If you’ve been to Jeju, you’ll definitely know of the haenyeo – female free divers – that hold a crucial piece of the island’s rich culture. Jeju Haenyeo is a new immersive dining experience incorporating performance, food and filmmaking that tells stories of Jeju Island.
The experience is hosted at The Arts House and officially opens to the public on 28 November 2025.
Immersive Dining Experience
Jeju Haenyeo offers ‘performative dining’, a unique combination of art and cuisine inspired by Jeju Island.
It’s hosted at The Arts House, past a dimly lit corridor dotted with fishing nets and traps as a tribute to the haenyeo.
At first glance, the space was a little confusing. There was nothing but some tables surrounded by a white projection wall.
But we knew we were at the right place. Every seat was labelled with key items from Jeju: a slab of volcanic rock and mini Dol Hareubang statues.
It’s not a restaurant per se, functioning more like a seated gallery!
Jeju Haenyeo Singapore Menu
The multi-course menu is themed after the four seasons, featuring Jeju flavours and traditional preparations.
Every course came with a story of Jeju, told through video, live food preparation or a sharing by the Korean founder Kim Hawon.
Her grandmother is a haenyeo, and her life experiences serve as the overall inspiration for everything.
The meal kicked off with freshly pounded mugwort rice cake, followed by a traditional steamed bun from Jeju with seasoned ferns.
It was just like watching a modern art performance. As someone unfamiliar with the culture, it felt foreign at times and almost out of body.
However, we appreciated how everything was intentional and steeped in tradition!
The dishes highlight the best of Jeju produce. Items include marinated abalone and salad with doenjang-tossed scallop; leaning into the seafood offerings on the coastal island.
Taste-wise, these were refreshing and savoury; reminiscent of modern Korean cuisine.
Video essays screened between courses, documenting stories from actual haenyeo in Jeju.
It was eye-opening to hear the compelling stories of these strong, hardy women and how important the oceans are to their livelihoods.
The star of the show was definitely the Jeju Black Pork! This was the first time we got to try the real deal in Singapore, prepared dombe gogi-style.
The meat was tender and had a rich flavour, especially with their special 18-year-old soy sauce.
This specific course was paired with a traditional ceremony in which we got our names blessed for safety and good luck.
It was interesting to say the least. We weren’t expecting to leave with free blessings!
The final savoury course was seaweed soup with rice and banchan. This was warm and comforting!
The meal ended with grilled garaetteok (rice cake) and corn ice cream. Sweet and simple, inspired by the chilly winters.
Experience Jeju In Singapore
Overall, Jeju Haenyeo was a unique introduction (or re-introduction) to the charm of Jeju Island. The food was well-seasoned and not necessarily mind-blowing, but the stories and atmosphere added to it.
It’s definitely an artsy type of experience. If you’re someone who enjoys history, culture and or just a good story, this would be more up your alley!
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Check out more ways to experience Korea in Singapore:
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- Gwanghwamun Mijin: 70-Year-Old Korean Buckwheat Noodle Restaurant Now In Singapore
Jeju Haenyeo Singapore
01-04 The Arts House Annex Building 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore
Slots available from 5pm onward.
Reservations made online.
*This article is based on a media-tasting event, but all opinions expressed about the food are entirely our own.
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