Jeju Food Guide: What to Eat, Fun Food Tours, & the Best Restaurants in Jeju, South Korea

Jeju is known for its volcanic landscapes and stunning coastline, but the island’s food scene is just as incredible. You’ll find some of the best restaurants in Jeju serving everything from just caught seafood to hearty local specialties and trendy café dishes. No matter what type of traveler you are, enjoying Jeju's food is one of the highlights of the island.

What makes Jeju so exciting for food lovers is how much variety you get in such a small place. One minute you’re eating grilled black pork in a bustling outdoor market, and the next you’re having fresh abalone at a tiny seaside restaurant with waves crashing right outside. Even the trendy cafés on Jeju island are on another level, with beautiful views, creative menus, and a relaxed island vibe.

This Jeju food guide doesn’t just cover restaurants. We’re also sharing some of the best culinary tours and food focused activities on the island, from market visits to hands on cooking experiences. If you want to explore Jeju through its flavors, this guide will help you make the most of it.

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Jeju Food Guide: A Complete Overview

Before diving into the best restaurants in Jeju and what to eat, it helps to understand what the island’s food culture is really like. Here is a bit about Jeju's cuisine, and some other things you should know about what the food scene looks like there.

What Is Jeju’s Cuisine Like?

Jeju cuisine focuses on fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and local specialties such as black pork, tangerines, and barley. The island’s maritime heritage means you will find raw fish, abalone, sea urchin, seaweed soups, and simple yet flavorful seafood ramen everywhere. 

Many of these dishes are tied to the culture of the haenyeo, Jeju’s traditional female divers, which gives the island’s food a unique sense of place.

What Food is Jeju Island Famous For?

Jeju is most famous for black pork barbecue, abalone dishes, fresh seafood, and hearty seafood ramens. Hallabong flavored desserts, barbecue, and local makgeolli also play a big role in Jeju’s food culture. No matter what restaurants in Jeju you eat at, you can expect generous banchan, warm hospitality, and a focus on freshness.

What Is the Signature Dish of Jeju?

The signature dish of Jeju is black pork. This locally raised breed is known for its deep flavor and incredibly tender texture, and it’s almost always cooked over charcoal to bring out its natural richness. You’ll find entire streets dedicated to black pork barbecue, where the meat is served simply with salt, kimchi, and local vegetables. 

While dishes like gogi guksu (pork noodle soup) and abalone hot stone rice are also Jeju favorites, black pork is the meal every visitor should try at least once.

What Fruit is Jeju Famous For?

Jeju is famous for its hallabong, a sweet and incredibly juicy citrus fruit (similar to a tangerine) that you’ll see everywhere on the island. It’s in markets, cafés, bakeries, and even beauty products. 

Hallabong is especially popular in winter, and you’ll find it made into fresh juice, cakes, teas, and soft-serve ice cream. Many restaurants in Jeju also highlight hallabong in desserts or seasonal specials, so it’s something you’ll end up tasting in more ways than one.

If you want a fun experience, you can even visit a local tangerine farm to pick your own.

What Fish is Jeju Famous For?

Jeju is also well known for its fresh seafood, thanks to the island’s long fishing culture and the famous haenyeo women divers. Watching these women free dive for seafood is one of the best things to do in Jeju, and is a crucial part to learning about one of the most special parts of Jeju's culture.

The fish you’ll hear about most often is hairtail, a long, silver fish served grilled or stewed in a spicy sauce. Black rockfish, tilefish, abalone, and octopus are also common on menus throughout Jeju City and Seogwipo.

Whether you try a simple grilled fillet or a full seafood spread, this is one of the best places in Korea to enjoy incredibly fresh fish.

Is Jeju Water Drinkable?

Yes, tap water in Jeju is safe to drink. The taste can vary depending on the mineral content, but it is perfectly fine for filling reusable bottles or drinking in restaurants and hotels.

What to Eat in Jeju: Meals & Dishes

Now that you have an idea of what Jeju cuisine is like, let’s break down what to eat throughout the day when exploring the island.

 What & Where to Eat in Jeju for Breakfast

Breakfast is not super popular in South Korea, and the restaurants in Jeju are not early risers by any means. We rarely found cafes open before 10 AM, and there are few options for breakfast, especially for Westerners who are used to having heavier meals in the morning.

Cafes in Jeju open late in the morning, and tend to be a bit more popular for the afternoons, and feature pastries and desserts rather than eggs, sandwiches, or other savory items.

If you're a big breakfast-lover, we'd recommend getting a hotel in Jeju with a kitchen, and making yourself something, or going to one of the convenience stores for a sandwich.

 What & Where to Eat in Jeju for Lunch

Lunch is the best time to explore Jeju’s iconic dishes. Restaurants across the island serve specialties like Jeju black pork, seafood ramens, and fresh sashimi caught hours earlier. Whether you're visiting markets or coastal towns, you'll find plenty of casual spots with incredible food and ocean views.

Markets such as Dongmun Market and Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market are perfect for sampling different foods, including tangerine chocolate, fried seafood skewers, and fresh abalone. For a quick but filling meal, try seafood ramen, one of Jeju’s most beloved comfort dishes.

The afternoons (after lunch) are also great for enjoying the cafe culture in Jeju, where you can relax with ocean-front views, and have a drink with a dessert.

 What & Where to Eat in Jeju for Dinner

Dinner in Jeju is when the island’s food scene really shines. This is the ideal time for a Jeju black pork BBQ meal, one of the must-try experiences on the island. 

You can also enjoy seafood hot pots, grilled fish, or a Korean BBQ experience. Many restaurants sit right on the coast, so you can enjoy sunset views while you eat.

If you love a night out, head to Jeju City or Seogwipo for modern restaurants, craft beer bars, and wine spots. For a fun evening, try a seafood BBQ restaurant where you grill your own clams, scallops, and abalone at your table.

What to Eat in Jeju: Dishes & Drinks

Now that you know what meals look like in Jeju, let’s take a deeper look at the dishes you should try while you’re there.

Here are some must-try dishes to try, whether you're at one of the restaurants in Jeju, or stopping by a kiosk for a quick snack:

• Abalone porridge: A creamy, savory comfort dish made with fresh Jeju abalone.
• Haemul pajeon: A crispy seafood pancake packed with green onions.
• Squid rings: Lightly fried and perfect with a squeeze of lemon.
• Tangerine treats: Candied tangerine, pastries, and chocolates made with Jeju’s famous citrus. You can find this at many kiosks or souvenir shops!
• Jeju black pork: The island’s signature dish, rich, tender, and best enjoyed grilled.
• Gogi guksu: A hearty pork noodle soup that’s a true Jeju classic.
• Abalone hot pot: Fresh abalone simmered with rice and vegetables.
• Seafood ramen: A flavorful, spicy bowl loaded with fresh local seafood, especially a hefty portion of octopus. This was our favorite dish on the island!
• Hairtail fish stew: A spicy, comforting stew made with Jeju’s locally caught hairtail fish.
• Hwe (Korean sashimi): Ultra-fresh raw fish sourced straight from the island’s waters.
• Hallabong sorbet or juice: Sweet, refreshing, and bursting with Jeju citrus flavor.
• Black sesame ice cream: Nutty, creamy, and popular in modern cafés.
• Tangerine chocolate: A delicious local specialty and popular souvenir.
• Omegi tteok: A chewy mugwort rice cake dusted with bean powder.
• Hallasan soju: A smooth, crisp soju named after Jeju’s famous volcano.
• Jeju craft beer: Local brews made with island-grown ingredients.
• Citrus teas: Hallabong or tangerine tea, perfect hot or iced.
• Makgeolli: Look for Jeju varieties made with local rice or citrus.

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The Best Restaurants in Jeju

Now that you know what to eat in Jeju, and what the overall cuisine and meals look like, let's guide you to some of our favorite restaurants in Jeju we recommend.

 Restaurants in Jeju You Shouldn’t Miss

The restaurants in Jeju were easily some of the best places we ate in all of South Korea. Locals were super friendly and helpful when it came to choosing what to eat (most menus aren't in English). Portions were generous, prices were affordable, and the atmospheres were unmatched.

While we were only in Jeju for 4 days, we did our best to try and eat at as many restaurants in Jeju as possible. We made a full guide for the best cafes in Jeju, but here are also some incredible restaurants in Jeju that we found and recommend.

Sasakiki (사사키키)

This was a true gem of a find. We stumbled upon here randomly while looking for a place to eat in Haengwon Beach, and couldn't believe just how great it was. The staff were super kind, and helped us order. We got the black pork and the seafood ramen, and both were to die for.

Each dish was under $10, and we got a free refill on the ramen, as well as fresh juice as a courtesy of the restaurant. The vibe was on point, and it was honestly the best place we ate in all of South Korea - 10/10!

Food Cafe

Located right along the coast, this was one of our favorite restaurants in Jeju for seafood ramen. It was super fresh, and had a generous portion of octopus!

 Machi (마치, 하카타)

If you're staying in Jeju City, then don't miss out on this local gem. It's run by one man with a true passion for food, and his adorable pup. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is cozy, making it a great place for an intimate dinner Jeju's city center.

Tudali Seosalajeom (돈주고서사라점)

This is another great spot we found in the center of Jeju city. They have excellent Korean BBQ, great prices, and excellent service.

Here are some other restaurants in Jeju for traditional dishes and seafood:

• Black Pork Street (Jeju City) for the best black pork BBQ
• Myeongjin Jeonbok for abalone
• Donsadon for premium grilled pork
• Hwaro Hyang for seafood hot pot
• Gogi Guksu Alley for ramen lovers
• Jangsumul for great udon

These restaurants offer a mix of traditional flavors, coastal ingredients, and the unique food culture Jeju is known for.

 Markets & Street Food in Jeju

Apart from going to restaurants in Jeju, you won't want to miss out on some of the great markets that the island has to offer! Jeju’s markets are great places to sample dishes without committing to a full meal, and they allow you to taste various flavors of the island.

Here are the best markets to visit:

• Dongmun Market (Jeju City)
• Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market
• Jeju 5-Day Folk Market

You’ll find seafood skewers, hot pancakes, abalone, tangerine pastries, and plenty of other Jeju specialties to enjoy.

Culinary Tours & Food Activities in Jeju

Jeju offers incredible culinary experiences, perfect for learning about the island’s culture through food:

• Enjoy the cafe culture: There are some amazing cafes in Jeju, with chill atmospheres, coastal views, and delicious pastries. 
• Take a cooking class: Black pork BBQ or seafood ramens.
• Tangerine farm tours and picking: A great seasonal activity.
• Market food tours: Enjoy them with a local guide.
• Visit O’sulloc Tea Museum: Learn about the island's tea culture and visit the tea fields.
• Nanta Show: The longest running show in South Korea which is a performance of acrobatics, comedy, and the percussion of kitchen utensils
• Traditional seafood tasting: A unique activity to witness the island's Haenyeo (women divers)
• Makgeolli and Soju Brewing Experience: learn how to create local spirits

These activities are a great way to go beyond the restaurants in Jeju and experience the island’s food culture up close.

Jeju Food Guide: FAQ

Now you have all of the information you need for what to eat, the best restaurants in Jeju, and some fun culinary activities. In case you missed anything though, here are a few answers to some frequently asked questions that we've found across the web.

Jeju Food Guide: Final Thoughts & What’s Next

Now you have everything you need to eat and drink your way through Jeju. Between seaside sashimi, charcoal grilled black pork, and cozy cafés, the island’s restaurants in Jeju offer a mix of deep tradition and surprising creativity. 

Whether you stay in Jeju City or head south to Seogwipo, you will find memorable meals at every turn.

Here’s a quick recap of the highlights from this guide:

• Jeju cuisine blends fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and island specialties like black pork and hallabong.

• Many dishes center on grilled meats, rich broths, and clean, seafood forward flavors.

• The seafood ramen is a MUST, and you should ask for a refill!

• You have to try the fresh tangerine juice, ice cream, and other tangerine-flavored treats.

• Tap water is safe to drink, though bottled water is widely available and common for visitors.

• Jeju is known for local drinks and makers, including regional soju, makgeolli, and craft beers.

• Make sure you take a trip to the tea fields across the island!

• Signature dishes to try include Jeju black pork, gogi guksu, abalone hot stone rice, and fresh hwe sashimi.

• Neighborhoods to explore for food include Jeju City, Seogwipo, Aewol, and Seongsan for coastal dining.

• Markets like Dongmun Market and Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market are essential stops for street food and local snacks.

• Hidden gem cafés and seaside restaurants can be found tucked into quieter streets and coastal roads, especially around Aewol and the east coast.

• There are plenty of unique food experiences, from black pork BBQ classes and haenyeo seafood tastings to tangerine farm visits and guided market tours.

What's Next?

Now that you know all about the different restaurants in Jeju, and what to eat, let's help you explore more about visiting the island!

Here are a few other travel guides we have about South Korea:

 How to get to Jeju Island

 How to get around Jeju

 The best things to do in Jeju

 The best cafes in Jeju

 How to get to Seoul

 Seoul transportation guide

 Things to do and see in Seoul

 Korean scalp massage review

 Seoul food guide

 Seoul complete travel guide

We're going to also be having new articles each Thursday, so stay tuned!

So now that you know the best restaurants in Jeju and what to eat, we're sure you're ready to plan more things to see and do! There are so many fun ways to enjoy Jeju, and we're excited to share more of this island with you.

Want to learn more about traveling around the island of Jeju and other destinations in South Korea? We have several other Korean travel guides for you to check out, as well as more coming up each week. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our weekly guide updates, as well as exclusive discounts on the Scratch Your Mapa shop.

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