Fodor's Expert Review Hwasan 2020

Overlooking the sea not far from Jeju International Airport and Yongduam Rock, Hwasan 2020 brings together the best culinary traditions of Jeju and Japan. Essentially an izakaya, the menu boasts some excellent Japanese favorites, including a maguro futomaki stuffed with tuna and local fernbrake fried shiitake mushrooms and shrimp. Local Jeju favorites figure prominently, too, including a bomal bibimguksu (seasoned chilled noodles with sea snails) garnished with seaweed and buckwheat. All dishes are beautifully presented. As for alcoholic beverages, you'll find a pleasing selection of traditional Jeju firewaters, including omegisul, a fermented beverage made from the local staple, millet. For something fruitier, try the Hondiju, a fermented drink made from tangerines. Tables have views of the sea, but sit at the bar if you want to watch what's happening in the open kitchen.