March 2023

Holy Land of Jajangmyeon

How did Marado Island become an island known for jajangmyeon? There are various reasons, yet the most plausible reason is that Marado Island is a small island. Due to its volcanic terrain, the island is well-drained, making it more suitable for cultivating wheat rather than rice. As a result, wheat flour-based foods have become popular on the island. The island¡¯s reputation for serving some of the best jajangmyeon in the country has also been made by various TV programs featuring scenes of people going to Marado Island to eat jajangmyeon.

However, I can tell that the main popularity of jajangmyeon comes from its convenience as a quick and easy meal during a short stay on the island. This has created a strong bond between Marado Island and jajangmyeon. The island is now famous for its numerous jajangmyeon restaurants, including the renowned ¡°Black Road¡± lined with eateries serving this dish. With nearly ten restaurants on the small island, it¡¯s easy to see how significant jajangmyeon is to the island¡¯s culture.

On Marado Island, more than 10 jajangmyeon restaurants form the so-called ¡®Black Road.¡¯

With the Taste of the Sea

So what makes Marado Island¡¯s jajangmyeon different from the jajangmyeon on the mainland? On Marado Island, the dish is made with fresh local ingredients such as tot (sea weed fusiforme) and bangpung namul.

Also, it is loaded with abundant seafood such as shrimp, squid and turbo sazae caught in the waters around Marado Island. Although the specific garnish added to the dish may vary depending on the restaurant, the geographical location of the island ensures that the seafood used is always fresh.

Bangpung namul (top) and tot (bottom) from Marado Island as toppings for jajangmyeon
Jajangmyeon restaurants in Marado Island are known for serving seafood jjambbong and assorted seafood together.

If you¡¯re struggling to choose where to eat jajangmyeon, there¡¯s no need to worry. Simply choose a restaurant based on the type of garnish added. It¡¯s a fun experience to pick and choose.

Eating comes first. I sat down at a restaurant with tot, shrimp and squid garnish. The jajangmyeon and jjambbong (spicy noodle soup) came out less than five minutes after ordering. It has a unique taste, maybe because of the seafood. The seafood flavor combined with the seasoning of the jajangmyeon makes it even more delicious. Especially the seafood jjambbong, which is the original dish of Marado Island. The broth is very clean and rich because it is made from seafood. The freshly caught raw fish was also a delightful addition to the meal.

One of the biggest draws of this place is the opportunity to dine with nature as your companion. The stunning views of the vast sea and sky make it feel like heaven on earth. During my visit, I was fortunate enough to savor the jajangmyeon while gazing out at Hallasan Mountain and Sanbangsan Mountain in the distance. The scenery alone could be considered a side dish. It¡¯s impossible to resist the temptation of Marado Island, even if it¡¯s just to taste the jajangmyeon.

In Korea, jajangmyeon is often considered fast food. However, taking the time to relax and fully appreciate the deep and rich flavors of Marado Island¡¯s cuisine is well worth it.