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Today, I'd like to introduce some of the most popular local foods in Sokcho. Many visitors come to Sokcho for Seoraksan and the East Sea, but one of the best ways to understand this city is through its food. As a Sokcho resident, I believe local dishes tell the story of the people who shaped this coastal city.
After the Korean War, many people from North Korea settled in Sokcho and brought their traditional recipes with them. Today, visitors can still enjoy many of these dishes throughout the city. The story of these foods is closely connected to Abai Village, where you can discover Sokcho's North Korean heritage and local culture.
If you are visiting Sokcho for the first time, these are the local foods I personally recommend trying, as each dish offers a taste of Sokcho's history, culture, and traditions.
At a Glance
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Location: Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
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Key Local Foods: Ojingeo Sundae, Abai Sundae, Makguksu, Naengmyeon, Dakgangjeong, Fresh Seafood, and Soft Tofu (Sundubu)
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Price Range: 10,000 KRW to 25,000 KRW for popular local snacks and noodle dishes; market pricing for fresh seafood.
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Atmosphere: A rich blend of North Korean-influenced comfort foods, traditional coastal seafood, and bustling market snacks.
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Best For: Foodies, first-time visitors, cultural explorers, and budget-friendly travelers.
How to Explore & Best Places to Eat
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Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market: One of the easiest places to start a food tour. You can find Ojingeo Sundae, Abai Sundae, Dakgangjeong, and many other local snacks in one area. The market also has public restrooms and convenient shopping facilities.
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Coastal Ports: Daepo Port and Dongmyeong Port are good places to enjoy fresh seafood from the East Sea. Depending on your choice of seafood and restaurant, prices can vary considerably.
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Specialty Noodle & Tofu Restaurants: Makguksu, Naengmyeon, and soft tofu dishes are available at restaurants throughout downtown Sokcho and other popular areas.
Top Must-Try Local Foods in Sokcho
1. Ojingeo Sundae and Abai Sundae
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The Filling: Both dishes use a similar savory filling made with vegetables, glass noodles, tofu, and pork, reflecting recipes passed down through generations.
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Ojingeo Sundae: A whole squid is cleaned, stuffed with the filling mixture, and steamed. It has a mild and familiar flavor.
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Abai Sundae: This version uses pork intestine as the outer casing. The name "Abai" comes from a North Korean dialect and is associated with an elderly person or father figure.
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Where & Price: The Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market is a convenient place to try both varieties. A mixed plate usually costs around 15,000 KRW.
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| Ojingeo Sundae |
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| Abai Sundae |
2. Makguksu and Naengmyeon (Cold Noodles)
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Makguksu: Made primarily with buckwheat, these noodles have a softer texture and a mild, nutty flavor. They are a refreshing choice when you want a lighter meal.
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Naengmyeon: These noodles contain more starch, giving them a chewier and more elastic texture. They are commonly served as Mul Naengmyeon in a cool broth or Bibim Naengmyeon as spicy mixed noodles.
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Background & Price: Both dishes are connected to the North Korean settlement history of Sokcho. A bowl usually costs around 10,000 to 12,000 KRW and can be paired with Ojingeo Sundae.
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| Makguksu |
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| Naengmyeon |
3. Dakgangjeong (Crispy Sweet Fried Chicken)
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Taste & Popularity: Dakgangjeong is crispy fried chicken coated with a sweet and slightly spicy sauce. It became especially popular among visitors through shops at the Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market.
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Price & Sharing: A box usually costs around 20,000 to 25,000 KRW. It is large enough to share or take home as a popular travel snack. Non-spicy versions are also available.
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| A delicious plate of Dakgangjeong |
4. Fresh Seafood & Vegetarian Options
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Fresh Seafood: Fresh seafood can be enjoyed around Daepo Port, Dongmyeong Port, Jangsadong, and local markets. Prices vary depending on the type and quantity of seafood, with premium raw fish meals costing considerably more than typical local dishes.
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Vegetarian Options: Traditional sundae dishes contain pork, so they may not be suitable for vegetarians. Soft tofu dishes made with locally produced soybeans are a more suitable option and are widely available in Sokcho.
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| Soft tofu |
Best Time to Enjoy Sokcho's Local Foods
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Lunch & Evening Hours: These are good times to experience busy market stalls and seaside seafood restaurants.
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Summer Months: Warm weather is especially suitable for refreshing dishes such as Makguksu and Naengmyeon.
Local Tips
If I were visiting Sokcho for the first time, I would begin with Ojingeo Sundae and either Makguksu or Naengmyeon. These dishes are easy to find, reasonably priced, and represent the unique food culture of Sokcho.
If your budget allows, I also recommend trying fresh seafood at one of the city's fishing ports. Take some time to explore local markets and restaurants rather than visiting only one restaurant. This is one of the best ways to experience the everyday food culture of Sokcho.
Nearby Attractions by Region
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1. Beach Area: Sokcho Beach, Oeongchi Bada Hyanggi-ro, and Cheongcho Lake.
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2. Northern Area: Dongmyeong Port and Yeongrang Lake.
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3. Southern Area: Seoraksan National Park, Sinheungsa Temple, and Sangdomun Stone Wall Village.
Conclusion
Food is one of the best ways to understand the history and culture of Sokcho.
Some visitors may be unfamiliar with Korean dishes such as Sundae, but Sokcho's Abai Sundae is different from what many people may expect. It uses pork intestine as the casing and shares a savory filling with Ojingeo Sundae, which is made by stuffing a whole squid with vegetables, glass noodles, tofu, and pork.
For a refreshing meal, Makguksu and Mul Naengmyeon are excellent choices. Their cool, clean flavors make them especially popular during the warmer months. Dakgangjeong is another local favorite, offering crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet sauce, with non-spicy versions available for visitors who prefer milder flavors.
As a Sokcho resident, I recommend trying these foods not only because they are delicious, but because they reflect the history, traditions, and everyday life of this coastal city.
When you visit Sokcho, take time to explore the local markets, restaurants, and fishing ports. A journey through Sokcho is not complete without experiencing the flavors that tell the story of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the most unique food in Sokcho?
Many visitors choose Ojingeo Sundae, a unique Sokcho dish made by stuffing a whole squid with vegetables, tofu, glass noodles, and pork.
Q. Is Sokcho food spicy?
Most local dishes are not very spicy. Bibim Naengmyeon can be spicy, but many other popular dishes, including Ojingeo Sundae, Abai Sundae, Makguksu, and Mul Naengmyeon, have relatively mild flavors.
Q. What local food is good for first-time visitors?
Ojingeo Sundae, Makguksu, Naengmyeon, and Dakgangjeong are all excellent choices for first-time visitors.
For more travel information, visit the official Sokcho Tourism Website.
Official Sokcho Tourism Website
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