Planning on visiting this gorgeous South Korean island? Jeju’s known for it’s natural beauty, but their noms are pretty damn good as well. If you’re a foodie and need recommendations, you’re gonna want to bookmark and save this post because I’m discussing 6 must try dishes today on the blog. Let’s get to it, Nomsters!
1. Abalone Porridge
There’s nothing better than fresh seafood, and it doesn’t get much fresher than Jeju. Abalone’s extremely expensive, but it’s affordable (and still ridiculously tasty) if you enjoy it in porridge. If you’re down with spending some extra moolah, try it grilled or in sashimi form!
It’s kind of like a clam except it only has one shell. It’s sweet with a buttery aftertaste, and the texture’s firm and chewy…while being soft at the same time. I know that’s kind of a weird description, but it’ll make sense once you try it.
2. Gogi Gooksoo
This unique noodle dish can only be found in Jeju, and it’s very porky in a non-gamey way. It contains thick slices of black pork and the broth’s super rich and savory. If I’m being honest – and I always am with you guys – I wasn’t a huge fan of this, but it’s a staple here so you should definitely try it for yourself. If you try it or have tried it in the past, let me know what you thought by leaving a comment below.
3. Apple Mango
Jeju’s known for their apple mangos so I obviously couldn’t leave without indulging in a dessert…or three. You can purchase them whole at a local market or splurge like me at the Lotte Hotel! I hit up their lounge on the 7th floor and paid 40 won ($38ish dollars) to enjoy this dessert with my mom.
It’s the most expensive dessert I’ve ever had, but it was worth every cent. Nomsters, meet their beautiful apple mango bingsoo (korean shaved ice). This baby came with sweet red bean, bits of cheesecake, mango sorbet and mango sauce. So much yum in my tum… and can we talk about this presentation? Straight fire, my friends.
4. Peanut Ice Cream
This technically isn’t Jeju, but it’s located on the neighboring island of Udo soooo close enough. I had to list this dessert though because it was THAT good. Plus, Udo’s only about a 15 minute boat ride away so make sure you add this to your list.
I know it doesn’t sound particularly exciting, but this peanut ice cream will blow your mothereffin’ mind. The nuttiness is unlike any other, and it provides a stark but nomtastic contrast to the sundae’s creaminess.
5. Seafood Hotpot
Haemul jeongol is common all over South Korea, but you can’t beat Jeju’s version because everything’s caught fresh. It’s hard to see what’s inside this pot of awesomesauce because lighting was a biyatch, but there’s abalone, crab, octopus, shrimp and fish along with a colorful assortment of veggies. Just make sure you can handle heat because this packs serious spice – consider yourself warned.
6. Black Pig
Korea’s known for their barbecue, but Jeju takes things up a notch with their black pig. If you’re a carnivore, get ready to gorge yourself because Jeju pork belly is unlike any other. Their native domestic pig, heuk dwaeji, is arguably their most famous food, and I recommend indulging in every way possible. BBQ? Check. Black pork bulgogi? Check. Pork belly burger? Check. The meat will melt in your mouth, and pork belly will be ruined for you forever. Just kidding…kind of.
Alright Nomsters, I hope you enjoyed reading all about Jeju’s must try dishes. Have any of you been? If yes, what did you think of their food? If not, what looks tastiest to you? Let me know by leaving a comment below, and stay tuned for more travel content. Until next time, friends!
