Recommended Jeju Dining: Green Saigon in Hankyung-myeon
This post is a review of Green Saigon, a Vietnamese restaurant in Hankyung-myeon, Jeju.
Where Is Green Saigon?
I didn’t set out to visit this restaurant. I happened upon it by chance after spending the day exploring Jeju, missing a meal and arriving hungry.
A chance encounter that turned into a connection?
That is the phrase I chose for this post because the restaurant left such a warm impression.
As it turns out, Green Saigon is a hugely popular Vietnamese restaurant among both locals and travelers.
Located near the Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road, it makes an excellent stop on a scenic drive. Rather than feeling like a flashy tourist restaurant, it has a clean, cozy atmosphere infused with the character of the surrounding village.
Let’s take a closer look.
Address: 38 Dusin-ro, Hankyung-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (1st floor)
Phone: 064-773-1377
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (last order at 3:30 p.m.)
Closed: Every Sunday and public holiday
Please note: The restaurant does not open for dinner and may close early if it runs out of ingredients, so visiting for lunch is recommended.
The Restaurant’s Interior and Design
The exterior immediately creates an exotic atmosphere, with Vietnamese-style rickshaws and decorative objects arranged around the entrance.
Inside, around 10 tables are set out in a modern, tidy space.
The back of the restaurant also includes a small clothing area reflecting the owner’s personal taste, while a cozy lounge on the second floor offers a pleasant place to relax while waiting for a meal or after dining.
Green Saigon’s Main Dishes and Prices
Green Saigon offers a wide-ranging menu, from pho and banh mi to rice bowls.
The baguettes are baked in-house, and their quality is said to be particularly impressive.
As a first-time visitor, though, I ultimately asked the owner what the restaurant did best—and took that advice.
Pho: Options include beef pho and brisket pho, priced at around 13,000 won. The broth is light and clean, making it a popular choice for a restorative meal.
Banh mi: Varieties include pork BBQ, chicken breast, bulgogi, ham and egg, and grilled vegetable banh mi. Prices are generally around 10,000 won.
The consensus is that the baguettes achieve the ideal contrast of crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
Bún thịt nướng: This Vietnamese-style noodle salad combines charcoal-grilled pork with fresh vegetables, making it an ideal appetite-stimulating dish on a hot day. (Around 12,000 won)
Cơm sườn: A rice bowl topped with well-seasoned grilled pork, a flavor profile that suits Korean palates particularly well. (Around 15,000 won)
I wanted to try everything, but my wallet had other ideas, so I ordered two signature dishes: a banh mi and a bowl of pho.
Even then, I couldn’t finish it all. I ate half the baguette and took the rest to go. ^^
I was especially taken with the pho, though that doesn’t mean the banh mi wasn’t good.
Vietnamese pho can taste somewhat reminiscent of Korean beef soup, while still offering something distinctly different.
The rich meat broth meets the noodles in a bowl that is clean-tasting yet deeply satisfying.
What Actual Visitors Have to Say
An exceptional banh mi: Many diners rate the baguette highly enough to call it the “banh mi of their lives.”
The texture of the freshly baked bread is a major draw, and many customers reportedly order the banh mi to take home.
Reserved but thoughtful service: Reviews often describe the owner as having a classic tsundere personality— not overly warm or effusive, but quietly attentive to guests’ needs.
For example, the owner may move guests seated in a cold spot to a warmer table or discreetly provide whatever they need.
The young man working there, however, is extremely friendly. He appeared to be a part-time employee, though I can’t say for certain.
Vegetarian- and vegan-friendly: With options such as grilled vegetable banh mi and the ability to adjust certain sauces, the restaurant is also considered a must-visit in western Jeju for diners who prefer plant-based food.
Wait times and parking: There is no dedicated parking lot, but visitors can use the roadside parking spaces near the restaurant.
The restaurant may be busy at lunchtime, when local residents and tourists arrive, so a wait is possible.
Tips for Visiting Green Saigon and Things to See Nearby
Check the hours: The restaurant closes unusually early, at 4:00 p.m. If you are planning a late lunch, it is safest to arrive before 3:00 p.m.
Parking: Use the roadside parking areas in the village, but keep in mind that spaces may be limited on weekends.
Pair it with nearby attractions: After your meal, consider taking a walk along the Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road, just a five-minute drive away, or visiting nearby atmospheric cafés such as Mireina.
A Taste of Vietnam Discovered During a Jeju Trip
Stumbling upon a genuinely good restaurant while traveling can feel like finding the winning prize in a treasure hunt.
I never expected to find such a fine restaurant in a quiet Jeju village that seemed to have little else around it.
Green Saigon was an enjoyable and delicious discovery in every respect.
If you would like to experience its rich pho broth and the flavor of its freshly baked baguettes, be sure to stop by when you visit Hankyung-myeon.
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