VISIT JEJU

When in Jeju, eat Jeju food! But with so many restaurants on the island, where can you find a truly good one? If you’re asking that question, here’s a suggestion: Yurine Sikdang, a 30-year-old establishment selected as one of the ‘100 Restaurants that Represent Korea’ and a favorite of former presidents and famous figures. It has also been designated as a Local Restaurant by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. 

The restaurant’s warm service and commitment to using quality ingredients to create good food have naturally earned its fame, building a loyal following through word of mouth alone over the past 30 years. Today, it is run by the founder’s son. 

Yurine Sikdang is open from the morning to evening, so you can enjoy Jeju cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It has been designated as a ‘Good Restaurant’ by Jeju City and holds an AA rating in the Sanitation Grading System for regular restaurants, ensuring high standards of food safety. The restaurant also offers a large, dedicated parking lot for visitors. Upon entering, you’ll find a vast collection of photos and signatures from Korea’s most notable figures. Yurine Sikdang has also been extensively featured on TV programs, giving you a real sense that you’re dining at one of Jeju’s most famous restaurants.

The menu features popular Jeju dishes like Braised Cutlassfish, Grilled Mackerel, Sliced Raw Cutlassfish, and Sliced Raw Abalone. Summer specials include swordtip squid dishes such as Cold Raw Swordtip Squid Soup, Raw Swordtip Squid Bibimbap, and Sliced Raw Swordtip Squid. Whatever you choose, all dishes are prepared with top-quality Jeju ingredients and great care. Special set menus are perfect for more formal occasions, and if you’re unsure what to pick, they offer a way to sample a variety of dishes. Yurine Sikdang has also become popular among solo diners in more recent years, with options like Spicy Bracken And Beef Soup or Gulfweed Soup, ideal for individual meals. The former is made with Jeju bracken and caters to younger tastes. The rich broth, simmered with pork bones and meat, results in a thicker and more flavorful soup - one that’s sure to win you over from the first spoonful. 

No matter what your order, each meal comes with a variety of delectable side dishes. It’s said that Yurine Sikdang asks customers which side dishes they like and dislike and uses their feedback to prepare the next day’s offerings. This open exchange of feedback is certainly one of the secrets behind Yurine Sikdang’s long-standing success.

As you wait for your meal, your eyes will likely be drawn to the collection of pictures and signatures on the wall. If you can read Korean, see if you can figure out who left their mark. 

The seating options are diverse, including tables and chairs, traditional room seating, private rooms, and group seating. Private rooms are perfect for group visits or meetings. Another interesting feature of the restaurant is its seating area for guests with companion dogs. 

If you sign up for notifications from the restaurant, you can win a coupon for a hot Americano - so don’t miss out on the free dessert. Nearby tourist attractions include the Halla Arboretum and the Jeju Museum of Art.