VISIT JEJU

When exploring an unfamiliar place, they say the best way to experience the local vibe is to visit a traditional market. For locals, it's a part of everyday life, but for first-time visitors, it offers a unique and fascinating experience. Boseong Market is like a mirror reflecting the daily lives of Jeju residents. You can buy Jeju specialties such as cutlassfish and tilefish, as well as local produce like cabbage and broccoli at affordable prices. The real fun is discovering hidden eateries tucked away in alleyways. Featured on the variety show tvN’s Amazing Saturday, Boseong Market and nearby Samseonghyeol offer a humble yet captivating one-day tour.

About a 20-minute drive from Jeju Airport, Boseong Market was first established in 1972. While not large, it offers a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere formed over 50 years. It’s more frequented by locals than tourists, making it a peaceful alternative to the busier Olle Market or Dongmun Market.

From Hallabong (Jeju citrus), salted anchovy sauce, and pork to exotic western vegetables you’d typically find only at big supermarkets on the mainland, the market offers a wide variety of goods. As in other traditional markets, you’ll find butchers, fishmongers, bakeries, and rice cake shops. There's also a modern-style shopping area designed for younger visitors. For a true local experience, this is a must-visit. The market’s signature dish is sundae-guk (Korean blood sausage soup), highlighted on tvN’s Amazing Saturday as a must-try. Aside from sundae-guk, you'll find long-standing eateries that showcase their own unique takes on this hearty dish.

After a lively daytime tour, consider visiting one of the cozy eateries nearby, like ‘Noriteo’ or ‘Life is Egg’, to enjoy a drink and some local bites. It’s the perfect way to end your day.

▶ Address: 32 Donggwang-ro 1-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

▶ Hours: Daily 09:00 – 20:00

▶ Parking: Public parking lots nearby (e.g., Boseong Market Parking Lot)

▶ Recommended Spots Nearby

 - Noriteo: 1F, 28-1 Donggwang-ro 1-gil, Jeju-si

 - Life is Egg: 1F, 21 Donggwang-ro 1-gil, Jeju-si

Established in 1994, Gamcho Restaurant has been a fixture at Boseong Market for over 30 years. It was even featured in the popular Korean food comic Sikgaek by Heo Young-man as a must-visit sundae spot in Jeju. In Jeju tradition, it was customary to butcher a pig for family celebrations, using not only the meat but also the innards. As such, dishes like sundae and sundae-guk became staples.

Side dishes include cubed radish kimchi, scallion kimchi, and peppers with onions. The scallion kimchi is especially praised as being flavorful enough to enjoy on its own. Unlike modern sundae-guk, which is often milder, Gamcho’s version has a rich pork aroma that appeals to true fans. The soup includes chewy blood sausage, lean meat, and intestines, delivering deep satisfaction. It even features makchang sundae, a rare variation. With its rich, mildly savory broth typical of Jeju-style soups, it’s a great dish to enjoy with friends and family—or alone with a shot of Hallasan soju. At the entrance, you’ll find a photo of Sikgaek author Heo Young-man during his visit, highlighting the restaurant’s fame.

▶ Address: 32 Donggwang-ro 1-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

▶ Hours: 09:00 – 20:30 (Last order at 19:50)

 Closed on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sunday of each month

▶ Parking: Public parking lots nearby

In the Joseon era, horse meat was one of Jeju’s major tribute products. With horse breeding widespread, even aged or deceased horses were repurposed as food. Though it might seem unappetizing at first, raw horse meat (yukhoe) actually tastes clean and nutty, with less fat than beef. Since it’s hard to find horse meat outside of Jeju, this is a must-try for gourmet travelers. It's also rich in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and iron, attracting health-conscious eaters.

Mijeong’s Eatery is known for serving generous portions of high-quality horse meat at reasonable, local prices. A small portion of yukhoe (raw horse meat) is served with the main dishes. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes like yukhoe, grilled horse meat, braised short ribs, and hot soup. Dipped lightly in sesame oil sauce, the finely prepared raw horse meat melts in your mouth with umami flavor. Even first-timers find it easy to enjoy, and it’s a favorite among locals as well.

▶ Address: 22 Donggwang-ro 1-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

▶ Hours: 09:30 – 21:00 (Closed every other Wednesday)

▶ Parking: Public parking lots nearby

Omegitteok, traditionally made by kneading foxtail millet dough, was once used for ancestral rites or brewing traditional liquor. Today, it has become one of Jeju’s signature tourist treats, evolving in shape and flavor to delight a wide range of visitors. Among the most talked-about stores, Mirr Omegitteok, located near Boseong Market, is especially popular and offers online sales as well.

Although you can order from anywhere in Korea, visiting the shop offers a more authentic Jeju experience. Mirr sells five types of rice cakes, made with healthy local ingredients like red bean, black sesame, nuts, soybean powder, and tangerine. Customer reviews praise its subtle sweetness and the uniquely refreshing citrus notes. The mochi-like texture is pleasantly chewy yet soft, with the red bean filling adding the perfect touch. They freeze well for long-term enjoyment and are easy on the stomach thanks to the lack of additives. Visitors to the shop can also watch the rice cakes being made—an experience in itself. These wholesome treats make thoughtful gifts as well.

▶ Address: 25 Samseong-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

 ▶ Hours: 07:30–18:30 (Closed every Saturday)

 ▶ Parking: Public parking lots nearby

After savoring the flavors of Jeju at Boseong Market, explore the nearby cultural sites—all within walking distance. These destinations offer a deeper look into Jeju’s true identity, hidden beyond the lively marketplace.

After enjoying traditional Jeju cuisine at the market, walk off your meal with a visit to Samseonghyeol—a historic site tied to the island’s foundational myth. This revered place is said to be where the three founding deities of Jeju (Go, Yang, and Bu) emerged. Three holes form a triangle with several meters of distance between them. The northernmost hole, connected to the sea, has a circumference of six Korean feet (ja), while the other two are three ja each.

Cultural guides offer detailed explanations of the site, providing insights into Jeju’s lesser-known history. Annual memorials are held here: one for the three princesses of Byeokrang Kingdom in June, and seasonal rituals in April and October. Jeju’s traditional architecture—such as Geonsimun Gate, Samseongmun Gate, and Jeonsacheong Hall—is preserved in its original form. Surrounded by camphor and nutmeg trees, the area has an enchanting, mythical atmosphere, further enhanced by the fact that no rain or snow ever seems to accumulate within the sacred holes.

▶ Address: 22 Samseong-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

 ▶ Hours: Daily 09:00–18:00 (Ticketing closes at 17:30; opens at 10:00 on New Year’s Day, Lunar New Year, and Chuseok)

 ▶ Parking: Dedicated parking lot (Free for 1.5 hours for visitors)

Celebrating its 41st anniversary this year, the Jeju Folklore & Natural History Museum offers a comprehensive view of Jeju's volcanic formation, natural resources, and cultural traditions. The most eye-catching display in the lobby is a full-sized skeleton of a sperm whale, measuring 12.6 meters in length and weighing 12 tons.

 The museum features a variety of exhibits, including permanent folklore and marine displays, as well as rotating special, outdoor, and online exhibitions. Check the official website for updates on exhibition periods. Educational programs and guided tours are also available for different age groups, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

 ▶ Address: 40 Samseong-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

 ▶ Hours: Tue–Sun 09:00–18:00 (Closed every Monday)

 ▶ Parking: On-site parking (₩1,000 for the first hour, ₩500 per additional 30 minutes)

Sinsan Park marks the spot where the Olympic flame first arrived in Korea from Greece during the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Established to commemorate the event, the 240,000㎡ park houses a symbolic torch sculpture and a time capsule containing 1,250 Jeju artifacts, buried in 1995 for the 50th anniversary of Korea’s liberation.

In addition to its historical significance, the park is a beloved local leisure area, with facilities such as gateball and badminton courts, a playground, and peaceful walking trails—perfect for outings with pets. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom in full glory, while autumn brings golden leaves, creating a healing atmosphere throughout the year.

▶ Address: 830 Ildo 2-dong, Jeju-si

 ▶ Parking: Public parking lots nearby