甜颜小慢 When staying at the Grand Hyatt Jeju on Jeju Island, I initially assumed that the areas surrounding the hotel would be those where tourists spent a lot of money. However, upon actually exploring the area, I discovered several very low-key but delicious restaurants nearby – and best of all, they were all just a five-minute walk away, so there was no need to take a car at all! This article is my personal recommendation list of must-try restaurants near the Grand Hyatt Jeju. Each one offers great value for money, so don’t miss them next time you visit!
First place: Seoulcheil Seafood Market – the freshest seafood, prepared and served on the spot
It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the Junyue Hotel to the Seogwipo Fish Market. The seafood here is extremely fresh – you can find all kinds of fish, abalones, sea urchins, and crabs that have just been caught in the southern waters of Jeju. You can choose your ingredients at the market and have them prepared on the spot by the vendors, or you can buy them and have them processed in the restaurants located nearby.
I highly recommend the abalone bibimbap here! The fresh abalones from Jeju Island have a high sweetness and low fishy taste. When mixed with steaming white rice and sesame oil, every bite is filled with the freshest flavors of the ocean. In Taiwan, you would probably have to pay several times more for abalone of the same quality, but here it only costs a few thousand won—the cost-performance ratio is truly outstanding!
Second place: Black pork barbecue restaurant – a must-try dish on Jeju Island; one bite is enough to tell how unique it is.
Not trying Jeju Island black pork is tantamount to not having visited Jeju at all! There are several restaurants serving Jeju black pork barbecue in the Seogwipo city area near the Junyue Hotel, just an 8-12 minute walk away. The meat of Jeju black pork is more elastic than that of regular pork, with a even distribution of fat. When grilled, it emits a particularly rich aroma. Paired with kimchi and lettuce for wrapping the rice, it creates an incredibly flavorful experience!
It is recommended to go during dinner time. The cost for one person is approximately 15,000 to 20,000 Korean won. If two people order two portions each, along with side dishes and hot pot soup, you can eat your heart out for just a few hundred Taiwanese dollars – it’s definitely a great deal! Don’t forget to say “잘 부탁드립니다” (Please take good care of it for me) to the staff. Usually, they will keep an eye on the fire to ensure that the meat is cooked just right!
Third place: Gamgyul (Citrus) Dessert Café – Exclusive to Jeju Island; you’ll regret not trying it!
Jeju Island is South Korea’s primary citrus-producing area, which is why there are numerous desserts and beverages featuring 감귤 (Jeju oranges) as their main ingredient. In the Seogwipo district surrounding Gungyuk, you can find several charming cafes that offer Jeju orange cakes, orange lattes, and orange ice cream – each one reflecting the unique local culture of Jeju Island!
I particularly love those handmade cakes in the shape of oranges. Their appearance is so cute that I feel reluctant to eat them, but once you bite into them, you find fresh orange jam filling inside – the sweet and sour taste is simply refreshing! You can never find such desserts in Seoul; they are exclusive to Jeju Island, so you must try them!
Fourth place: Snacks from the Seogwipo Traditional Market – affordable delicacies known only to locals
Friends who enjoy shopping in markets must not miss the Seogwipo Traditional Market (Seogwipo Maeil Ollae Market)! It’s only about a 15-minute walk from Junyue, and this market offers a variety of affordable local snacks. A must-try dish here is…
- 🐟 Sashimi: Fresh sashimi prepared on the spot, costing more than 30% less than in restaurants.
- 🥟 Hot cake: The outer crust is crispy after being fried, while the filling consists of brown sugar and sesame seeds. Eating it while it’s hot is truly delightful.
- 🌶️ Tteokbokki (Spicy Stir-Fried Rice Cake): Made freshly by the aunties at the market. The spiciness can be adjusted to one’s preference, and it’s ten times tastier than what you can find in chain restaurants.
- 🍊 Fresh Jeju oranges: Purchased directly from local farmers in season, incredibly sweet!
A comprehensive compilation of gourmet destination maps
Below is a summary organized based on walking distances:
- 🚶 Within 5 minutes: Beachside stalls (grilled fish, seafood skewers)
- 🚶 In about 10 minutes: Seogwipo Fish Market (must try the abalone mixed rice there).
- 🚶 Approximately 10–12 minutes: Jeju Black Pork Barbecue Area
- 🚶 In approximately 12 minutes: The area surrounding the citrus-themed coffee shops
- 🚶 In about 15 minutes: Seogwipo Daily Traditional Market
The advantage of staying at Junyue is that whenever you step outside, you are surrounded by delicious food! Whether you are a seafood enthusiast, a barbecue lover, or a dessert aficionado, you can find whatever you like in this area, and the value for money is truly beyond imagination! Next time you visit Jeju Island, don’t forget to bring this must-try menu with you; I guarantee you’ll still be talking about it long after you return to Taiwan 🍊✨
