Jeju Food & Wine Festival Marks 10th Anniversary with Star Chefs and Local Flavors

SEOGWIPO, Jeju Island — The Jeju Food & Wine Festival (JFWF), a cornerstone of the island’s culinary scene, kicked off its 10th anniversary celebration on May 8, 2025, bringing together global culinary talent and Jeju’s pristine ingredients for a 10-day gastronomic extravaganza. Running through May 17, this nonprofit cultural event showcases the island’s rich agricultural, fishery, and livestock heritage while spotlighting sustainable food culture and the creativity of its chefs. With a lineup featuring Netflix’s Black and White Chef stars, local Jeju talents, and an array of programs, the festival is set to draw food lovers from around the world to Jeju Shinhwa World and other venues across the island.

A Feast of Creativity and Collaboration

At the heart of this year’s festival is the Jeju Gourmet Dinner on May 16 at Jeju Shinhwa World, where four celebrity chefs from Black and White Chef—Park Junwoo, Jang Hani, Jo Gwanghyo, and Chae Nakyoung—join forces with four rising Jeju chefs: Jeon Junho, Lee Jaemin, Yoo Byeonggeon, and Kim Jaehoon. Together, they present eight creative small plates in a premium buffet style, all inspired by Jeju’s fresh ingredients. Dishes like horse meat tartare with doenjang namul and Jeju black beef sirloin highlight the island’s flavors, though some attendees noted logistical hiccups, such as long wait times due to the buffet format. Still, the 700 guests across two sessions (4:30–6:30 PM and 7:30–9:30 PM) raved about the food’s quality, with tickets priced at 100,000 KRW.

The Master Chef Class & Wine Tasting on May 15 offers an intimate look at culinary artistry. The same Black and White Chef stars demonstrate recipes using Jeju ingredients—think dongpo pork with a local twist or tacos with Jeju-raised chicken—followed by a Q&A session for 80 attendees per class (40,000 KRW per ticket). A wine tasting event follows, featuring over 80 premium wines and traditional Korean liquors for guests to sample freely, adding a boozy flair to the day.

A Diverse Lineup of Events
The festival’s six-week run, which began on May 8, offers something for everyone. Gourmet Spoon 200 & Gourmet Week (May 8–17) highlights 200 Jeju restaurants handpicked by the JFWF Selection Committee, offering special menus and discounts at select spots—perfect for exploring the island’s dining scene. For a cinematic twist, Movie-Foovie at Jeju Shinhwa World pairs screenings of food-themed films like The Solitary Gourmet, Little Forest, The Taste of Things, and Drops of God with related dishes and craft beers, creating a multisensory experience through May 17.

Sweet tooths flocked to the Dessert Fair on May 9–10 at Cheju Halla University, where over 20 local dessert and coffee brands showcased pastries, tteok (rice cakes), chocolates, ice creams, and more. Meanwhile, the JFWF NEXT Symposium on May 12 at the same venue gathered food industry experts to discuss sustainable food culture, food trends, local value, and culinary content across four sessions, reflecting on the festival’s decade-long impact and future direction.

Rooted in Jeju’s Culture and Community

Since its inception in 2016, JFWF has aimed to elevate Jeju’s profile as a food tourism destination while fostering talent and promoting the island’s agricultural bounty. This year’s theme, “Taste of Jeju,” underscores the festival’s commitment to sustainability and local ingredients, from hallabong citrus to black pork and fresh seafood. A portion of the proceeds will fund scholarships for aspiring chefs, nurturing the next generation of culinary talent—a nod to Korea’s jeong, the spirit of community and shared growth.

Organized by the Korea Food & Wine Festival and Cheju Halla University, JFWF has grown into a cultural icon, blending global influences with Jeju’s traditions. “As we mark our 10th year, we’re not just celebrating food but the stories and people behind it,” a festival spokesperson said. “We want visitors to feel Jeju’s heart through every bite.”

Plan Your Visit

Main events are held at Jeju Shinhwa World and Cheju Halla University, with tickets available via the JFWF website, Naver, and Catch Table (pre-sales started April 3). Whether you’re a foodie chasing gourmet experiences or a traveler seeking a taste of Jeju’s soul, this festival delivers. Just pack your stretchy pants—dishes like those at the Gourmet Dinner average 500–700 calories per plate, and you’ll want to try them all.

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