Hidden Jeju Island Gems: 6 Authentic Local Restaurants Locals Actually Love

Jeju Trip, Let's Eat Like a Local!

Honestly, aren't you getting a bit tired of visiting the same famous restaurants every time you travel to Jeju? Pretty cafes you see on Instagram are nice, but this time, let me introduce you to the 'real local restaurants' that Jeju locals often visit. Experience the true taste of Jeju at places that aren't crowded with tourists!

1. Seogwipo Deoksu Yeong-ae's - Dombe Meat Set Meal Praised by Locals

The first place I'd like to introduce is 'Deoksu Yeong-ae's' located in Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo. I stumbled upon it while driving near Sanbangsan, and it turned out to be a hidden gem known only to locals! The sign is modest and doesn't stand out, but that's what makes it feel even more like Jeju.

When I entered the store, it was mostly locals, and the Jeju dialect being spoken was very heartwarming. You must try the Dombe Meat Set Meal here! The dombe meat is moist and tender with no off-flavors, which was really surprising.

Especially, the accompanying soybean paste soup is truly a work of art. The deep flavor of cabbage, meat broth, and soybean paste combined makes it feel like Jeju meat noodles in soup form. They also have high chairs available, so it's recommended for family travelers!

2. Seogwipo Keuneong Restaurant - Seafood Specialty by the Sea

The second place is 'Keuneong Restaurant' located in Namwon-eup. It's right next to Keuneong Coast, making it perfect for a drive course, and it's a real hidden gem with far more local regulars than tourists.

They are famous for their braised cutlassfish and mackerel made with Jeju fish. Perhaps because they cook fresh ingredients daily, there's no fishy taste at all, and each side dish is prepared with care. It feels just like a homemade meal from mom!

With a one-person cooking system, hygiene is perfect, and there seemed to be many returning customers. After your meal, you can also take a walk along Keuneong Coast, making it a win-win!

3. Pyoseon Dangpo Hoe Center - A Sashimi Restaurant Recognized by Locals

The third place is Dangpo Hoe Center near Pyoseon Beach. It's no exaggeration to say it's a hidden gem known only to real locals. It's located inside Pyoseon Dangke Port, making it a bit hard to find, but that makes it feel even more special.

They sell wild fish species caught by members of the Seongsanpo Fisheries Cooperative Pyoseon Boat Owners' Association, so the freshness is guaranteed! The sashimi set meal is 40,000 won per person and includes everything from side dishes to sashimi and spicy fish stew, making it a great value.

It was a truly special experience with mackerel sashimi, squid sashimi, and conger eel sashimi that you can only taste in Jeju. It's pure freshness! Seafood lovers must visit.

4. Hoya's House Near Jeju Airport - The Ultimate Value Pork Ribs

The fourth place is 'Hoya's House' near Jeju Airport. It's in a perfect location to visit as soon as you arrive in Jeju or before you leave. It's a real local restaurant known only to locals, so it's not crowded with tourists and has a comfortable atmosphere.

500 grams of pork ribs for just 23,000 won! With today's prices, I wondered if this price was real, but the taste was perfect too. The thick pork ribs were crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, with no off-flavors at all.

But that's not all! The pork skin served as a complimentary dish by the owner was amazing. The nutty and chewy texture was fantastic, and all the side dishes were special. Especially the salad with fruit dressing and the green onion salad with bean sprouts were really impressive.

5. Jungmun Guksu Nara - The Essence of Bomalkalguksu

The fifth place is 'Jungmun Guksu Nara' hidden in a residential area near Jungmun Tourist Complex. The sign is modest and far from the glitz of tourist spots, but it had a vibe that locals would love.

Even at around 9 a.m., it was full of locals, making me think, "Ah, this is a real restaurant." Bomalkalguksu is a special dish you can only taste in Jeju. The chewy texture of bomal, the softness of seaweed, and the chewiness of the kalguksu noodles created a fantastic harmony.

I also ordered boiled pork, and when eaten with pickled onions, the spicy and refreshing taste completely neutralized the greasiness of the meat. It was my first time experiencing such a combination, and it was totally addictive!

6. Jeju Airport Sam Mu Guksu - Meat Noodles Available for Breakfast

The last place to introduce is 'Sam Mu Guksu' near Jeju Airport. It's a perfect place to have a hearty meal on the first morning of your trip or before heading to the airport on your last day.

It's a meat noodle restaurant recognized by Jeju locals, with chewy noodles in a rich pork bone broth that's truly exquisite. They open early in the morning, so even those catching early flights can comfortably enjoy it.

This is What Real Jeju Restaurants Are Like!

After visiting these six places, I definitely felt something. The truly delicious Jeju restaurants aren't flashy, but they're places that locals consistently visit. Instagram vibes are nice, but the real taste of Jeju you experience at these local restaurants is truly special.

On your next Jeju trip, famous tourist restaurants are nice, but make sure to visit these hidden gems as well. It will surely make your Jeju trip more special!

🗺️ Recommended Efficient Jeju Restaurant Tour Course

Now that you know these great restaurants, it's time to plan an efficient course to visit them! Considering Jeju's geography, I'll recommend a course that allows you to tour the restaurants without wasting time!

🌅 Day 1: Arrival in Jeju & Western Course

Arrive at Jeju Airport → Hoya's House → Jungmun Guksu Nara → Deoksu Yeong-ae's

Upon arriving at Jeju Airport, head to 'Hoya's House' nearby to start your first meal with hearty pork ribs. It's just a 10-minute drive from the airport, so accessibility is perfect! Then, move towards Jungmun Tourist Complex to taste Bomalkalguksu at 'Jungmun Guksu Nara', and finally, wrap up with a Dombe Meat Set Meal at 'Deoksu Yeong-ae's' near Sanbangsan.

📍 Route Highlights

• Total travel distance: about 40km (1 hour 30 minutes)

• Also possible to visit Jungmun Tourist Complex and Sanbangsan

• Perfect for a drive