How To Eat Your Way Through Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market On Jeju Island
We were on the search for a parking lot while in downtown Seogwipo to pick up a new bicycle and the closest place was in the Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market (서귀포매일올레시장). As we walked through and saw and smelled all of the goods, we decided to grab the bike and then grab a meal. If you’re in the area, you’ll want to as well.
This market is a traditional market that has one end of vendors selling vegetables, fruit, pots, pans, and other housewares and then one end that caters to the numerous tourists in the area. There are souvenir stops, citrus juices, citrus ice creams, citrus tanghulu, and then a whole lot more. If you plan to eat your way through the market, keep reading to see what to eat in the Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market.
Looking for food in Jeju? Check out this traditional market in Jeju:
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Basic Info
Address: 18 Jungang-ro 62beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (제주특별자치도 서귀포시 중앙로62번길 18)
Hours: Summer: 7:00am ~ 9:00pm; Winter: 7:00am ~ 8:00pm
Tips: At the touristy end of the market, there are benches that run the entire length of the area which makes it really easy to grab food from the stalls and then sit to enjoy the food. You don’t have to worry about walking and eating here.
What to eat at Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market
The largest traditional market in Seogwipo, Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market was opened in the 1960s. Today, it’s not just a local traditional market, but it’s a tourist hot spot where visitors can find good eats, souvenirs, and fun. Two must eats, local Jeju tangerines and black pork, abound at this market.
Octopus-shaped Mozzarella Bread (치즈문어빵)
We stopped here purely because of the shape which is perfect for a Jeju market. Also, this is a very kid-friendly bite, so if you have picky eaters, this should probably be your first stop too. Make sure to take that first bite fast before the cheese cools so you can get the full stringy and fun effect.
Grilled Black Pork (흑돼지철판구이)
After the octopus bread, you’ll come to some very fiery stalls. Literally. The first stall features grilled black pork which comes in spicy or not so spicy. Obviously as a must-eat on the island, you might enjoy it somewhere else along the way. But if you just want some meat to tide you over, this is a great option. Want to complete the meal? There’s a stir fry/rice vendor nearby which would make your meal complete.
Seafood Skewers (꼬치)
Next to the heavy-on-the-meat stand is the seafood skewer guy. Choose from conch, shrimp, or something else and watch as he fires up the torch to make the skewer good to go. I went for the conch and it was ideal. This is a great appetizer to the heavier bits coming next.
Black Pork Bread (한림흑돼지)
You’ll easily spot this must-eat because there’s usually a line waiting. Just jump in the line too as you check out the board of eats at Jeseong Bakery (제송제과). They look like giant dumplings, but they are bready and stuffed with delicious pork.
When you get up there, go for some of their other options including the chive egg, or go spicy with their fire spicy pork! We had two and I wanted to go back for more. If it weren’t for trying the other market delicacies, I would have.
Black Pork Cutlet Roll (흑돼지 고사리 롤카츠)
Just next to Jeseong Bakery is Four Streets Olle (네거리올레). These rolls are filling and don’t have as strong a taste as the Jeseong Bakery bread. If you have kids that like kimbap, this would be a good option for them. If you’re going to choose just one though, go for the Jeseong Bakery bread, it’s just more savory and delectable.
Tangerine Mochi (감귤모찌)
These are mouthwatering. Really, one of my favorite eats from the market. The combination of juicy tangerine, red bean paste, and soft mochi exterior is so delicious. I recommend picking this up and taking it to go though so you can have all of the other eats while at the market.
Tangerine Tanghulu (감귤탕후루)
Tanghulu has been all the rage in Korea for some time. If you haven’t had it yet, fruit is skewered and then candied so when you bite into it, there is a crunchy sweet exterior with a juicy piece of fruit on the interior. This perfectly-fitting tangerine version was so juicy, it was perfect. Perfect for kids and adults that love a fruity treat.
Hallabong Hallasand Cookies (한라샌드)
We stopped here just because the cookies were shaped like little volcanoes, again perfectly fitting for this island paradise in Korea. We got three different kinds to take home with us and they were very delicious. The cream inside was just perfect, not too sweet or overpowering, and the cookie outside was just crispy enough. If you can’t eat all of the sweets in one go, take this home with you.
Hallabong Ice Cream & Juice (한라봉아이스크림 & 쥬스)
If you have a sweet tooth, then keep eating your way around the corner and you’ll find some Hallabong ice cream. Citrus and delicious. Stop to pick up some ice cream, or get some delicious juice to go.
Where to buy souvenirs in Seogwipo
Oh, and just for an added kick, if you haven’t done your Jeju souvenir shopping when you stop here, then take the time to have a look around in between eating. There are plenty of tangerine shaped hats, orange everything, and cute lifestyle goods that you can take home.
Of course, you can also grab yourself a bag of locally grown and must-eat citrus. There are all kinds of varieties, so grab the orangey goodness wherever you can. In fact, if you’re in Jeju, you should really go and pick your own citrus. And if you want to learn all about the various kinds of citrus on the island, stop into the Jeju Citrus Museum while you’re at it. Citrus-focused fun abounds on Jeju Island.
The Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market is a fantastic foodie fun spot on Jeju Island. Head there hungry and enjoy as many of the eats as you can!
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