Gachi Jeju Review: Aged Sashimi & Drinks Near Jeju Airport

Have you ever found yourself craving something beyond the usual seafood spot for a night out in Jeju? Perhaps you're looking for a more sophisticated ambiance to enjoy Jeju's unique local specialties. I know that feeling – whether it's for a date night with my husband or when family visits from out of town, finding just the right place can be a challenge.

That's exactly why I'm excited to introduce you to Gachi Jeju Main Branch, a fantastic izakaya located on Donghandugi-gil, conveniently close to Jeju Airport.

When you're looking for a great restaurant near Jeju Airport, accessibility is key. This spot is only about a 10-15 minute drive from the airport, making it perfect to visit at any point during your Jeju trip, whether you've just arrived or are heading out soon.

I recently revisited Gachi Jeju, an izakaya in Jeju City, this past January with my nieces – a delightful return after about three years since my last visit.

After we placed our order, we were pleasantly surprised with a complimentary shot of bamboo liquor as a welcome drink.

This seemed like a new addition since my last visit, and it immediately made us feel special – a wonderful touch for a Jeju date night spot, I thought.

The accompanying appetizers were an intriguing mix of fermented squid (ojingeo-jeotgal), cream cheese, and honey. It might sound like an unusual combination, but it was surprisingly delicious!

We started by ordering the sashimi for three.

When our sashimi arrived, the presentation was a little different from what I remembered.

While the variety of fish had slightly narrowed to mackerel pike, salmon, mackerel, and flounder, the portions of each were incredibly generous.

I admit, I was initially a tiny bit disappointed, having anticipated a more elaborate visual display. However, one bite was all it took to change my mind! The aged sashimi truly highlighted its unique umami flavor, making each piece incredibly delicious.

Even my eldest niece, who isn't usually a big fan of raw fish, thoroughly enjoyed the salmon.

We also ordered the octopus tempura with kadaif noodles alongside our sashimi. The accompanying sauce was a subtle yet fantastic kick that truly whetted our appetites.

Later, we added the pork belly grilled with miso to our order, which also had a delightful smoky aroma and a delicious miso sauce.

However, as is often the case with popular izakayas in Jeju, the service for additional orders was quite slow due to the crowd.

If you prefer a continuous flow of food, I'd recommend ordering all your dishes at once.

The Gachi Jeju izakaya, which I've introduced today, has an intimate atmosphere that's perfect for small groups of 1 to 4 people to enjoy conversation.

It’s an ideal spot to unwind with a drink after a day of exploring Jeju, or if you're looking for a casual drink with some excellent food near Jeju Airport.

If you're staying in or around Old Jeju, I highly recommend checking it out.