"Kitty and I were on an epic bike adventure around Jeju Island, riding anti-clockwise on the Jeju Fantasy Bike Path. Myeongjin Jeonbok was planned as one of our lunch stops based on its impressive 4.1-star rating and countless reviews mentioning its delicious abalone dishes. We were determined to try it out, especially after seeing the photos of over 5,000 reviewers.

The restaurant is simple and cozy, with a straightforward menu focused on abalone dishes. We found the food to be delicious. The abalone porridge was creamy and flavorful, and the abalone itself was tender and perfectly cooked. Kitty even commented that, although there wasn’t a ‘wow’ factor to the restaurant decor, the abalone was incredibly fresh. We ordered the small size of abalone of 5, which came sizzling hot on a pan. We loved grilling it with butter, and the taste was amazing.

We were particularly impressed by the value for money. The prices were reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food. In fact, we found that the quality of the abalone dishes at Myeongjin Jeonbok was a bit nicer than some of the other restaurants we tried on our trip. Kitty also loved the side dish that came with an egg. She particularly enjoyed it and even asked for multiple refills. However this restaurant does not have any alcohol beverages.

What really made our experience special was the kindness of the aunty who runs the shop next door. When we were looking for Myeongjin Jeonbok, she saw us and asked if we were looking for the abalone porridge restaurant. She then kindly directed us to the restaurant, which was just beside her shop. She even gave Kitty a free hotdeok to try and a bottle of orange, which was such a thoughtful gesture. We were so touched by her friendliness and generosity that we ended up buying a packet of hotdeok and a drink from her in the end.

Myeongjin Jeonbok is a great choice for a quick and satisfying lunch stop during your bike adventure. The food is simple but incredibly tasty, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. But it’s the warmth and kindness of the people in Jeju that truly make this island special. We highly recommend Myeongjin Jeonbok to anyone looking for a delicious and cosy dining experience, and we suggest stopping by the friendly aunty’s shop next door too."

Doraemon

"Summary 3/5: Average food, popular among tourists. Free grilled mackerel with meals.

Food: 2.5/5: Average portion size for all dishes.
• Abalone Stone Pot Rice: Okay, with thin abalone slices. The pumpkin bites added a positive flavor.
• Abalone Porridge: Disappointing, watery and with not much abalone.
• Grilled Mackerel: A bit overcooked, making it hard and dry.
• Banchan: Six different dishes, all average. The seaweed-like dish was hard to bite.

Service 3.5/5:
• The staff was friendly and patience.
• A dedicated staff member speaks decent English to assist tourists.
• Food service was a bit slow, even during a late lunch.
• Efficient cleanup."

Jo Lee

"We visited at 5pm for early dinner and soon after all the tables were all taken, but as the serving was really quick, so is the crowd. The butter grilled abalone was delish, meat was soft and juicy. All the abalone dishes were so delicious. They also give a complimentary fried fish which is very tasty. Definitely recommend 👌"

Win Le