Korean BBQ grilled tableside near Jeju Airport: Jeju Udae

Looking for a good Korean BBQ spot near Jeju Airport? There's a place that first sears premium Angus beef udae galbi (thick-cut short ribs) and then smokes it over rice straw for a deep, smoky flavor — Jeju Udae, a well-known restaurant in Nohyeong-dong. I've visited this place many times because I love it so much, and this time I found myself craving that delicious meat again, so I went back.

Location, hours, and parking at Jeju Udae's Nohyeong branch

Jeju Udae, Nohyeong branch 1F, 39 Noyeon-ro, Jeju City Daily 12:00–23:00 Last order 22:00 / You can use the parking spaces in front of Jeju Udae, or the Four Seasons Hotel parking lot a minute's walk away.

Atmosphere and seating

The interior is black with layered lighting, giving it an overall clean yet upscale feel. There are tables for 4 and 6, so it's a great spot for dates as well as family dinners or group gatherings.

I arrived right at opening time, and half the restaurant was already full of guests, with more people continuing to walk in throughout our meal. I've been here many times, but it reminded me again just how popular this udae galbi spot is in Nohyeong-dong, Jeju.

Watching the dry-aging and smoking process

In the aging room, you can see premium Angus beef dry-aging, and toward the kitchen you can watch the meat being smoked in person. Being able to see how the meat is prepared makes you even more excited before you've taken a single bite.

Straw-smoked marinated udae galbi, with tableside grilling service

We ordered the straw-smoked marinated udae galbi. The meat is prepared as soon as you order, and staff grill it for you tableside, so you can just focus on eating.

Jeju Udae smokes whole racks of rib 6, 7, and 8 over charcoal.

They cut it into bite-sized pieces, and once cut, the marbling was gorgeous.

The well-cooked meat is placed off to the side for you, so it's easy to eat comfortably.

Side dishes, yukhoe, and something to drink

The table came with a beef radish soup and basic side dishes. And of course, we ordered soju to go with the yukhoe (beef tartare)!

A glass of soju is a must when eating meat, of course!

Jeju Udae has soju, beer, highballs, and a variety of wines, so you can pair whatever you like with your meat.

How to enjoy udae galbi at its best

Udae galbi is delicious on its own, but using the sauces and accompaniments that come with it lets you enjoy it in a whole different way.

Start with a bite dipped simply in salt, then try it wrapped in a lightly toasted tortilla with meat, radish salad, and coleslaw, topped with mayo sauce — also delicious.

Topping the meat with perilla leaf jimichuri, cheongyang chili pesto, and garlic sauce is also great! It's the same meat, but the different accompaniments let you enjoy it in totally different ways :)

Finishing meal: kkakdugi fried rice

The kkakdugi (radish kimchi) fried rice we ordered to finish was a total recommendation! Fried sizzling on the griddle, with bits of meat picked off the udae galbi bones mixed right in, it was the perfect way to end the meal after all that meat. Even a single order is generous enough for two people to share. With the juices from the meat and the crunchy texture of the kkakdugi, it was a satisfying meal enjoyed down to the very last spoonful.

Once again, I left Jeju Udae, a place I recommend in Nohyeong-dong, Jeju, having eaten very well.

Dedicated cabinets so you don't worry about smoky clothes

When you eat at a Korean BBQ restaurant, it's always a bit of a concern that your clothes and bag will pick up the smell of meat, but Jeju Udae has dedicated cabinets where you can store your coat and bag. The restroom is also inside the restaurant, which was another nice touch.

The deep flavor of premium Angus beef, layered with the smoky aroma from straw-smoking — done just right. From the tableside grilling service to the variety of accompaniments and the kkakdugi fried rice, it was a satisfying meal all the way to the end.

If you want to try real udae galbi in Nohyeong-dong, or you're looking for a great restaurant near Jeju Airport, give Jeju Udae a try!