Samil Hangover Soup in Aewol, Jeju – A Complete Guide
If you’re looking for an authentic, hearty meal in Jeju that warms the soul and satisfies your hunger, Samil Hangover Soup in Aewol is a must-visit. With over 40 years of history, this iconic restaurant has been serving locals and travelers alike, becoming a staple for Jeju’s unique culinary culture.
Location and Accessibility
- Address: 14 Hagu 9-gil, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
- Distance from Jeju Airport: Approximately a 20–30 minute drive.
- Parking: Limited parking is available on-site, and the lot tends to fill up quickly during peak hours.
Operating Hours:
- Open 7:00 AM – 1:20 PM
- Closed every Tuesday
Note: Samil Hangover Soup does not serve dinner. Their early closing time means you should plan to visit for breakfast or an early lunch.
The Ambience
From the moment you arrive, the restaurant’s exterior exudes tradition and simplicity. Having been around for over 40 years, there’s a nostalgic charm to its no-frills design. Inside, the space is clean, functional, and always bustling with hungry customers. Despite its humble appearance, the continuous flow of visitors speaks volumes about its reputation as a beloved local gem.
The Menu
Samil Hangover Soup specializes in just two dishes, focusing on quality and consistency:
- Hangover Soup (Haejang-guk) – ₩11,000
- Beef Intestine Soup (So-naejang-tang) – ₩12,000
Both options are available for dine-in and takeout.
What Makes Samil Hangover Soup Special?
1. Authentic Jeju-Style Hangover Soup
The hangover soup here is distinctly Jeju-style. Instead of including tripe, it’s packed with rich ingredients like tender pork, blood curd (seonji), bean sprouts, glass noodles, and generous portions of napa cabbage (ugeoji). The broth is spicy, hearty, and deeply flavorful – perfect for warming up after a night out or simply starting your day with energy.
The combination of ingredients creates a beautiful harmony of textures and flavors:
- Tender Pork: Cooked to perfection, the pork is soft and flavorful.
- Napa Cabbage: Provides a rustic, earthy note and soaks up the delicious broth.
- Glass Noodles and Bean Sprouts: Add lightness and a subtle crunch.
- Blood Curd (Seonji): Creamy and mild, enhancing the richness of the soup.
2. Jeju-Style Side Dishes
The restaurant’s side dishes (banchan) are simple yet high quality. They include:
- Kimchi and Radish Kimchi: Made with Jeju-grown radishes, these are tangy, fresh, and not overly spicy.
- Minced Garlic: A Jeju specialty. Guests can customize their soup by adding garlic to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Salted Fish and Green Chili with Ssamjang: A savory addition to balance out the rich soup.
Pro Tip: If you want to savor the broth in its original form, try the soup first without garlic. Then, mix in some garlic to discover a bolder, more aromatic flavor.
Why People Love It
- Rich, Comforting Broth: The broth is bold, slightly spicy, and bursting with umami. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
- Perfect Hangover Cure: True to its name, this soup is beloved as a remedy for hangovers, helping to rehydrate and revitalize the body.
- Generous Portions: Despite being moderately priced, the portions are hearty and satisfying, ensuring great value for money.
- Long-standing Tradition: With over 40 years in operation, Samil Hangover Soup has mastered its recipe, delivering consistent quality.
Tips for Visiting Samil Hangover Soup
- Arrive Early: Given the restaurant’s popularity and early closing hours (1:20 PM), it’s best to visit before noon to avoid the lunch rush.
- Be Prepared for Parking: The parking lot can get full quickly, especially on weekends.
- Bring Cash: While many places in Jeju accept cards, it’s always safer to carry cash, particularly at smaller restaurants.
- Visit the Second Location: Samil Hangover Soup operates only two branches, both in Jeju. If the Aewol location is too busy, consider visiting their other branch for the same great flavors.
Final Thoughts
Samil Hangover Soup is not just a restaurant – it’s an experience that reflects Jeju’s culinary traditions and hospitality. Whether you’re craving a post-drinking recovery meal or simply want to enjoy a robust, flavorful soup, this spot will leave you satisfied.
If you find yourself in Aewol, Jeju, do yourself a favor and stop by Samil Hangover Soup. It’s the kind of place that warms your heart, fills your belly, and makes you appreciate the simple joys of a well-made meal.
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