries all over Jeju island, usually sitting next to other local specialties. It’s one of those Jeju desserts that makes you smile because it’s both fun and delicious.
Peanut bread
Peanut bread doesn’t get as much attention as peanut ice cream, but it deserves a spot on the list.
These little golden buns are made with Udo Island’s famous peanuts, so they’re nutty, soft, and slightly sweet.
The outside is golden and crisp while the inside stays soft and fluffy, and they’re perfect with a cup of coffee.
I think they taste best fresh on Udo, but you can also find peanut bread in bakeries across Jeju. It’s one of those Jeju snacks that’s hard to stop at just one.
Jeju market desserts and snacks
Jeju’s markets are some of the best places to hunt for unique desserts. You won’t just find omegi tteok here. There are plenty of other sweet surprises worth trying.
- Tangerine steamed bread (gyul jjinppang): Shaped like Jeju’s famous citrus, these fluffy buns are filled with sweet red bean or tangerine jam. They look as good as they taste.
- Sweet red bean bread: A classic that never disappoints. Warm, soft, and just the right amount of sweetness.
- Chapssal donuts: Chewy rice donuts rolled in sugar. I can never stop at just one.
- Fruit hard candy: Strawberries or grapes glazed and served on sticks. They’re shiny, crunchy, and fun to eat while strolling.
- Salt bread with ice cream: Warm, slightly salty bread stuffed with cold ice cream. It’s sweet, savory, and messy in the best way.
- Strawberries with white chocolate coating: Fresh berries dipped in creamy white chocolate. The mix of juicy and sweet makes it one of my favorite market finds.
You’ll spot most of these at Dongmun Market or Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market. I usually keep a few coins handy because once you see the stalls, you’ll want to try more than one.
Where to eat in Jeju
Jeju is full of good food, but knowing where to go makes things a lot easier. Here are the spots I always keep in mind when I’m hungry on the island.
Jeju City
If you’re starting or ending your trip here, this is where I’d go first. Black Pork Street is lively at night, and Dongmun Market is my favorite for wandering and snacking.
I also like the little noodle shops around the city. They are quick, filling, and perfect when you just want something comforting.
Seogwipo
Seogwipo feels more relaxed, and I love eating here after a day by the waterfalls. You’ll find plenty of fresh seafood, from belt fish to abalone, and cozy local soups that feel like home cooking.
The Maeil Olle Market is always fun in the evening. I usually go in hungry and just see what catches my eye.
East coast (Seongsan & Seopjikoji)
On the east coast, it’s all about the sea. Around Sunrise Peak you’ll find haenyeo restaurants where Jeju’s women divers serve what they’ve just pulled from the ocean. Mulhoe, the spicy raw fish soup, is especially refreshing here.
Cafés
Jeju’s café culture is huge. O’Sulloc is the classic stop for green tea ice cream and cake. In Aewol, you can sit by the water with a Hallabong latte and just relax into the view. If you visit Udo Island, the peanut desserts are everywhere, and they really do live up to the hype.
FAQs about what to eat in Jeju
Is Jeju black pork really different?
Yes, and you’ll taste the difference. The meat is juicier, a little chewier, and has a smoky flavor when grilled over charcoal.
Where’s the best place to try Jeju street food?
I always head to Dongmun Traditional Market in Jeju City. It’s lively in the evenings, packed with stalls selling omegi tteok, Hallabong jelly, and skewers. Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market is smaller, but it has a more local vibe and plenty of snacks.
What’s the best Jeju sweet to take home?
Hallabong chocolates and omegi tteok are my go-tos. The chocolates travel well and make easy souvenirs, while omegi tteok feels like a unique local snack (if it makes it home before you eat them all).
Is eating out in Jeju expensive?
It depends. Black pork BBQ and seafood restaurants can be pricier, but you can balance it with noodle soups or market food that’s cheap and filling. Mixing both is the best way to eat well without blowing your budget.
What’s the most Instagrammable dessert in Jeju?
Peanut ice cream on Udo Island takes the crown. The backdrop of the ocean with a peanut-topped cone in hand is pretty much Jeju in a photo. Hallabong lattes in coastal cafés are a close second.
Do I need to book restaurants in advance?
Most of the time, no. But if you’re set on a popular black pork BBQ spot on a weekend night, it’s smart to go early or make a reservation if possible. Markets and cafés don’t require booking.
Do I need to tip in Jeju restaurants?
Nope. Tipping isn’t part of the culture in Korea, so you just pay what’s on the bill. Super easy.
Before you go
Food is one of the best parts of traveling Jeju, but a little planning makes it even better. I like to mix markets, restaurants, and cafés so I can try a bit of everything without rushing.
If you’re still working out your schedule, my 3-day Jeju itinerary shows you how to fit in beaches, hikes, and food stops without overpacking your days.
Autumn travelers will love timing food with scenery. My Jeju in autumn guide pairs fall foliage with cozy meals like galchi-jorim and momguk. And if you’re exploring more of Korea, check out my what to eat in Seoul post to see how city dining compares to island flavors.
