When it comes to exploring South Korea’s culinary delights, Sokcho is a city that should not be missed. Located on the country’s picturesque east coast, Sokcho offers a wide array of mouthwatering dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. From fresh seafood caught daily by local fishermen to traditional Korean delicacies, Sokcho’s food scene is a treasure trove for food lovers. In this foodie’s guide to Sokcho, we will take you on a delectable journey through the city’s culinary landscape, highlighting the must-try dishes and the best places to savor them.
Haemul Pajeon (Seafood Pancake)
No visit to Sokcho would be complete without indulging in the city’s famous Haemul Pajeon, a savory seafood pancake. Made with a crispy yet tender batter, this dish is generously filled with an assortment of fresh seafood such as squid, shrimp, and clams, along with green onions. The pancake is pan-fried to perfection, resulting in a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Dip each bite into the accompanying soy-based dipping sauce for an explosion of umami goodness. You can find Haemul Pajeon in various restaurants and street food stalls throughout the city, particularly in the bustling Sokcho Fisheries Market.
Dakgangjeong (Crispy Sweet and Spicy Chicken)
For those craving a balance of sweetness and spiciness, Dakgangjeong is a must-try dish in Sokcho. This Korean-style fried chicken dish features bite-sized pieces of crispy chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce. The sauce is made with a combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and gochujang (Korean red pepper paste), giving the dish its signature tangy and slightly spicy taste. Dakgangjeong is a popular street food item and can be found in food stalls and chicken restaurants around Sokcho. It’s the perfect snack to enjoy while exploring the city.
Mulhoe (Spicy Raw Fish Soup)
As a coastal city, Sokcho boasts an abundance of fresh seafood, and one of the standout dishes is Mulhoe, a spicy raw fish soup. Made with slices of raw fish, usually hwe (raw fish similar to sashimi), the soup is flavored with a spicy and tangy broth, chili peppers, garlic, and vinegar. The combination of fresh fish and the invigorating flavors of the soup creates a refreshing and satisfying dish, particularly during the hot summer months. Mulhoe can be found in seafood restaurants and specialty establishments near the Sokcho Fish Market, ensuring you get the freshest ingredients for your soup.
Sokcho Odeng (Fish Cake Skewers)
A beloved street food in Sokcho, Sokcho Odeng is a popular snack enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Odeng refers to fish cake, which is made by grinding white fish into a paste, adding starch and seasoning, and then steaming or boiling it. The fish cake is then skewered on bamboo sticks and served with a warm, flavorful broth. The broth, typically made with soy sauce and various aromatic ingredients, infuses the fish cake with rich flavors. The combination of the tender fish cake and the savory broth creates a comforting and satisfying treat. You can find Sokcho Odeng in food stalls throughout the city, especially in busy areas like the Sokcho Jungang Market.
Ganjang Gejang (Soy Sauce Marinated Crab)
For seafood enthusiasts, Ganjang Gejang is a delicacy that shouldn’t be missed in Sokcho. This traditional Korean dish features fresh raw crabs marinated in a soy sauce-based mixture. The crabs are cleaned, seasoned
with a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings. The marinated crabs are left to ferment for a few days, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat and develop a rich, savory taste. The result is a delightful balance of sweetness and saltiness with a hint of umami. To enjoy Ganjang Gejang, crack open the crab shell and savor the succulent meat dipped in the flavorful marinade. It’s a unique and luxurious dining experience that seafood lovers will truly appreciate.
Sokcho Sundae (Blood Sausage)
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try a unique Korean delicacy, Sokcho Sundae is worth a taste. Sundae refers to blood sausage, which is made by stuffing a mixture of pig’s blood, rice, vegetables, and seasoning into a casing, typically made from the pig’s intestine. The sausage is then steamed or boiled until cooked through, resulting in a hearty and flavorful dish. Sokcho Sundae is often served with various accompaniments such as kimchi, pickled radish, and spicy dipping sauce. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a popular street food item in Sokcho.
Hweh (Raw Fish)
Given its coastal location, Sokcho offers an abundance of fresh and high-quality raw fish. Hweh, which refers to raw fish similar to sashimi, is a popular dish among seafood lovers. The fish is typically sliced into thin pieces and served with a variety of side dishes, including soy sauce, wasabi, pickled radish, and shredded vegetables. The freshness and delicate flavors of the raw fish are the stars of the dish, allowing you to truly savor the natural taste of the sea. Many seafood restaurants in Sokcho offer Hweh, ensuring you can enjoy a memorable seafood feast.
Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancake)
Bindaetteok is a savory pancake made from ground mung beans, vegetables, and sometimes meat. It’s a popular street food item and can be found in various food stalls throughout Sokcho. The pancake is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Bindaetteok is typically served with a soy-based dipping sauce, adding a tangy and savory element to the dish. It’s a tasty and filling snack that’s perfect for satisfying your cravings while exploring the city.
Final Thoughts: Sokcho’s Delicious Cuisine
Sokcho is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse range of delicious dishes that showcase the city’s culinary heritage and coastal bounty. From fresh seafood specialties like Haemul Pajeon and Mulhoe to savory treats like Dakgangjeong and Sokcho Odeng, there’s something to please every palate. Exploring Sokcho’s food scene is not only a culinary adventure but also a cultural experience, as you immerse yourself in the flavors and traditions of Korean cuisine. So, pack your appetite and embark on a gastronomic journey through Sokcho, indulging in its mouthwatering delights that will leave you craving for more.