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Jeju Island Food Trip: Discovering Delicious Haejangguk Before Heading to the Airport

After a wonderful stay in Jeju Island, it’s time to head back to Seoul. But before catching the flight, there’s one essential thing to do: enjoy some amazing local food! This time, the choice is Haejangguk, a hearty and flavorful Korean hangover soup, perfect for a satisfying meal before traveling.

Finding a Local Gem for Haejangguk

Seoul is much colder than Jeju, and after a good rest and delicious meals, we might be slightly puffy, but we’re energized for one last culinary adventure in Jeju. Instead of just heading straight to the airport, we decided to find a well-regarded local restaurant for Haejangguk. It’s a must-do before leaving this beautiful island. Let’s go inside and see what this place has to offer!

Upon entering, the aroma is already inviting. It smells like authentic Haejangguk and Naejangtang (another type of Korean offal soup). Finding Soju priced at 4,000 won is a pleasant surprise – a welcome change from Seoul where it’s often 5,000 won or even 7,000 won! It’s interesting how they serve the meat here, offering a unique way to enjoy it.

Savoring the Haejangguk Experience

We ordered Haejangguk and were promptly served. It comes with Seonji (congealed ox blood), a key ingredient in many Haejangguk variations. We also ordered cider and Hallasan Soju (a local Jeju soju), opting for the 순한맛 (softer version) which is 16 degrees – almost like wine! Though some might say lower alcohol content soju leads to drinking more, it feels lighter and perfect for a midday meal.

The restaurant offers a unique way to eat Haejangguk – with Ssam (wraps). They provide perilla leaves and cabbage to wrap the meat and other ingredients from the soup. This sounds fantastic! Before diving in, pictures are a must – capturing this foodie moment as a tourist!

A Taste of Jeju’s Authentic Flavor

The Haejangguk is served quickly, and it looks incredibly delicious. The broth is rich and flavorful, and the ingredients are generous. The 건더기 (Geondeogi – solids in the soup) is plentiful, filled with beef, intestines, and Yang (beef tripe). The soup base is similar to other Haejangguk, but this one feels richer and perhaps a bit oilier, which adds to its deep flavor. The Seonji is fresh and delicious, as expected from a Haejangguk specialty restaurant.

The taste is truly amazing! It’s the kind of flavor that appeals to everyone – a universally delicious combination of savory, salty, sweet, and spicy. Trying the Ssam with perilla leaves and cabbage elevates the experience. Wrapping the meat and dipping it in sauce before enjoying it adds a delightful textural and flavor dimension, almost like having a personal Suyuk (boiled pork slices) to accompany the soup.

Final Verdict: A Must-Visit Haejangguk Restaurant in Jeju

This Haejangguk restaurant in Jeju is a real gem. The generous portions, fresh ingredients, and delicious, universally appealing flavor make it a standout. The unique Ssam element adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the meal. Even with ice in Soju, which might dilute the flavor slightly, the overall experience is fantastic. The price is reasonable, especially considering the quality and quantity of food.

If you’re in Jeju Island and looking for an authentic and satisfying meal, especially before heading to the airport, this Haejangguk restaurant is highly recommended. It’s a taste of Jeju you shouldn’t miss. Definitely adding this place to the list of must-visit restaurants in Jeju and looking forward to returning on the next trip!

Restaurant General Rating: Highly Recommended

Location: Jeju Island (Specific location not mentioned in text, please refer to original source if available for exact address)

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