Buddumak Sikdang — Restaurant in Seogwipo-si

Most unpleasant experience in Jeju. Was looking forward to their cutlass fish as it was our first time trying this dish out. We arrived the restaurant at 7.10pm, and was rudely told by the ahjumma waiter that they will be closed by 8pm. It’s almost as if she was upset we even came to the restaurant. She didn’t stop us from ordering so we proceeded, and being well aware of their closing time.

Shortly after we arrived another local Korean walked into the restaurant and they were also informed of the closing time. But they were served before us, despite us arriving first. We were finally served at 730pm, and they expected us to finish two big bowls of cutlass fish before 8pm. They rudely told us again 2 minutes before 8pm that they were closing shortly, and we had to gobble down our food.

A feedback to the unfriendly and rude owners - if you don’t like doing tourist business then upfront say this shop is strictly for locals. And if you’re strictly closing at 8pm, then perhaps it’s more helpful to write upfront your kitchen cut-off time so it manages customers expectations too.

Afterall food is also compounded by the whole experience. I highly do...

This place has not much of an atmosphere to be frank. But most people come here for the cutlass fish. It's a very long silvery fish (like a cutlass) with lots of bones. We had 2 different style - broiled with soup and spicy, and the other is grilled. I prefer the grilled one actually, like the Saba fish we eat in SG. The broiled version, the meat texture is like sardine, soft and with smooth skin, and the soup is a bit like asam fish. We saw the cutlass fish later at a market and it is a slivery metal like fish, really...

We had a fantastic meal here! The grilled belt fish was absolutely delicious-perfectly cooked and packed with flavor. We also really enjoyed the braised belt fish, which was tender and well-seasoned. The side dishes were a great bonus-tasty and clearly made with care. On top of the great food, the owner was very friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. We’d definitely come back if we’re ever in the area again....