Great Places to Eat Before You Leave 😋

This is a sundae gukbap spot at Dongmun Market that’s carried on a 40-year tradition. If the market feels too big to find it easily, enter through Gate 2 and look for the yellow sign. The rich, thick broth comes loaded with big pieces of glutinous rice sundae and head meat, so the texture is excellent, and perilla powder adds a deep, nutty aroma. If you love sundae gukbap, this is a flavor you’ll enjoy. (Note: during lunch hours, the meat noodle soup may not be available.)

A well-known pork cutlet spot in Yeondong—after a recent refresh, it’s tasting better than ever. Their crispy cutlets are the stars, from loin katsu to fish katsu and chicken katsu. We also recommend their signature pastas you can only try here—like ume natto pasta, abalone “gewu” pasta, and black pork arrabbiata—plus a spicy Japanese-style curry. It’s a great fit if you want to try a variety of dishes. (Seasonal limited menus may vary by time of year.)

A specialist that serves just one thing: dongtae-jjigae (pollack stew). It’s so popular that a line forms even before opening. Served in a big basin, the stew is packed with chunky pollack, radish, and onions—spicy, clean, and deeply satisfying—perfect if you’re craving a bracing, peppery hangover meal. In Jeju, some local restaurants may close early or take a break regardless of posted hours, so it’s best to call ahead before visiting.

A place to enjoy a neat, well-composed Korean set meal. The soy-marinated cockle bibimbap and sea urchin bibimbap are especially popular, and the eggplant dumplings and fried oysters are also must-tries. Your main bibimbap comes as a full set with side dishes and soup that change daily—recommended if you want a properly satisfying meal. It’s well-known even among locals, so lunchtime waiting is the norm; using a queue app makes it easier.

An abalone specialty restaurant near Jeju Airport. They open early in the morning, making it a solid option for breakfast too. Their signature menu is abalone mulhoe (cold spicy sashimi-style soup) topped generously with fresh abalone, and on chilly days, the warm abalone ttukbaegi or abalone porridge hits the spot. Recommended for anyone who wants a hearty abalone meal before heading out.