Solji Sikdang Jeju Review 2026: Local Pork & Anchovy Stew

When searching for a great K-BBQ spot near Jeju Airport,

famous chain restaurants like Sukseongdo are usually the first to come to mind.

However, if you are looking for an authentic local gem with a cozy, neighborhood vibe,

Solji Sikdang in Nohyung-dong, Jeju City,

is an incredibly satisfying alternative.

Located just a quick 15-minute drive (about 3.5 miles) from Jeju Airport, it offers fantastic accessibility.

With its ultra-fresh gabrisal (pork cheek) paired with their signature, bubbling mel-jorim (thick anchovy stew),

it has long been a beloved hotspot for both locals and seasoned travelers alike.

After making multiple attempts to dine here, I finally succeeded. Here is my honest review of this local favorite!

Before relocating to Sejong City, I actually lived in Nohyung-dong, Jeju City.

I constantly heard locals rave about Solji Sikdang,

but getting a table there was surprisingly difficult.

During my first attempt, I had to turn back due to a massive line.

On my second try, their highly sought-after gabrisal (pork cheek) was already completely sold out for the day.

About two weeks before leaving Jeju,

my husband and I decided to try our luck again

on a weekday around 7:00 PM.

The dining room was packed with people,

but luckily, there were one or two tables left,

so we were seated immediately this time.

Even though it was a weekday evening,

the stream of customers was endless.

You should definitely expect a wait depending on your arrival time, so keep that in mind!

Solji Sikdang’s menu features various pork combination sets,

including the Omok, Gao, Gamok, and Modum sets.

We opted for the Gao Set.

The Gao Set costs ~$26 for 400g of meat.

I didn't see any specific mention of it being premium Jeju Black Pork on the menu,

so at first, I thought it was a bit pricey.

However, once I tasted the quality of the meat and experienced it with their signature mel-jorim,

it felt completely worth every penny.

The meat arrived about 10 minutes after ordering,

boasting a vibrant, fresh pink color.

The thickness was perfect, making us excited to get grilling.

The side dishes included radish salad, kimchi, fresh tofu,

bean sprouts, garlic, and fresh wraps.

It was my first time seeing raw tofu served like this

at a K-BBQ restaurant, and it was surprisingly rich and delicious on its own.

They also usually serve a complimentary seaweed soup (miyeok-guk),

but they had just run out and were brewing a fresh batch when we visited.

They promised to bring it out later, but we ended up finishing all our meat before the soup was ready! Haha.

The charcoal fire at Solji Sikdang is exceptionally strong,

so the pork started browning beautifully

within just 3 minutes of putting it on the grill.

The gabrisal (pork cheek) was incredibly chewy and packed with clean, savory juices,

while the ogyeopsal (five-layered pork belly) delivered a rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor

thanks to its perfect fat-to-meat ratio.

But the absolute star of the show here

is the mel-jorim.

Unlike the tiny dish of mel-jeot (anchovy dipping sauce)

you get at typical K-BBQ joints, Solji Sikdang serves

a generous, bubbling pot of mel-jorim (thick-braised anchovy stew) in a hot clay pot.

Dipping a piece of grilled pork into this rich stew

infuses it with a perfectly salty, umami kick

that elevates the meat's natural flavor to a whole new level.

The charcoal fire is incredibly hot.

The meat cooks very quickly, so make sure to flip it frequently

to prevent burning.

To keep the meat juicy, I highly recommend transferring

the fully cooked pieces directly into the bubbling mel-jorim pot

to keep them warm and flavorful.

It's best to visit early rather than late.

As I mentioned, it was packed even on a weekday evening,

and popular cuts can sell out fast.

To ensure a relaxed meal, try to arrive before 6:30 PM.

Parking is surprisingly convenient.

While parking in the narrow alleys of Nohyung-dong can be a nightmare,

Solji Sikdang has a spacious private lot right behind the building,

making it stress-free for those driving rental cars.

While mega-famous chains like Sukseongdo are great,

Solji Sikdang offers a unique, local charm that is incredibly satisfying.

Having finally made it inside after a few failed attempts,

this meal really left a lasting impression on me.

While standard anchovy dipping sauces are nice,

Solji Sikdang's thick, savory mel-jorim is a game-changer

when paired with their high-quality pork.

Since it's just a short drive from Jeju Airport,

it's the perfect spot to kick off your Jeju trip

or grab a final, unforgettable meal before your flight.