Jeju Island isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s a culinary wonderland where every bite tells a story. 🏝️🍽️ Shaped by volcanic soil, ocean bounty, and centuries of cultural heritage, Jeju Island food offers a unique blend of flavors you won’t find anywhere else in Korea. From the legendary black pork BBQ to fresh seafood harvested by Haenyeo (female divers), and citrusy treats made with Jeju’s famous tangerines, this island is a food lover’s dream.
40+ Jeju Island Traditional Dishes
✔ Ocean-to-Table Freshness – Surrounded by pristine waters, Jeju serves seafood so fresh it’s often still wriggling on your plate. 🦑🐟
✔ Volcanic Terroir – Nutrient-rich soil produces sweet tangerines, hearty barley, and unique wild greens.
✔ Haenyeo Culture – The island’s famed women free-divers hand-harvest abalone, sea urchin, and conch daily.
✔ UNESCO-Recognized Traditions – Many dishes, like heuk-dwaeji (black pork) and omugi tteok (millet cakes), are deeply tied to Jeju’s history.
Whether you’re slurping spicy seafood stews, grilling marbled black pork, or indulging in tangerine-infused desserts, Jeju’s cuisine is an adventure for the senses. Here’s your ultimate guide to 45+ must-try dishes, where to find them, and the stories behind them!
🌊 Sea-to-Table: Iconic Seafood Dishes
Jeju’s coastal location means seafood is king — caught fresh daily and served in unique local styles!
1. Haemul Jeongol (Seafood Hot Pot)
A spicy stew loaded with crab, squid, shrimp, and clams.
2. Galchi Jorim (Braised Hairtail Fish)
Soft, silver hairtail fish simmered in a spicy soy-based sauce.
3. Okdom Gui (Grilled Tilefish)
A local favorite often served at special events or with soju.
4. Jeonbokjuk (Abalone Porridge)
Creamy and comforting, made from Jeju’s prized abalones 🥀.
5. Mulhoe (Cold Raw Fish Soup)
Raw fish in icy, spicy broth — perfect for hot summer days.
6. Hanchi Mulhwae (Raw Cuttlefish Soup)
A rare delicacy, slightly sweet and chewy.
7. Galchi Gui (Grilled Hairtail Fish)
Charred to perfection, often served whole with minimal seasoning.
8. Jeju Raw Seafood Platter
Assorted sashimi-style seafood caught fresh from Jeju waters.
🐃 Jeju Black Pork Delights
Jeju’s iconic heuk-dwaeji (black pork) is a must-try! Known for its chewy texture and nutty flavor.
9. Black Pork BBQ (Heuk Dwaeji Gui)
Cooked over charcoal with a dipping sauce of salt and sesame oil.
10. Black Pork Bulgogi
Thinly sliced pork marinated in sweet-savory sauce.
11. Black Pork Kimchi Stew
A spicy, hearty stew with kimchi and tender black pork slices.
12. Black Pork Bossam
Steamed pork slices served with pickled veggies and wraps.
🥢 Jeju’s Unique Noodle & Rice Dishes
From buckwheat noodles to hearty rice bowls, Jeju has comforting carbs for every palate.
13. Gogi Guksu (Pork Noodle Soup)
Jeju’s version of ramen, with a clear pork broth and chewy noodles.
14. Momguk (Gulfweed Soup)
Traditional seaweed and pork soup, often served at ceremonies.
15. Jeju Bibimbap
Locally grown veggies, seaweed, and fish roe over warm rice 🍚.
16. Bokkeumbap with Seafood
Seafood fried rice infused with ocean flavors.
17. Gochujang Jeonbokbap (Spicy Abalone Rice)
Abalone and veggies mixed with red chili paste and rice.
🍇 Farm Fresh: Local Produce & Veggie Dishes
Jeju’s volcanic soil grows some of Korea’s best veggies and fruits 🌿
18. Gamgyul (Jeju Tangerines)
Sweet, juicy citrus famous across Korea — try fresh or as juice!
19. Hobakjuk (Pumpkin Porridge)
A comforting, mildly sweet porridge often eaten in winter.
20. Jeju Sweet Potato Dishes
Roasted or mashed, local sweet potatoes are a staple.
21. Wild Greens Side Dishes (Namul)
Various seasonal greens harvested from Jeju mountains.
🎂 Sweet Treats: Traditional Desserts & Snacks
Jeju Island food isn’t all savory! The island has its fair share of delicious traditional sweets.
22. Omegi Tteok (Jeju Rice Cake)
Made from millet and filled with sweet red bean paste.
23. Hallabong Chocolate
Citrus-infused chocolates using Jeju’s famous Hallabong oranges.
24. Gamgyul Ice Cream
Bright, tangy ice cream made from Jeju tangerines 🍦.
25. Jeju Peanut Brittle
Crunchy snacks using native-grown peanuts.
26. Tangerine Makgeolli
A sweet and fizzy rice wine flavored with citrus.
🏪 Must-Visit Spots for Traditional Jeju Island Food
27. Dongmun Market
Perfect for street food and local snacks!
28. Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market
Try tteokbokki, fresh seafood, and abalone porridge.
29. Black Pork Street in Jeju City
Lined with restaurants specializing in grilled black pork.
30. Neulbom Heukdwaeji Restaurant
A favorite spot among locals and tourists for pork BBQ.
🌟 Hidden Gems: Less-Known Local Dishes
31. Udo Peanut Ice Cream
Specialty of Udo Island, using locally grown peanuts 🥜.
32. Bingtteok (Buckwheat Pancake)
Filled with radish greens and sometimes pork.
33. Jeju Anchovy Soup
A clear broth with anchovies and seaweed.
34. Jeju Shellfish Hotpot
Hearty, spicy stew with clams, scallops, and mussels.
35. Jeju Barley Rice Set (Boribap)
Barley rice with side dishes and fermented soybean paste.
🧃 Seafood Straight from the Sea Women Divers (Haenyeo)
Jeju’s legendary Haenyeo (female divers) bring you the freshest seafood.
36. Sea Urchin Bibimbap
Delicacy made from freshly harvested sea urchin (uni).
37. Fresh Abalone Grilled on Rocks
Grilled naturally right by the ocean.
38. Snail Soup (Golbaengi-guk)
Snail and seaweed in clear broth.
39. Conch Sashimi
Thinly sliced and dipped in soy sauce or chili paste.
🌲 Jeju Food Culture & Eating Tips
- ✔ Try local dishes in small eateries to enjoy authentic flavors.
- ✔ Markets and street food stalls are perfect for sampling multiple dishes affordably.
- ✔ Don’t forget to order a glass of Hallasan Soju, Jeju’s local liquor 🍻.
- ✔ Seasonal dishes taste best when enjoyed during peak harvest times.
🌍 Taste the Heart of Jeju Island Food
From ocean-fresh seafood to cozy porridges and citrusy desserts, Jeju Island food reflects the island’s unique environment and resilient spirit. It’s a cultural experience served on a plate — simple, flavorful, and made with love. ❤️
I’m Lily Wilson, a traveler, storyteller, and soul-searcher from the sun-kissed shores of Hawaii. At LilyOnTheGo.com, every journey begins with curiosity, courage, and a trusty carry-on. Travel, for me, has never been about ticking places off a bucket list. It’s about chasing sunrises in unfamiliar cities, sharing laughs with strangers who become friends.