Korea's 10 Must-Try Korean Restaurants in Aewol

The first sizzle lands with a nutty perfume, then a clean, mineral sweetness unique to Jeju’s traditionally raised black pork. If you chase romance or anniversaries, the dining room turns golden at dusk, and the staff’s confident grilling hits that blushing medium where fat turns silky and the crust crackles. Popular with both locals and travelers, so plan for a short wait at prime hours.

• Order this: Thick-cut aged pork chops and the Hallasan-style Hanwoo bulgogi to share.

2. GalchiBada (갈치바다 애월) — Handam Park area

Boneless braised cutlassfish arrives plush and glossy, the seasoning balanced so rice soaks up spice without overshadowing the fish’s sweetness. Whole grilled cutlassfish comes head-to-tail, skin crisped to a gentle crackle, flesh moist and pearly. The bright, airy room and seaside stroll afterward seal the memory.

• Order this: The set with braised cutlassfish, whole grilled cutlassfish, grilled abalone, and hot-stone seaweed rice.

3. JEJU CHUNGCHOSOO (청초수물회 제주점) — Between Gwakji & Handam

A chilled bowl that smells faintly of tides and citrus, mulhoe here is clean, focused, and deeply refreshing. The fish rides on a bright, sea-sweet broth that cools sun-warmed skin and resets your palate for another day on the coast. Loved by both islanders and visitors for its balance and breezy setting.

• Order this: Signature mulhoe; pair with your favorite bottle thanks to free corkage.

4. Jeju Bay (제주베이) — Near the Airport

Think of it as your first or last island meal: whole grilled hairtail steaming and fragrant, or a comforting Korean beef short ribs stew rich with soy, aromatics, and that slow-simmered depth. Every table faces the sea, so even a simple spoonful feels like a postcard.

• Order this: Whole grilled hairtail or galbi-jjim; arrive hungry for the view and the portions.

5. mungaehangari (문개항아리 애월점) — Aewol

Steam billows from a cast-iron platter, releasing a sea-sweet aroma of octopus, shrimp, and abalone over a spicy, pristine broth. Premium aged raw noodles stay springy under heat, and staff hand-cut seafood at the table so you can focus on slurping. A crowd-pleaser for families and groups, with ratings to match.

• Order this: Original teppan seafood ramen or noodle soup; in Aewol, pork belly comes complimentary with orders.

6. Haeoban (해오반) — Aewol Coastal Road

A table that tastes like the sea came to meet you: mackerel sashimi that’s bright and clean, uni as sweet as low tide sun, and seasonal catches handled with care. The hanok and garden slow you down so flavors linger longer. A gentle favorite for multi-generational trips.

• Order this: Seasonal sashimi set with a plate of uni per person if you love roe.

7. Handam Noodles Gwakji Aewol Branch (한담국수 곽지애월점) — Handam/Gwakji

The broth is savory with a gentle meatiness, finished clean so you can keep slurping between glances at the sea. Corn noodles taste nutty, dongchimi-bibim noodles are bright and chilled, and the thin-sliced meat turns tender in seconds.

• Order this: Meat noodle soup and grilled short ribs; add dongchimi bibim noodles for contrast.

8. Noraba (노라바) — Gueom area

A bowl built on a broth prepped fresh each morning, topped with bouncy octopus and island seafood that tastes alive with the surf. It’s the kind of ramen that wakes you up after a beach walk and keeps you light on your feet for the rest of the day.

• Order this: Seafood ramen with extra octopus; season lightly to let the broth shine.

9. Itkansita (잇칸시타) — Central Aewol

A cozy stop for Japanese home-style plates that feel right at home in Aewol’s slow rhythm. Fried items arrive hot and crisp, miso-dressed sides are clean and nutty, and the uni rice bowl is a briny treat worth the detour. Opens at 11, perfect post-checkout lunch.

• Order this: Chicken tender katsu set and the uni bowl; add miso-grilled fish if you crave something delicate.

10. Jeju Gwanghae Aewol (제주광해 애월) — Waterfront 2F

Classic kalchi-jjim done with fresh ingredients and the sort of seasoning that invites a second bowl of rice. Nab a window seat and let the waves set the pace between bites. It’s a comfortable, no-fuss finish to a day on Aewol’s coastal road.

• Order this: Braised cutlassfish with extra greens and rice; linger for the view.