Seogwipo seafood restaurant for braised cutlassfish

While traveling in Jeju with two hometown friends I have known since elementary school, I visited Jejurowoon Cheonghaewon Seongsan Ilchulbong Branch (제주로운청해원 성산일출봉점). It is a place I had stopped by whenever I came to Jeju, and this time the three of us ordered the three-person A Set to share braised cutlassfish, grilled tilefish, and two kinds of soup.

Where is the restaurant and how did I get there?

The restaurant is at 101 Sinyang-ro in Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo. Along with braised cutlassfish, it serves grilled tilefish, mackerel kimchi stew, and stir-fried black pork. On an earlier visit, I found parking fairly convenient. This time, we left the car at our accommodation and walked over because we planned to have beer.

Is it a relaxed space for a meal with friends?

The dining room was large, with generous space between tables. It did not feel cramped when moving around, and although there were solo diners and families when I visited, it did not feel crowded or noisy. I thought it would work well for a get-together with friends, a family meal, or a group meal while traveling.

The wood-toned interior and soft lighting created a comfortable atmosphere. The tables and tableware were neatly arranged, with potted plants and small decorative items placed around the room.

There was a self-serve banchan (side dish) bar on one side, where I could help myself to more side dishes. Everything was neatly arranged, and it was convenient to take only what I needed.

Jeju specialties and souvenirs were displayed beside the register. After the meal, I could browse Hallabong-related snacks and mango jelly, among other items.

What came with the three-person A Set?

The three-person A Set we ordered included fish dishes, soups, and rice to enjoy together.

• Jeju braised cutlassfish
• Grilled tilefish
• Rice
• Soy-marinated crab
• Sea urchin miyeok-guk (seaweed soup) for one
• Seafood ttukbaegi (earthenware pot stew) for two

How were the braised cutlassfish and its sauce?

The braised cutlassfish arrived in a red sauce with large pieces of fish. The flesh was thick, yet it came away softly with just a light touch of my chopsticks. I did not notice any fishiness, and the mild flesh went well with the savory sauce.

The sauce was not overly spicy, so it was easy to eat with rice. The radish had absorbed plenty of the sauce as well. Eating cutlassfish and sauce over the chewy rice is one reason I keep coming back.

How were the grilled tilefish and soups?

The grilled tilefish was golden and crisp outside, while the flesh inside was moist and tender. It was not heavily seasoned, so I could taste the fish's nutty flavor. My friends, who also like fish, enjoyed it.

The sea urchin miyeok-guk stayed with me for its gentle ocean aroma and clean broth. The seafood ttukbaegi contained plenty of seafood, with a refreshing yet pleasantly spicy broth. It was good to alternate with the braised cutlassfish.

The soy-marinated crab was not too salty for my taste and had a savory depth. Kimchi, seaweed side dishes, and pickled vegetables also came with the meal, and I ate them between the main dishes.

How do I remember this meal with friends?

We ordered three bottles of beer and clinked glasses. Because we had left the car at our accommodation, we could eat without worrying about driving and talk about our school days. What stays with me is sharing several dishes and spending time with old friends.

After visiting several times, I felt the food had been consistently good, and the kind service and tidy restaurant are also reasons I return. My friends were happy with the meal this time, which made me glad I had introduced them to it. I would like to return when I want braised cutlassfish along with grilled tilefish and soup.