Jeju refers to Jeju Island which is the largest island in South Korea and Jeju Province is one of the nine provinces of South Korea. The province is situated on the nation's largest island of Jeju.
As an island , Jeju has a long history of fishing. Various seafood dishes use mackerel, cuttlefish (Hanchi), hairtail fish, abalone, and tilefish caught right from the waters surrounding the Island. It is known for dishes made with fresh and savory seafood.
The island is also famous for the delicious taste of the famed black pork which is also one of the known trademarks of island (see Ogyupsal) The use of horsemeat in Jeju cuisine is due to their horse-raising history only available on Jejudo Island.
Main Food and Local Products of Jeju Island are:
1. Jeonbokjuk (Abalone Porridge) Traditionally, Jeonbokjuk (???) was a delicacy served to royal families. These days, sliced abalone is lightly fried with sesame oil and combined with rice soaked in water to create delicious Jeonbokjuk. This porridge is known for its high nutritional value and is wildly popular among visitors to Jejudo Island.
2. Seonggeguk (Sea Urchin Soup) Called "Gusal" on Jejudo Island, "Seongge ” (??, sea urchins) are caught mainly between May and June. The yellow flesh of the urchin is boiled with seaweed in a soup. Known for its distinct taste, Seonggeguk can only be enjoyed on Jejudo Island. It is high in protein and iron, and is rich in vitamins.
3. Okdom-gui (Grilled Tilefish) Okdom (??) is a pink tilefish native to tropical waters in the Western Pacific Ocean. The area around Jejudo Island is the only place in Korea that this special fish can be caught. This exquisite tilefish is cut in half, partially dried, marinated with sesame oil, and then grilled. Since ancient times, the fish has been served on holidays and used in rituals on Jeju. Renowned for its simple taste, Okdom is a popular gift item among tourists.
4. Haemul-ttukbaegi (Seafood Hot Pot) Jejudo Island offers distinct hot pot dishes using a wide variety of seafood. Haemul-ttukbaegi (?????) is a delicious seafood soup made using shrimp, clams, and other kinds of shellfish.
5. Momguk (Gulfweed Soup) "Mom” means "gulfweed” in Jeju dialect. Gulfweed is boiled in pork broth and is used to reduce the greasy taste of the meat. Momguk (??) appears frequently at local banquets or traditional markets on Jejudo Island Black Pork Dish Back in the olden days, pigpens were built right below the bathroom. It is said that the Jeju pigs, which grew up eating human waste, grew black hair as a result of their special diet. Pigs are no longer raised in this way, but the Jeju black pig (???) is still seen as one of Jeju’s trademarks and it said to be chewier and more delicious than other types of pork. The distinctive black hairs can even be seen on some of the meat used in pork dishes. Bingtteok (Rolled Rice cake) Bingtteok (??) is a kind of rolled rice cake (Bing means "to roll" in Korean). Blanched, sliced radish and bean sprouts are mixed in the buckwheat-flour dough and this, in turn, is fried and rolled to create delicious Bingtteok. This chewy snack is also popular as a side dish when drinking alcohol.
Local Produce The balmy weather of Jejudo Island is perfect for growing Hallabong and other delicious citrus fruits. Fresh seafood caught around the island and foods using Baeknyeoncho (cactus native to the island) are also among Jeju’s culinary delights.
1. Gamgyul The climate of Jeju is ideal for growing Gamgyul (??, a citrus fruit) that was served to royal families during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1920). As a main product of Jejudo Island, the sweet taste of Gamgyul renders it a highly popular item among tourists.
2. Hallabong As a hybrid citrus fruit, "Hallabong (???)” was named after Mt. Halla, as the two are said to be similar in shape. Hallabong is known for their large size and extremely smooth and sweet taste. These fruits are somewhat expensive compared to regular mandarin oranges.
3. Baeknyeoncho As a cactus indigenous to Jejudo Island, Baeknyeoncho (???, palm cactus) is shaped like a flat fan. A variety of foods (teas, drinks, noodles, kimchi, and bread) are made using the purple fruit of the Baeknyeoncho.
4. Jeju Okdom (Tilefish) Okdom (??) is considered the king of fish on Jejudo Island. This elegant, glittering fish has been beloved by local residents since ancient times. It is frequently served during rituals and special events. Okdom is caught between September and April (with the peak season being in November).
5. Hairtail Fish Hairtail fish are delicious, silver fish caught off the coast of Jejudo Island. They are usually served grilled, raw, or mixed with vegetables, pumpkin, and green chili peppers to make Galchiguk (???, Hairtail Fish Soup).