Jeju's Favorite Local Dish, Meat Noodle Soup

Meat noodle soup and Dombe Gogi (boiled pork belly) have been served at feasts and important occasions from the old days. As Jeju's local delicacies, they can only be truly appreciated when you taste them on Jeju Island. Let's explore the origin of meat noodle soup, one of Jeju's most iconic dishes, and discover the best places to enjoy them.

Dombe is a Jeju dialect term meaning “cutting board.” Since the meat is sliced and served on a cutting board, the dish is called Dombe Gogi. It is boiled for a longer period than regular Suyuk (boiled pork), resulting in tender, less fatty meat with a more savory flavor.

Dombe Gogi is usually ordered with noodles and is often accompanied by other sides such as salted seafood, aged Kimchi, chives, and garlic. If you want to taste the original flavor of the meat, we recommend eating it with just salt.

This noodle restaurant is popular for its chewy noodles and rich meat broth. No matter what you order, you can enjoy unlimited refills to your heart's content. What sets this place apart is its use of natural ingredients, including first-grade Jeju pork and premium salt. The owner's attention to family travelers is another reason for its popularity, offering baby chairs, a microwave for baby food, and baby noodles for children under 6 years old.

Ollae Guksu is renowned for its meat noodle soup, drawing a line of eager customers even before opening time. This restaurant prides itself on the exceptional flavor of its meat noodle soup, featuring generous portions, hearty meat, and rich broth. The walls adorned with celebrity autographs testify to its popularity. Be prepared for a wait, and note that this famous spot closes at 5 PM, making dining here for dinner difficult.

This meat noodle restaurant has been featured on TV programs such as Wednesday Food Talk and The Dictionary Of Useless Knowledge 2, and it continues to enjoy endless popularity. You can enjoy hot and savory meat noodles or Bibim Guksu (spicy noodles) with tangy seasoning to your liking. The dish can also be paired with Dombe Gogi (boiled pork belly), which has a good ratio of tender meat to chewy fat. The long boiling process results in a light and clean flavor.

This meat noodle soup restaurant is conveniently located near Jeju International Airport, making it an ideal stop on your way to or from the airport. The menu includes meat noodles, spicy meat noodles, and Hoe-jaengban-guksu (jumbo-sized sashimi noodles). The meat noodles soup is topped with less fatty meat than usual, offering a lighter flavor. The sweet and sour meat noodles are perfect for a hot day. Many travelers return to try the jumbo-sized sashimi noodles, which are filled with fresh sashimi and vegetables, along with the signature meat noodles.