Sugseongdo Hamdeok — Restaurant in Jeju

To speak of black pork in Jeju is one thing, but to speak of aged black pork is to enter a different conversation entirely. At Sukseongdo’s Hamdeok branch, set against the breezy backdrop of one of Jeju’s famed beaches, pork is not merely grilled; it is curated. This is a temple to the science of aging, where time is the most crucial ingredient, transforming the island’s prized protein into something extraordinary. My lunch here was less a meal and more a gastronomic pilgrimage.

The procession of porcine greatness began with the 960 aged tomahawk. The number, signifying 40 days of meticulous aging, promised an experience of concentrated flavor. It arrived as a magnificent spectacle: a thick, bone-in ribeye cut with a majestic arc of bone, its meat a deep, rosy hue, intricately marbled with veins of pristine white fat. Placed on the searing hot grill by the expert staff, the fat began to render with an aromatic sizzle, creating a craggy, caramelized crust. The first bite was a revelation. The aging process had imbued the pork with a profound, nutty sweetness and an umami depth reminiscent of fine cured meats, while the texture remained impossibly tender and juicy.

Next came the 720 aged shoulder rack. Aged for a full 30 days, this cut offered a brilliant contrast. Leaner than the tomahawk, the shoulder possessed a more robust, meaty character and a delightfully firm, satisfying chew. Each piece, grilled to perfection by our attendant, burst with clean, porcine flavor, a testament to the quality of the animal and the craft of the aging process. Eaten simply with a touch of wasabi and a grain of sea salt, its inherent excellence shone through, unmasked and glorious.

The finale of the grilled meats was the 960 aged pork ribs. Here, the 40-day aging process worked its magic in a different way. The meat, clinging to the bone, was surrenderingly tender. As it grilled, the sugars in the meat caramelized into a dark, savory lacquer. Gnawing the meat from the bone was a primal pleasure, each bite delivering a concentrated burst of flavor that only bone-in cuts can provide.

To balance the glorious richness of the pork, a bubbling earthenware pot of soybean soup (doenjang jjigae) was essential. This was no mere afterthought. It was a deeply comforting, rustic stew, its broth pungent and savory from the fermented soybean paste. Chunks of soft tofu, tender zucchini, and onion populated the hearty soup, offering a wholesome, earthy counterpoint that cleansed the palate and prepared it for the next decadent bite of aged pork.

Lunch at Sukseongdo is an education. It demonstrates that with patience and expertise, a familiar food can be elevated to the level of high art. It’s a masterclass in the transformative power of time, and an essential destination for any serious...

When it comes to Jeju’s top black pork barbecue, Sukseongdo has rightly earned their stellar reputation over the years. Through meticulous dry-aging that infuses the meat with unrivaled richness, Suksungdo crafts indulge-worthy cuts like pork belly and pork neck.

Among multiple buzzing locations, cozy up to coastal vistas while dedicated servers take the reins - excel on the grill and at the table - artfully carving and recommending ideal sauce-banchan harmonies for every morsel of their aged black pork.

We ordered -

Cross-aged black pork, 교차숙성흑돼지, ₩22,000 720 Aged 1% pork neck, 720 숙성1%목살, ₩23,000 720 Aged Pork Belly, 720 숙성삼겹살, ₩23,000

Tips -

The Nohyeong main branch is especially well-known, often with wait times of over an hour to be seated. Other outlets in Aewol, Hamdeok, and Jungmun may see milder crowds. Reserving a table in advance through their Catchtable app may help shorten the wait too.

Date: May 2024...

#숙성도_함덕점 (24.05.16 / 밍) ㅁ먹은것. 1.숙성흑돼지.

2.숙성1%목살.

3.숙성삼겹살.

4.된장술밥. -.조금 빨갛고 된징찌개 느낌은 안남.

ㅁ특이사항. -.유모차는 반입 안되고 항상 웨이팅이 많은 곳. -.뼈등심, 뼈목살은 재료가 빨리 소진됨. -.먹는 방법도 친절하게 알려줌. -.협재 바다가 보이는 곳에 위치하고 창밖으로 바다가 보임. -.바다뷰를 보려면 낮이나 노을질 떄 방문하는걸 추천. -.매장 내부는 생각보다 넓음. -.회전율이 빨라서 웨이팅하고 매장앞에서 기다리는걸 추천. -.허벅술이라는 프리미엄 한라산소주 판매함.

ㅁ주변볼거리. -.바다색이 예쁜 협재해수욕장.

#Sooksungdo_Hamdeok Branch Aged black pork.

Aged 1% pork neck.

Aged pork belly.

Soybean paste rice. -. It's a little red and doesn't taste like soybean paste stew.

ㅁSpecial notes. -. Strollers aren't allowed and there's always a lot of waiting. -. The bone sirloin and bone pork neck run out quickly. -. They kindly tell you how to eat. -. It's located in a place where you can see the Hyeopjae sea and you can see the sea outside the window. -. I recommend visiting during the day or at sunset to see the sea view. -. The inside of the store is bigger than you think. -. The turnover is fast, so I recommend waiting in front of the store. -. They sell premium Hallasan soju called Heobeoksul.

ㅁThings to see nearby. -. Hyeopjae Beach with a...