Momguk, a dish available in Jeju Island, is an indigenous cuisine made with seaweed, hence it is referred to as ‘Momguk.’
Here, ‘Momguk’ is a Jeju dialect term referring to a type of seaweed, not the human body. Therefore, another name for this soup is ‘Momguk Guk,’ indicating a soup made with seaweed.
“A Soup with Seaweed and Pork”
Momguk is a soup made by boiling seaweed, not only kelp but also including pork. It’s a soup that combines marine and meat ingredients.
“Momguk Recipe”
While there may be different recipes for Momguk in every household, a simple recipe can be introduced as follows:
- Roast pork thoroughly to make broth.
- Add green onions to the broth and let it simmer further.
- Rinse seaweed thoroughly, chop finely, and add it.
- Remove the green onions from step 2, add finely chopped pork intestines, finely chopped kimchi, and green onions, and let it cook for 20 minutes.
- Season with a little minced garlic and two tablespoons of soy sauce.
- Add water mixed with buckwheat flour to complete.
“Experience Momguk in Jeju Island”
While it’s now possible to find restaurants selling indigenous Jeju Island cuisine even in Seoul, experiencing local cuisine on-site allows you to truly savor its flavor. Personally, when I visit Jeju Island, I always make it a point to try the indigenous dishes.
You can find restaurants selling Momguk all over Jeju Island. You can taste hearty Momguk soup in an atmosphere truly representative of the local culture. The prices are also relatively affordable. While prices may have gradually risen due to inflation, they still tend to remain lower compared to other dishes.
“Great for Breakfast Tasting”
Particularly, Momguk is well-suited for breakfast. Eating it in the morning imparts a sense of comfort and provides ample energy for a refreshing start to the day. Personally, I always make it a point to taste Momguk for breakfast.
As one of the must-try delicacies when visiting Jeju Island, I highly recommend trying this dish during your Jeju trip.