In the heart of Jeju City, away from the bustling tourist thoroughfares, lies a temple of smoke and fire: Jung Jong BBQ. This is not a flashy, modern establishment but a bastion of tradition, a family-run restaurant where the air itself seems seasoned with years of grilling perfection. The prize here is the legendary Jeju black pig, specifically the female, prized for its superior tenderness and clean, rich flavor. My pilgrimage was for this very purpose, a quest for porcine perfection.
The main event, the juicy black female pork BBQ combo for two, arrived as a masterpiece of raw potential. Thick, glorious slabs of pork belly (ogyeopsal) and shoulder (moksal), distinguished by the tell-tale black skin, showcased a stunning web of marbling. The matriarch of the family, with practiced hands, laid the meat onto the searing hot grate over glowing charcoal. The sizzle was immediate, a sound that promised greatness. She expertly tended to the grilling, turning and cutting the pork into bite-sized pieces that were crisped to a beautiful mahogany on the outside while remaining impossibly succulent within. The first bite, dipped simply in salt and sesame oil, was a revelation—a burst of pure, unadulterated pork flavor, nutty and profoundly savory. Wrapped in a lettuce leaf with a sliver of raw garlic and a dab of ssamjang, it was a perfect symphony of textures and tastes. The accompanying meljeot, a fermented anchovy dipping sauce traditional to Jeju, added a pungent, salty depth that cut through the richness of the fat beautifully.
As a counterpoint to the grill, the kimchi jjigae was a bubbling cauldron of comfort. It was a stew of profound depth, its fiery red broth singing with the sour funk of perfectly fermented kimchi. The kimchi itself, having surrendered its crunch to the simmering pot, was meltingly soft. Generous chunks of pork belly, the same high quality as our grilled cuts, were rendered tender, their fat adding a silky, luxurious dimension to the spicy, soul-affirming stew.
Then came the noodles, a study in contrasts. The icy cold chewy noodles with soup (mul naengmyeon) served as a perfect palate cleanser. The delightfully springy, chewy buckwheat noodles swam in a tangy, savory beef broth, served so cold it was practically a slushie, garnished with crisp julienned cucumber and a slice of sweet Korean pear. Each slurp was a shock of refreshment, washing away the richness of the pork and resetting the senses. In contrast, the chewy noodles with vegetables (bibim naengmyeon) offered a different kind of pleasure. Here, the same chewy noodles were served with a crown of fresh vegetables and a dollop of a vibrant, crimson gochujang-based sauce. Mixing it all together created a fiery, sweet, and vinegary tangle of flavor that was both assertive and utterly addictive.
Dinner at Jung Jong BBQ is more than a meal; it's an experience. It’s a testament to the power of exceptional ingredients treated with respect and generations of know-how. This is not just barbecue; it is the heart and soul of...
Read moreA Hidden Gem for Authentic Jeju Barbecue – An Unmissable Culinary Delight!
Tucked away just minutes from the airport, this unassuming gem delivers one of the most memorable dining experiences on the island. Far from the tourist crowds, it offers a peaceful, local atmosphere where the true spirit of Jeju barbecue shines.
From the moment you step in, the service is warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The staff are not only kind but also absolute pros at grilling — every piece of meat is seared and cooked to juicy, smoky perfection right at your table. You can taste the care and tradition in every bite.
And the sides? Out of this world. Each banchan dish is crafted with balance and flavor, elevating the entire meal. Don’t even think about skipping the soups — they’re rich, comforting, and the perfect way to round off the feast.
If you’re looking for a true taste of Jeju, with top-notch barbecue and none of the tourist bustle, this place is a must. I can’t...
Read moreThe restaurant specialises in serving black pork.
We ordered the set which came with 3 different cuts of pork. We also ordered a bowl of rice and a bowl of cold noodles.
The pork itself is of good quality, even more so as the pork was not marinated and so you could taste it in its most natural taste. The staff also helped cook the pork for you.
The side dishes provided were also delicious especially the fried kimchi.
The only downside was that one of the staff member had a bad attitude and was curt. It was almost like she didn’t want to be there. Our order of rice and noodle also got mixed up but it was fixed by another staff.
The grandma at the register was very friendly and the food was actually good which is why i added an extra star to the...
Read more