Daebak Jungyook Sikdang 대박정육식당 (Oedo-dong, Jeju City)

Imagine a place where you can do your grocery shopping and get a decent bite to eat at the same time (and no, I’m not talking about a department store with a food court). Imagine a place where you can pick exactly what you want to eat and how you want to eat it (sorry, but not a buffet). Well on Jeju Island, there is such a place and it’s called Daebak Mart 대박마트, literally translated “Awesome Mart.” This is indeed an awesome mart because it houses their very own “self-service” restaurant right inside the grocery store. What is self-service, you ask? Simply put, you pick out any available protein (i.e. beef, pork, chicken, seafood) in the store’s butcher section, pay for it like you would at any regular grocery store, and then take it to the adjacent dining area for some good old fashioned BBQing. The only thing you pay for is the basic banchan (side dish) set up for a reasonable 3,000 won per person and any extras that float your boat (see pic below for details).

So far, my girlfriend and I have been here three times and it has gotten better with each subsequent visit. The notion of picking out your choice of protein is nice, but what’s nicer is that you’re saving money at the same time. The mart has their own in-house butcher shop, meaning costs are nearly on par with other stores in the neighborhood. If you want even bigger savings, keep a lookout for reduced prices later in the evening a few hours before closing. We got lucky on one occasion and scored a fatty package of delicious yangnyeom dweji bul kalbi 양념돼지불갈비 (marinated BBQ pork) for only 10,000 won (over 1 kg). Sale or no sale, the prices are very reasonable and the selection is vast, so make sure to stop by this unique restaurant-in-a-grocery-store dining establishment located in Oedo-dong. Oh, the place is super kid-friendly with a play area and mini-arcade game!

“The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.” ~ Julia Child

Food: ★★★★ out of 5 stars

Service: ★★★★½ out of 5 stars

Ambiance: ★★★★ out of 5 stars

Value: ★★★★½ out of 5 stars

Daebak Jungyook Sikdang 대박정육식당

626-1 Oedo-1dong Jeju City (제주 제주시 외도1동 626-1)

Phone: 064-748-3105

Hours of Operation: 12:00 ~ 11:00pm (Mart hours 9am ~ 11pm)

Click here for directions: http://me2.do/FCnVkC8G

The selection is vast with pork, beef, chicken, and seafood on full display. Choose wisely and carefully and be on the lookout for special discounts.[/caption]