I. Introduction

Jeju Island, located off the southern coast of South Korea, is a paradise for food lovers. Known for its unique cuisine, the island offers a wide variety of delicious traditional dishes, seafood, and street food that are sure to delight your taste buds. In this guide, we will explore the best places to find the island's delicacies and give you a taste of what to expect from Jeju Island's food scene.

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|Background on Jeju Island

Jeju Island, also known as the "Island of the Gods," is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, scenic landscapes, and unique culture. The island is also home to a diverse range of plants and animals, making it a haven for nature lovers.

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|Overview of Korean cuisine

Korean cuisine is known for its bold flavors and the use of a wide variety of ingredients. Some common ingredients used in Korean dishes include chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Korean cuisine also heavily features fermented foods such as kimchi and soy sauce.

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|Why Jeju Island is a food lover's paradise

Jeju Island's unique location and culture have given rise to a unique cuisine that is different from mainland Korean cuisine. The island's seafood is particularly noteworthy, with a wide variety of fish, shellfish, and seaweed available. Additionally, the island's traditional dishes and street food offer a taste of the local culture and history. From savory soups to sweet treats, Jeju Island's food scene has something for everyone.

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II. Traditional Dishes

|Overview of traditional dishes

Jeju Island is home to a wide variety of traditional dishes that are unique to the island. Some of the most popular traditional dishes include haemul-tteokbokki (spicy seafood rice cakes), sanchae bibimbap (mixed vegetable rice bowl), and jokbal (pork hocks). These dishes are known for their bold flavors and use of locally-sourced ingredients.

|Recommendations for must-try dishes

• Haemul-tteokbokki: This spicy dish features chewy rice cakes and a variety of seafood in a savory sauce. It's a popular street food and can be found at many street vendors.
• Sanchae bibimbap: This dish features mixed vegetables and meat on top of a bed of rice. The dish is typically served in a hot stone pot, which gives the rice a crispy texture.
• Jokbal: A popular traditional dish, jokbal is made from pork hocks that are slow-cooked in a flavorful broth. The dish is typically served with a variety of side dishes and pickles.

|Where to find traditional dishes in Jeju Island

• Traditional restaurants: Many traditional restaurants on the island serve a wide variety of traditional dishes. These restaurants are a great place to try some of the island's most popular traditional dishes.
• Local markets: Many local markets on the island sell traditional dishes and ingredients. These markets are a great place to find traditional dishes at a more affordable price.
• Street vendors: Street vendors throughout the island sell a wide variety of traditional street food, including haemul-tteokbokki and jokbal.

III. Seafood

|Overview of Jeju Island's seafood

Jeju Island is known for its delicious seafood, which is caught fresh from the surrounding waters. Some of the most popular seafood dishes include hwae (raw fish), abalone porridge, and Jeju black pork. These dishes are known for their fresh flavors and use of locally-sourced seafood.

|Recommendations for must-try seafood dishes

• Hwae: This dish features raw fish that is typically served with a variety of side dishes and dipping sauces. It's a popular traditional dish and can be found at many traditional restaurants on the island.
• Abalone porridge: This dish features abalone, a type of shellfish, in a warm porridge. The dish is known for its rich and savory flavor.
• Jeju black pork: Jeju Island is known for its delicious black pork, which is known for its rich and flavorful taste. The pork is often served grilled or in a variety of traditional dishes.

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|Where to find seafood in Jeju Island

• Seafood restaurants: Many seafood restaurants on the island serve a wide variety of seafood dishes. These restaurants are a great place to try some of the island's most popular seafood dishes.
• Local markets: Many local markets on the island sell a variety of seafood and seafood products. These markets are a great place to find fresh seafood at a more affordable price.
• Street vendors: Street vendors throughout the island sell a wide variety of seafood street food, including hwae and abalone porridge.

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IV. Local Markets

|Overview of local markets in Jeju Island

Jeju Island is home to a wide variety of local markets, which offer a taste of the island's culture and history. These markets are known for their wide selection of locally-sourced products, including fresh produce, seafood, and traditional dishes. Visiting a local market is a great way to experience the island's vibrant food culture and try new foods.

|Recommendations for must-visit markets

• Jeju Traditional Market: This market is one of the oldest and most popular markets on the island. It features a wide variety of traditional products, including seafood, produce, and traditional dishes.
• Seogwipo Traditional Market: This market is located in the city of Seogwipo and is known for its fresh seafood and local produce. It's a great place to try some of the island's most popular seafood dishes.
• Jeju City's Noryangjin Market: This market is located in Jeju City and offers a wide variety of seafood and other local products. It's a great place to find fresh seafood at a more affordable price.

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|How to navigate local markets

1. Plan your visit: Before visiting a market, it's a good idea to plan out which market you want to visit and what you want to buy. This will help you make the most of your time at the market.
2. Dress comfortably: Local markets can be crowded and busy, so it's a good idea to dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes.
3. Bring cash: Many vendors at local markets only accept cash, so it's a good idea to bring enough cash with you to make your purchases.
4. Bargain: Bargaining is a common practice at local markets, so don't be afraid to haggle with vendors to get a better price on your purchases.
5. Try new things: Local markets are a great place to try new foods and products, so don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

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In conclusion

Jeju Island is a food lover's paradise, offering a wide variety of traditional dishes, seafood, and local products. From savory soups to sweet treats, the island's food scene has something for everyone. Whether you're looking to try traditional dishes, sample fresh seafood, or explore local markets, Jeju Island has something to offer. With this guide, you'll be well on your way to experiencing the best of Jeju Island's food culture.

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