Jeju's Seafood Hot Pot Scene: A Tasty Tour

Jeju Island is a haven for seafood lovers, offering a variety of unique and fresh seafood dishes. One of the must-try experiences is the seafood hot pot, also known as Haemultang, a spicy stew filled with an abundance of fresh seafood, including octopus, mussels, abalones, scallops, clams, and crab.

One of the most popular places to enjoy this delicacy is Samseonghyeol Haemultang, located in the residential area of Yeon-dong. This restaurant has attracted a loyal customer base due to its fresh and live seafood offerings. The menu features live seafood hot pot in different sizes, catering to groups of two to five people. The set comes with noodles and vegetables, and customers can add rice or extra noodles for a small fee.

Another renowned restaurant for seafood hot pot is Myeongjin Jeonbok Abalone Restaurant, which specialises in abalone dishes. Their menu includes abalone sizzling stone pot rice, grilled abalone, rice porridge with abalone, and sliced raw abalone. This establishment is a favourite among locals and tourists, often drawing long queues.

For those seeking a more dynamic dining experience, Arang Joeul Food Street in Seogwipo offers a variety of local seafood dishes and Jeju specialties. Must-try dishes include Korean bouillabaisse (duruchigi), caldron lid-grilled pork belly, and oyster hangover soup (gul haejangguk).

With its abundant seafood offerings, Jeju Island is a culinary destination that will satisfy any seafood lover's cravings.

Seafood ramen at Arang Joeul Food Street

Arang Joeul Food Street is known for its wide variety of local seafood dishes and Jeju specialties served in dozens of restaurants. The street offers unique local seafood dishes such as Korean bouillabaisse (duruchigi), caldron lid-grilled pork belly, briquette-grilled pork, black pig hotpot, oyster hangover soup (gul haejangguk), fermented skate, and steamed pork slices with kimchi (hongeo samhap).

For those who enjoy seafood ramen, there are several restaurants along the street that serve this dish with a Jeju twist. The ramen is filled with fresh seafood, resulting in a whole new taste compared to those available on the mainland. You can find ramen with whole mussels, crab, shrimp, and even live octopus.

In addition to the delicious food, the street is also close to popular attractions such as Maeil Olle Market, Chilsimni Park, and Olle Trails, making it a great place to explore the local culture and cuisine of Jeju.

Abalone hot pot rice at Myeongjin Jeonbok Abalone Restaurant

Abalone hot pot rice is one of the signature dishes at Myeongjin Jeonbok Abalone Restaurant, a popular eatery located on the eastern side of Jeju Island. The restaurant is known for its fresh abalone dishes, sourced directly from its adjoining farm. The menu includes a variety of options such as grilled abalone, abalone porridge, sliced raw abalone, and the signature abalone hot stone pot rice.

The abalone hot stone pot rice is a savoury dish, featuring a hot stone pot of rice topped with abalone, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes. It is recommended to pour water into the stone pot after eating the rice to create a soupy, charred fragrance burnt rice with abalone essence. The restaurant has been featured on numerous TV shows and is popular among both locals and tourists, with beautiful coastal views and efficient service.

When visiting Myeongjin Jeonbok Abalone Restaurant, it is best to go during off-peak hours as there may be a long wait for a table, especially during peak dining hours. The ordering process is straightforward, with a picture menu available at the counter. The restaurant provides a waiting room for customers, or they can enjoy a stroll along the nearby coastal beach while waiting for their table.

In addition to the abalone hot stone pot rice, other popular dishes at Myeongjin Jeonbok include the grilled abalone, abalone porridge, and grilled mackerel, which is served as a complimentary side dish. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its delicious abalone dishes and beautiful sea views, making it a must-visit destination for those looking to enjoy local Jeju cuisine.

Haemultang at Samseonghyeol Haemultang

The restaurant is located in the residential area of Yeon-dong and is easily accessible, with a car park opposite the restaurant and Jeju Airport just a 10-minute drive away. The menu is available in Korean and Chinese, and the major food options are the live seafood hot pot in small, medium, and large sizes, catering to different group sizes. A set meal includes noodles and vegetables, and you can add rice or extra noodles for a small additional charge.

The portion sizes at Samseonghyeol Haemultang are generous, and even the small pot can easily feed four people. The staff are attentive and will assist with cooking the seafood, removing shells, and cutting up the octopus and abalone to ensure everything is cooked perfectly. The soup starts off slightly bland but becomes more flavourful as the seafood cooks, although some diners have noted that it could be spicier. At the end of the meal, instant noodles are added to the soup, creating a delicious seafood noodle dish.

Samseonghyeol Haemultang is a great choice for seafood lovers, offering fresh and delicious hot pots at reasonable prices. It is a popular spot among tourists and often has returning customers, so be prepared for a potential wait, especially during peak hours.

Seafood ramyeon at Wimi Port Raw Fish Center

Wimi Port Raw Fish Center is a great place to enjoy seafood ramen with a view of the ocean. Located within a 10-minute drive from Jeju Airport, this dining spot has a rich 45-year history of excellent food and service. The center houses 18 large restaurants, each run by veteran professionals with 10 to 40 years of experience.

Here, you can savour a table d'hôte of raw fish made with Jeju's fresh ingredients, such as snapper, abalone, mackerel, cutlassfish, and sea urchin. The restaurants are operated by experts who know how to prepare and serve the freshest seafood. You can also take a leisurely stroll around a nearby seawall or Tapdong Square, and visit nearby attractions such as Yongduam Rock and Dongmun Traditional Market.

If you're looking for a unique dining experience with a stunning ocean view and the finest seafood ramen, Wimi Port Raw Fish Center is the place to be.

Seafood ramen at Dongmun Fish Market

As you wander through the market, you'll find Nolman, a small restaurant serving up delicious bowls of seafood ramen at affordable prices. For just 10,000 won, you'll get a generous portion of seafood, including two crabs, mussels, prawns, and ramen. The broth is slightly spicy and packed with umami flavour, making it a satisfying and hearty meal.

Nolman is located along the Handam Coastal Walk, and parking is available nearby for a small fee. It's a popular spot, so try to visit during off-peak hours to secure a seat. The restaurant operates on a self-service basis, so grab a number from the machine, place your order when called, and enjoy your meal!

If you're looking for an authentic Jeju dining experience and mouth-watering seafood ramen, Dongmun Fish Market and Nolman should definitely be on your list!

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