1. Traditional markets in Jeju island
In Korea, there are many traditional markets in each region, and it’s really enjoyable to explore them. Whenever I travel, if there’s a traditional market, I always visit there to see them and try some local food.
Jeju Island also has several traditional markets, the most famous of which are Olle Market and Dongmun Market.
Exploring the markets and trying street food will be a delightful experience.
Markets are known for offering more affordable price. In the case of Jeju Island markets, however, the prices may not be as budget-friendly due to the significant number of tourists.
Nevertheless, I’ll share the distinctive features of each market that I’ve experienced, so you can choose based on your preferences for your individual travel!
I. 제주 올레 시장 (Olle Traditional Markets in Jeju island)
Have you ever eaten ‘hoe’? Or do you know what ‘hoe’ is?
Hoe is a raw fish fillet that is commonly eaten in Korea. If your accommodation is near Jungmun, and you want to try hoe (raw fish) and explore the market, it might be more cost-effective to buy hoe from a fish market’s hoe restaurant and enjoy it at your accommodation. Alternatively, if there’s a restaurant inside the market’s hoe shop, dining there could be more economical than going to a separate restaurant to eat.
I also ate at a hoe restaurant inside the Olle traditional market with my friend. Since the prices for takeout and dining in were the same at this restaurant, we decided to eat inside. Hoe restaurants tend to be a bit expensive, so dining in a traditional market like this can help you save on expenses. There are several places inside the market where you can get takeout, and the prices are usually displayed in front of the restaurants. Just take a look and choose one that suits your preference.
Moreover, in the market, you can also purchase various fruits and snacks unique to Jeju Island. I recommend buying only what you intend to eat during your trip and saving souvenir shopping for later, perhaps towards the end of your journey near the airport
- Olle traditional market Address in Korean: 제주 서귀포시 서귀동 340
II. 제주 동문 시장 (Dongmun Traditional Markets in Jeju island)
The traditional market near Jeju Airport is also popular among tourists. Many Koreans purchase souvenir items here, such as fruits or snacks. If your first-day accommodation is in Jeju City, you can buy hoe (raw fish) from this market. Personally, I feel that Dongmun Market is a bit more affordable compared to Olle Market. However, you can choose based on the location of your accommodation.
- Dongmun traditional market Address in Korean: 제주 제주시 관덕로14길 20
2. Best Restaurants
I. 칠돈가 (Chil don ga)
In Jeju Island, the famous local specialty is the Jeju black pork, and you’ll find many restaurants that specialize in it. Among the pork barbecue places I’ve tried, this one is the most delicious. It’s a chain restaurant, so you can find them in various locations around Jeju. The black pork here is incredibly tender and flavorful. The side dishes and sauces that come with it are also exceptional.
They offer a variety of dipping sauces like wasabi, meljeot (fermented anchovy sauce), and galchijot (fermented cutlassfish sauce). I recommend trying the meat with different sauces for a unique experience. Although the prices have gone up, it’s worth ordering the Jeju black pork. The standard order is 600g, and the staff will grill it for you, making it a convenient and enjoyable dining experience.
- Chil Don Ga Jungmun Branch Address in Korean: 제주 서귀포시 중문관광로 8
II. 고집돌우럭 (Gojib dol uruk)
This place is a seafood restaurant. It’s completely Korean!
It’s the kind of restaurant that our mom would probably love. It caters perfectly to the tastes of adults. If you want to experience Korean cuisine or if you have someone who loves it, you must visit. It felt like having a home-cooked meal. It was very delicious. The location I visited was the Jungmun branch, and even ordering the most affordable menu among the three course options was sufficient.
- Gojib dol uruk Jungmun Branch Address in Korean: 제주 서귀포시 일주서로 879
III. 수두리 보말칼국수 (Suduri bomal kalguksu)
This is a great place for lunch, specializing in Kalguksu (칼국수). The line was really long, so I had to wait for quite a while to get a table. Although there were several places serving snail noodle soup (보말 칼국수) nearby, this restaurant had an exceptionally long line, making it seem like a very famous spot.
‘보말’ in Jeju dialect refers to sea snails, and you can think of it as noodle soup with very small sea snails. It’s a somewhat unique ingredient, right?
However, Koreans often use these small sea snails in their cuisine, and I personally like it too. When translated into English, it might appear as ‘snails,’ but it’s not the large snails you might imagine – think of tiny snails, almost the size of a fingernail. If you try it, you’ll find it tasty with a chewy texture. If you’re up for trying something unique, I recommend giving it a try. It’s not as strange as it may sound, and the small size makes them not very noticeable when eating.
- Address in Korean: 제주 서귀포시 천제연로 192 1층
IV. The cliff
This is a pub right on the cliff by the seaside. It was absolutely amazing. When you come during good weather in the daytime, the view of the ocean is breathtaking, and at night, it’s a place where you can feel the essence of Jeju nightlife like a club. I visited here during the day, and it was beautifully decorated, which I really liked. I think it would be great to come here on a summer night as well. I definitely want to visit at night next time.
- The cliff Address in Korean: 제주 서귀포시 중문관광로 154-17
I recommended some restaurants and traditional markets in Jeju Island. I’ve been to Jeju Island about 6 or 7 times, and it’s always a wonderful place to visit. Each time I go, I experience a different vibe. If you’re in Korea, I highly recommend making a trip to Jeju Island at least once!