Seogwipo Culinary Adventure: A Review of Keun Gaetmul Restaurant Near Jeju Parnas

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During my summer vacation in Jeju, I was determined to try raw squid (Hanchi Hoe) while staying at the Parnas Hotel. However, a quick search revealed that every place was on break time... darn!
But then I found Keun Gaetmul Restaurant in Seogwipo! Hearing that they don't have a break time, I immediately hopped in a taxi.
From the moment I arrived, I could tell the scale was different. The building itself is large, and the parking lot is huge. It's a two-story building, so it seems perfect for group visits or family gatherings.
As soon as you walk in, you'll immediately notice the celebrity autographs. One whole wall is covered! Is this a celebrity-approved restaurant? The restaurant is large and has private rooms, so it seems like many celebrities come here to enjoy a private meal!
Unfortunately, they were out of Hanchi (squid)... even though it's squid season. I couldn't believe it!
Apparently, they hadn't caught many squid, so there was nothing they could do... But I decided to trust the good reviews about their side dishes (skida-shi) and ordered anyway!
We chose the yellowtail (hwangdom) sashimi. I don't know a lot about fish, but as long as it tastes good, I'm happy.
Tada! This is the yellowtail!
The sashimi looked incredibly fresh. The texture was transparent, thick, and soft, melting in my mouth. It was clean without any fishy smell, and the subtle ocean scent felt like Jeju's ocean itself.
As someone from Incheon, I've had my fair share of sashimi (rockfish, flounder). But maybe it's just me, Jeju sashimi tastes better. If you disagree, you're probably right.
And the real highlight of this place ✨️ the side dishes (skida-shi).
At first, they served basic kimchi, seaweed soup, and salad, which seemed pretty standard. But then they kept bringing out new dishes! Steamed octopus, whelk salad, abalone liver sauce, sea squirt, assorted sashimi salad, even warm braised fish...
There was a great variety, and the flavors weren't too strong, so it was nice to try a little bit of everything without getting tired of it.
The portions were quite generous. About halfway through, I felt like I was being force-fed. Many reviews mentioned the plentiful side dishes, the variety, and the great taste! Just keep in mind that the selection may vary slightly depending on the ingredients available that day.
Even though I was full, I couldn't skip the Al-bap (fish roe rice) and spicy fish stew (maeuntang). I'd eat them even if my stomach exploded!
Overall, the interior was clean and there were many private rooms, making it great for families. It was also a nice place to eat quietly. Looking out the window, you could see palm trees and the ocean, and enjoying the breeze on the terrace after the meal was completely healing.
The strengths of this place are definitely its large size, ample parking, and good space for groups or family gatherings. More than anything, the biggest advantage was that they were open without a break time, so you could eat even at odd hours. The side dishes were diverse and well-prepared, the sashimi was fresh, and the staff was friendly.
The only downside is that the prices are a bit high. However, considering the quality and quantity, it's acceptable. During peak hours, it gets crowded, so if you want to eat quietly, I recommend making a reservation or going at an off-peak time! Seasonal fish like Hanchi (squid) may not be available depending on the day's catch, so it's best to check by phone in advance.
I was a little (a lot) disappointed that I couldn't eat Hanchi, but the yellowtail sashimi was satisfying enough. The taste, atmosphere, and service were all well-balanced, making it a place worth visiting if you're staying near Seogwipo.
Next time, I'll definitely have to go again during squid season... This time it was half disappointment and half satisfaction, but I still enjoyed the meal, so it was a pretty good ending. :)
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