1. What are some recommended local food specialties in Jeju-si?
Some recommended local food specialties in Jeju-si are:
– Black pork: Jeju is known for its high quality black pork, which is raised on the island and has a distinct flavor.
– Seafood: As an island, Jeju has an abundance of fresh seafood such as abalone, sea urchins, and squid. Some popular dishes include haemul jeongol (seafood stew) and ojingeo bokkeum (stir-fried squid).
– Heuk dwaeji (black pig) stew: This hearty stew is made with black pork, vegetables, and fermented soybean paste.
– Gogi mandu (meat dumplings): These dumplings are filled with a mixture of minced meat and tofu, then steamed or fried.
– Galchi jorim (braised hairtail fish): A specialty dish in Jeju made with braised cutlassfish in a savory soy sauce-based broth.
– Bingtteok (rice cakes): These crispy rice cakes can be found all over Jeju-si and are typically served as street food with fillings like red bean paste or cheese.
2. Are there any must-visit dining spots in the city?
There are many great dining options in the city, but some must-visit spots include:1. The French Laundry: This iconic restaurant in Yountville has received acclaim for its fine French cuisine and impeccable service.
2. Hog Island Oyster Co: Located in the Ferry Building marketplace, this popular spot serves up delicious and fresh oysters.
3. State Bird Provisions: Known for its unique small plates and creative menu, this San Francisco restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
4. Zuni Café: A longstanding favorite among San Franciscans, this restaurant is known for its classic American cuisine with a focus on wood-fired oven dishes.
5. Rintaro: This Japanese izakaya-style restaurant is a hidden gem of the city, known for its intimate atmosphere and incredible dishes.
6. Mama’s On Washington Square: This breakfast spot in North Beach serves up some of the best breakfast food in the city, with a line out the door every day.
7. House of Prime Rib: A local institution since 1949, this restaurant is beloved for its prime rib and old-school atmosphere.
8. Tartine Bakery: This Mission District bakery is renowned for its amazing pastries and breads – be sure to try their famous morning bun!
9. Slanted Door: Located on the Embarcadero, this Vietnamese restaurant offers stunning views of the Bay along with delicious food.
10. Richmond Republic Draught House: If you’re looking for craft beer and delicious pub fare, this gastropub in the Richmond District is a great choice.
3. Where can I find the best seafood dishes in Jeju-si?
There are many restaurants and markets in Jeju-si that offer delicious seafood dishes. Some popular options include:
1. Dongmun Traditional Market – This market has a wide selection of fresh seafood that you can purchase and have cooked at one of the nearby restaurants.
2. Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market – Another market where you can find a variety of fresh seafood to be cooked for you on-site.
3. Haenyeo Village Bunnae-ri – This village is known for its female divers (haenyeo) who catch fresh seafood daily. Many restaurants in the village serve dishes made with these fresh catches.
4. Coastal villages such as Hado-ri, Sanbangsan Village, and Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff all have seafood restaurants that offer local specialties.
5. 5-Day Market in Gwangneung – A popular spot among locals for its grilled seafood.
6. Seafood Alley – Located near Black Pork Street, this alley has a lineup of small restaurants offering various seafood dishes like grilled clams, stir-fried octopus, sashimi, and more.
4. Can you suggest any traditional Korean restaurants in the area?
Some traditional Korean restaurants in the area include:– Sobahn (located in West Los Angeles)
– BCD Tofu House (multiple locations, including Koreatown and Beverly Hills)
– Jjukku Jjukku BBQ (located in Koreatown)
– Sun Nong Dan (located in Koreatown)
– Han Bat Sul Lung Tang (located in Koreatown)
– Palsaik Samgyupsal Korean BBQ (multiple locations, including Los Angeles and Buena Park)
5. Is there a particular area or neighborhood known for its dining scene in Jeju-si?
Some popular dining areas in Jeju-si include Jeju City Center, Seogwipo-si Jungmun Tourist Complex, and Hyeopjae Beach. These areas have a variety of restaurants serving traditional Korean dishes, as well as international cuisine. Additionally, the neighborhoods around the Dongmun Traditional Market and Tapdong Street are known for their lively street food scene with stalls offering fresh seafood and local specialties.
6. How is the street food scene like in Jeju-si? Any must-try dishes?
Jeju-si has a vibrant street food scene, with various street vendors and food stalls offering a wide range of delicious dishes. Some popular must-try dishes include:
1. Black Pork BBQ – Jeju is famous for its black pork, which is grilled over charcoal and served with a variety of side dishes such as kimchi, vegetables, and mushrooms.
2. Seafood Pancake (Haemul Pajeon) – A popular snack made with seafood and green onions mixed into a flour batter and fried until crispy on the outside.
3. Fried Chicken (Kkanpunggi) – Fried chicken is a popular Korean street food, but in Jeju-si, it is often prepared with a spicy sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and chili peppers.
4. Tteokbokki – This dish consists of chewy rice cakes boiled in a spicy red pepper sauce and often served with fish cakes or noodles.
5. Gimbap – Similar to sushi rolls, gimbap is made with seasoned rice rolled up in seaweed sheets and filled with various ingredients like ham, egg, cucumber, or pickled radish.
6. Bingsoo – A popular Korean dessert that typically consists of shaved ice topped with sweetened condensed milk and various toppings such as fruit, red beans, or cookie crumbles.
7. Hallabong Juice – Hallabong is a special type of tangerine grown only in Jeju Island. Its juice is refreshing and tangy, perfect for quenching your thirst while exploring the streets of Jeju-si.
7. Are there vegetarian/vegan-friendly restaurants in Jeju-si?
Yes, there are several vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in Jeju-si. Some options include:1. Graze Organic Farm & Restaurant – This restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes made with fresh, organic ingredients.
2. Replant – This vegetarian cafe serves healthy dishes and has many vegan options on their menu.
3. Angel-in-us Coffee – This cafe chain offers soy and almond milk options for their beverages, as well as several vegetarian sandwiches and salads.
4. Life Kitchen – This restaurant specializes in plant-based Korean cuisine and has an entire menu dedicated to vegetarian and vegan dishes.
5. Ganim’s Restaurant – This restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan versions of traditional Jeju dishes, such as bibimbap and jeon.
6. MaruJib – This Korean restaurant has a separate vegetarian menu featuring dishes like tofu kimchi stew and vegetable stir-fry.
7. Brown Rice Garden – This health food store and cafe serves a variety of organic, vegetarian/vegan dishes, including salads, wraps, smoothies, and more.
8. What are some popular Korean BBQ restaurants in or around Jeju-si?
Some popular Korean BBQ restaurants in or around Jeju-si are:1. Yeolbong Jip – known for their juicy and flavorful pork galbi (marinated pork ribs).
2. Black Pork Street – a street lined with multiple restaurants serving jeju black pork, a local specialty.
3. Hanaro Mart Traditional Restaurant – a traditional Korean restaurant that offers both pork and beef BBQ options.
4. Jejuga – known for their premium quality meat, including marbled wagyu beef and locally sourced pork.
5. Samdane Gogi – a cozy restaurant famous for their spicy bulgogi made with traditional Korean gochujang sauce.
6. Sarangchae Grill House – offering a mix of traditional Korean and western style BBQ dishes, including seafood options.
7. Cheonjiyeon Ttukbaegi Garden Barbecue – located near the beautiful Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, this restaurant offers outdoor seating and various BBQ sets for groups.
8. Black Panther BBQ – known for their large variety of side dishes to enjoy with the grilled meats, as well as their tasty kimchi pancake.
9. Up on the Roof – located on the rooftop of a building, this restaurant offers stunning views of the city while guests grill their own meat over charcoal grills.
10. Ilmu Sikdang Labaegilpo Dak Galbi – offering delicious dak galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) along with various types of marinated meats for grilling.
9. Is there a recommended local market for buying fresh produce and ingredients to cook with?
The best place to buy fresh produce and ingredients for cooking will depend on your location and personal preferences. However, visiting a farmers’ market or joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program are great ways to support local farmers and get the freshest produce available. You can also check out local specialty food stores or supermarkets that specialize in organic or locally-sourced products. It’s always a good idea to ask locals for their recommendations on where to find the best and freshest ingredients in your area.
10. Can you recommend any rooftop or outdoor dining options with a view in Jeju-si?
1. Jeju Haenyeo Gimbap Restaurant – Located on the rooftop of a building, this restaurant offers traditional Jeju-style gimbap and seafood with a stunning panoramic view of the city.
2. Seogwipo Umi Terrace – This outdoor terrace restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its oceanfront location and spectacular views of the nearby islands.
3. Ssabyul Bbopki – Known for its delicious Korean BBQ, this rooftop restaurant also offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and cityscape.
4. Baikut Garden in Mosil Foster Museum – Enjoy a traditional Korean meal while taking in breathtaking views of Hallasan Mountain at this garden restaurant.
5. Cantina Rooftop Bar & Grill – This trendy rooftop bar and grill offers a modern menu and stunning views of Jeju-si’s bustling streets from their outdoor dining area.
6. Hi Seoul Clubhouse – Located on top of an upscale hotel, this restaurant boasts incredible vistas of Hyeopjae Beach and Mount Hallasan, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.
7. Cafe Soul Hill – This quaint cafe is perched on a hilltop, providing picturesque views of Jeju’s countryside while serving up delicious coffee, desserts, and light meals.
8. Skygarden BBQ & Beer Restaurant – Indulge in grilled meats and cold beers while enjoying a sweeping view of Jeju-si’s skyline from this open-air rooftop restaurant.
9. Tamiya Balcony Bar & Bistro – This chic bistro features indoor seating but also has an outdoor terrace offering unobstructed panoramic views of the sea and nearby islands.
10. The Bay Lounge at Ramada Encore by Wyndham Seogwipo Weoljeongri Beach – Situated on the 8th floor overlooking Weoljeongri Beach, The Bay Lounge serves up international cuisine with an ocean view, making it a popular spot for a romantic sunset dinner.
11. What is the average price range for meals at local restaurants in Jeju-si?
The average price range for meals at local restaurants in Jeju-si is between 10,000-20,000 Korean Won per person. This can vary depending on the type of restaurant and the dishes ordered. Some more upscale restaurants may have higher prices, while small local eateries or street food stalls may have lower prices.
12. Are there any Michelin-starred restaurants in or near Jeju-si?
Yes, there are several Michelin-starred restaurants located in or near Jeju-si:
1. L’Impertinent: A French restaurant that has been awarded one Michelin star in the 2021 Michelin Guide to Seoul. It is located in downtown Jeju.
2. The Barrel: Another French restaurant located in Jeju-si, it has been awarded one Michelin star in the 2017-2020 editions of the Seoul Michelin Guide.
3. Ciel Bleu by Yeeun Choi: This modern Korean restaurant is located in Seogwipo, a city about an hour’s drive from Jeju-si. It has been awarded one Michelin star in the 2021 edition of the Seoul Michelin Guide.
4. Jungsik: Also located in Seogwipo, this restaurant specializes in contemporary Korean cuisine and holds two Michelin stars in both the 2020 and 2021 editions of the Seoul Michelin Guide.
Additionally, there are several other high-end restaurants in Jeju-si that have received high ratings and recognition from prestigious food guides such as the World’s Best Restaurants list and Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
13. Are reservations necessary for popular or upscale dining establishments in the city?
It is generally recommended to make reservations in advance for popular or upscale dining establishments in the city. While some restaurants may accept walk-ins, it is always best to call ahead and secure a reservation to ensure a table at your desired date and time. This is especially important for special occasions or during peak tourist season when these restaurants may be particularly busy.
14. What are some budget-friendly yet delicious places to eat at in Jeju-si?
1. Bbang Bar
2. Tamrajae
3. Jungang Sikdang
4. Seo Sook Cafe
5. Pocheon Sikdang
6. Kkeun Karu Jjim Net
7. Gogiya Tongdle Sabdong Cafeteria
8. Acacia Bakery & Cafe
9. Dongmun Traditional Market
10.Wonjo Dakgalbi Street
15. Do any restaurants offer cooking classes or workshops to learn how to make traditional Korean dishes?
Yes, many restaurants in Korea offer cooking classes or workshops to learn how to make traditional Korean dishes. Some popular options include:
1. O’ngo Food Communications in Seoul: This company offers a variety of classes, including a “Korean Cooking 101” class that covers the basics of Korean cuisine.
2. Traditional Cultural Experience Center (KEC) in Seoul: This center offers hands-on cooking classes where you can learn to make dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi.
3. J’s Kitchen in Seogwipo, Jeju Island: This restaurant offers daily cooking classes where you can learn to make Jeju specialties like black pork and seafood dishes.
4. Cookin’ NANTA Academy in Seoul: This academy offers live cooking performances as well as hands-on classes where you can learn to cook dishes featured in the popular NANTA show.
5. Busan Cooking Class by Kumsaen Cooking Studio in Busan: Join a small group class or book a private session at this studio to learn traditional recipes from Busan.
6. Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum in Osaka, Japan (accessible from Seoul via train): Learn about the history of instant ramen and participate in interactive workshops to create your own custom cup noodle flavor.
16. Are there any unique fusion restaurants that combine local ingredients with international cuisines in Jeju-si?
Yes, there are a few unique fusion restaurants in Jeju-si that combine local ingredients with international cuisines. Some examples include:
– Goomak Contemporary Dining: This restaurant combines traditional Jeju-style dishes with modern Western twists, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
– Soban Jeju: This restaurant offers a blend of Jeju’s traditional cuisine and Korean fusion dishes using seasonal, local ingredients.
– Goji Kitchen & Bar: This restaurant features a fusion menu that combines Korean flavors with international influences, such as sushi rolls with traditional Jeju seafood fillings.
17.Are there any famous food festivals or events held annually in Jeju-si featuring local cuisine?
Yes, there are several famous food festivals and events held annually in Jeju-si that showcase local cuisine. Some examples include the Jeju Food & Wine Festival, which highlights the island’s diverse cuisine and traditional liquor, and the Seogwipo Chilsimni Food Festival, which celebrates a unique type of seafood found only in Jeju Island. The Jeju Olle Walking Festival also includes food tours that introduce participants to local specialties along the walking paths. Other popular events include the Hallasan Mountain Mushroom Festival, Jeju Citrus Festival, and Seogwipo Fire & Lights Festival, which all offer opportunities to taste and learn about various local foods.
18.Are there any renowned chefs or celebrity-owned/restaurants worth trying out in the city?
Yes, there are several renowned chefs and celebrity-owned restaurants worth trying out in the city. Some popular options include:
1. David Chang’s Momofuku Noodle Bar
2. Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s ABC Kitchen
3. Mario Batali’s Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca
4. Daniel Boulud’s Daniel
5. Thomas Keller’s Per Se
6. Nobu Matsuhisa’s Nobu
7. Wolfgang Puck’s Cut by Wolfgang Puck
8. Gordon Ramsay’s The London NYC
9. Eric Ripert’s Le Bernardin
10. April Bloomfield’s The Spotted Pig
19.What are some must-try dishes or delicacies that one cannot miss while visiting Jeju-si?
1) Jeonbokjuk (abalone porridge)
2) Haemul pajeon (seafood pancake)
3) Deodeok gui (grilled bellflower root)
4) Gogi-guksu (meat noodles)
5) Jeju black pork BBQ
6) Galchi jorim (braised hairtail fish)
7) Mae-un galbi jjim (spicy marinated beef ribs)
8) Heogak tang (fish head soup)
9) Dalkdoritang (spicy chicken and vegetable stew)
10) Kongguksu (cold soybean noodle soup).
20.Is it common for restaurants to have English menus and staff who can speak English for non-Korean speaking visitors?
Yes, it is common for restaurants in major cities and tourist areas in Korea to have English menus and staff who can speak English to cater to non-Korean speaking visitors. However, in smaller or more traditional restaurants in non-touristy areas, English menus and staff who can speak English may not be as readily available. In these cases, pointing to pictures on the menu or using translation apps can be helpful.