Top 10 Popular Restaurants in Sokcho Worth Visiting
When you think of Sokcho, your mind might first wander to its majestic mountains, tranquil beaches, or the charm of fishing boats returning at dawn. But for those who truly want to know the city’s heart, there’s no better place to start than at its dining tables. Sokcho’s cuisine is as diverse and vibrant as its landscape — a symphony of sea, spice, and soul.
To explore the top 10 popular restaurants in Sokcho worth visiting is to embark on a flavorful journey through a city that lives and breathes food. From oceanfront seafood feasts to humble local diners, every meal tells a story — one of culture, community, and care.
1. Daepo Hang Fish Market Restaurants – Where the Sea Comes Alive
No culinary trip to Sokcho is complete without a visit to the Daepo Hang Fish Market, where restaurants line the waterfront, each offering freshly caught seafood grilled right before your eyes.
Pick your fish, shellfish, or squid from the tanks, and moments later, it’s served sizzling on your table with spicy gochujang dips and side dishes. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses fills the air as locals toast to the day’s catch.
There’s nothing quite like eating hoe (raw fish) while watching the waves roll in — it’s Sokcho at its most authentic.
2. Abai Village Restaurants – A Taste of History and Home
Across the small ferry lies Abai Village, a place steeped in history and flavor. Founded by North Korean refugees during the Korean War, the village has preserved its culinary traditions for generations.
Here, you’ll find the legendary Abai Sundae — a delicacy of squid stuffed with noodles, tofu, and vegetables, then steamed and sliced into savory bites. The flavors are rich yet humble, reflecting the resilience and warmth of the people who created it.
Dining here feels more like sharing a meal with family than eating at a restaurant. Every dish comes with a story — and a piece of Sokcho’s soul.
3. Sokcho Central Market – Street Food Heaven
Step into Sokcho Central Market, and you’re immediately greeted by the aroma of sizzling pancakes, steaming fish cakes, and spicy sauces.
The market is famous for its Dak-gangjeong (sweet and crispy fried chicken), a Sokcho specialty that has gained national fame. Each shop claims its own secret recipe — some with honey glaze, others with fiery chili sauce.
Wandering through the narrow alleys, you’ll find endless temptations: fresh tteokbokki, skewered fish cakes, and even handmade dumplings. This is where Sokcho’s spirit of hospitality shines — warm, casual, and full of flavor.
4. Cheongchojeong Restaurant – Traditional Korean Harmony
Located near Cheongcho Lake, Cheongchojeong is renowned for its traditional Korean set meals, known as Hanjeongsik. The presentation is as elegant as the taste — dozens of small dishes arranged like a painter’s palette.
From soy-marinated crab to stone pot bibimbap, every bite reveals balance and thoughtfulness. The setting — wooden interiors with large windows overlooking nature — adds to the calm, refined atmosphere.
This is dining as art, rooted in tradition yet timeless in its appeal.
5. Bongpo Fish Village – Ocean Fresh and Honest
A short drive from downtown Sokcho, Bongpo Fish Village is where locals go for the freshest catches. The village’s family-run eateries specialize in simple but exquisite seafood dishes — grilled mackerel, spicy fish stews, and shellfish soups bursting with flavor.
It’s not fancy, but it doesn’t need to be. Sitting at a wooden table with steaming stew in front of you, waves crashing nearby, you’ll understand what makes Bongpo special: authenticity.
6. Oeongchi Port Seafood Alley – The Hidden Gem
Tucked away near Oeongchi Beach, this coastal cluster of small restaurants is a hidden treasure for seafood lovers. Here, haemul jjim (steamed spicy seafood) and al jjigae (fish roe stew) are the stars of the show.
The flavors are bold — a mix of spice, ocean salt, and freshness that lingers long after the meal ends. The best part? Watching the sunset over the port as you dine, the sky turning golden while the waves glimmer below.
7. Matsuya – A Modern Twist on Tradition
For those craving a mix of Korean and Japanese influences, Matsuya offers a modern dining experience without losing Sokcho’s local charm.
Their sashimi platters and grilled dishes highlight the region’s seafood while introducing refined presentation and delicate seasoning. It’s a perfect stop for travelers seeking something contemporary yet grounded in coastal authenticity.
The ambiance — minimalist and calm — makes it ideal for both families and solo travelers seeking quiet elegance.
8. Yeonggeumjeong Café & Restaurant – Dining with a View
Near the famous Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion, this spot offers breathtaking ocean views paired with delightful cuisine.
Enjoy a hearty bowl of haemul pajeon (seafood pancake) or spicy clam noodles while listening to waves crash against the rocks. Many visitors come for the food but stay for the atmosphere — where the sound of the sea and the taste of salt become part of the meal itself.
It’s romantic, peaceful, and distinctly Sokcho.
9. Sokcho Expo Tower Food Court – A Taste of Variety
For travelers wanting convenience and variety, the Sokcho Expo Tower Food Court is a hidden gem. Inside, local chefs serve a wide range of dishes — from traditional Korean soups to modern fusion plates.
The setting offers great views of Cheongcho Lake and the city skyline. Whether you’re refueling after sightseeing or trying to sample everything Sokcho offers, this spot provides a little taste of everything — all in one place.
10. Seorak Pine Resort Restaurants – Dining Amid the Mountains
If you’re heading to Seoraksan National Park, make a stop at the Seorak Pine Resort restaurants. Nestled between pine forests and mountain trails, this area offers hearty Korean comfort food — bubbling kimchi stews, mountain vegetable bibimbap, and freshly grilled fish.
After a day of hiking, sitting down here with hot soup and cool mountain air feels almost spiritual. It’s not just a meal; it’s a reward for the body and soul.
Sokcho: A Culinary Journey to Remember
Exploring the top 10 popular restaurants in Sokcho worth visiting isn’t just about tasting food — it’s about experiencing a way of life. The city’s culinary scene mirrors its character: humble yet proud, traditional yet evolving, deeply rooted in the sea and the mountains that shape it.
Every restaurant, from seaside stalls to elegant dining halls, offers a piece of Sokcho’s identity — the warmth of its people, the freshness of its ingredients, and the beauty of its surroundings.
In Sokcho, every meal is more than a dish; it’s a story. And once you’ve tasted it, it’s a story you’ll never forget.
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