The Best Black Pork in Jeju to Enjoy with the Views of Jungmun Sea: Seogwipo Hayeong Black Pork

The First Meal Enjoyed with the Jeju Breeze: An Afternoon at 'Hayeong' in Jungmun

As soon as I stepped off the plane, the distinct breeze mixed with the salty scent of Jeju welcomed me. On the way to the Jungmun Tourist Complex (Jungmun Gwangwang Danji) in my rental car, my stomach was already growling loudly. Today's lunch is the quintessential Jeju meal: black pork (Heuk-dwaeji). Located on a hill at the entrance of the Jungmun Tourist Complex, 'Hayeong' felt cozy just by its name. Like the name which means 'a lot' in the Jeju dialect, I walked in with the heart to soak up as much of Jeju as possible today.

As soon as I opened the door, the cool and pleasant air felt like it washed away the fatigue of the trip. Above all, the charm of this place is the view looking down from the high hill. The sight of the Jungmun sea and the relaxed atmosphere of the tourist complex seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows made me feel full even before the food arrived. If you go during the day when the sun is shining warmly, aiming for an outdoor terrace seat would be a great idea. When the scent of the sea carried by the wind and the savory aroma of black pork roasting to a golden brown mingle, I finally thought, 'Ah, I’m really in Jeju.'

A Bite Dipped in Meljeot, the Flavor of Black Pork Awakening the Senses

The sizzling sound tickled my ears, and the appearance of the black pork five-layered pork belly (Ogyeopsal) browning on the grill was truly art. This place is famous for its hearty set menus where you can enjoy not only fresh black pork but also abalone dishes, seasoned ribs, and stone pot rice. In particular, when the Meljeot (anchovy sauce) and Jaridom-jeot (damselfish sauce) were placed on the grill and boiled, the salty and savory aroma hit my nose.

I picked up a piece of well-cooked Ogyeopsal, dipped it thoroughly in the Meljeot, and put it in my mouth. The chewiness of the skin and the savory fat burst out, filling my mouth. The side dishes that came with it were also so neat that I couldn't stop using my chopsticks. Thanks to the spacious area, it was perfect for enjoying a meal slowly while chatting with my companions without worrying about the table next to us. Taking pictures with the sea as a background is a bonus. Sitting by the window and eating black pork while watching the glittering sea; isn't this the romance of travel?

A Comma in the Journey: Relaxed Time in Seogwipo

When I finished my meal and came out, the sun had lowered a bit, and the scenery of Jungmun had become deeper. Hayeong felt like a rest stop where you could catch your breath in the middle of your Jeju trip, rather than just a place to fill your stomach. The space is generous enough to be comfortable for family travelers or group meetings, so I promised myself that I would definitely bring my parents next time.

Nearby, Cheonjeyeon Waterfall and Jungmun Saekdal Beach are close, making it an optimal location to enjoy a walk after a meal. Walking along the beach path while feeling the cool breeze of Seogwipo after a hearty meal remains one of the happiest memories of that day. It is a place where you can step back from the bustling center of tourist attractions and enjoy some leisure; if you are planning your next Jeju trip, keep this place at the entrance of Jungmun in mind.

[Visiting Tips]

• Location: 101, Cheonjeyeon-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
• Best time to visit: You can have a much more relaxed meal if you avoid the awkward lunch-dinner hours between 2 PM and 4 PM.
• Nearby course: Take a walk at the nearby Jungmun Saekdal Beach to digest your meal. The color of the sea is truly beautiful.