[Sokcho Guide] Best Day Trip from Seoul: Sokcho Central Market Food Guide & How to Get There

Looking for the perfect day trip from Seoul? Sokcho¹, a beautiful coastal city on the East Sea, is just 2.5 hours away by bus. Sokcho Central Market is the ultimate foodie destination where you can experience authentic seaside vibes and a mix of traditional and trendy fusion snacks loved by locals and travelers alike.

Sokcho Central Market (also known as Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market) offers everything from fresh seafood to unique desserts. Whether you are looking for a quick snack or a full meal to take back to your accommodation, this market has it all.

Top Must-Try Foods at Sokcho Central Market

Here are the top picks that define the flavor of this coastal gem:

Makgeolli Sulppang (Rice Wine Steamed Bread): This fluffy, naturally fermented bread is a local favorite. It has a unique chewy texture and a subtle sweet-and-sour aroma from the Makgeolli².

Honeycomb Ice Cream: Located right next to the famous bread stall, this treat features real honeycomb atop creamy vanilla ice cream—the perfect sweet balance to the savory snacks.

Seafood Twigim (Deep-Fried Snacks): Since it’s a coastal city, the seafood is a must. Try the assorted Twigim³ platter featuring squid, shrimp, and stuffed peppers.

Hawaiian BBQ Bowls: For those craving something familiar yet high-quality, these BBQ bowls feature smoky pork grilled over an open flame, served over healthy turmeric rice.

Deep Dive: The Best Market Stalls

1. The Iconic Makgeolli Sulppang & Honeycomb Ice Cream

The Makgeolli Sulppang here is famous enough to be featured on Korean TV. It’s steamed, not baked, making it incredibly soft.

Pro Tip: If you buy 3 slices of Sulppang, you often get 1 Honeycomb Ice Cream for free! The honey is intense, so even a small piece of the comb adds a rich, floral sweetness to the entire cup.

2. Masi-Buja Twigim (Crispy Seafood Paradise)

While fresh steamed crab or Ojingeo-Sundae⁴ (stuffed squid) can be pricey, Masi-Buja Twigim offers an affordable way to taste the ocean.

Recommendation: Order the "Assorted Twigim" (모둠튀김). It includes perilla leaves, shrimp, squid, Gim-mari⁵ (seaweed rolls), and even crab meat. There is a seating area inside, so you can enjoy them while they are piping hot!

3. Dae-il-ho BBQ (Savory Comfort Food)

If you are new to Korean flavors and want something reliable, visit Dae-il-ho BBQ. The owner is an award-winning chef who serves Hawaiian BBQ bowls.

Why it's great: The pork is seasoned with a special house blend and grilled over fire. Even if it cools down, it stays tender and delicious, making it the perfect "Take-out" meal to enjoy at the beach or your hotel with a cold beer.

Sokcho Central Market is more than just a place to shop; it's a vibrant food adventure. From the traditional fermented taste of Sulppang to the crispy delight of seaside Twigim, there is something for every palate. Grab some takeout, head to the nearby Sokcho Beach, and enjoy the best flavors of the East Coast!

Glossary & Search Tips for Travelers

Sokcho (속초): A major coastal city in Gangwon Province. Famous for Seoraksan Mountain and fresh seafood.

Makgeolli (막걸리): A traditional Korean milky rice wine. It is used as a natural leavening agent for Sulppang (Steamed Bread).

Twigim (튀김): The Korean version of Tempura or deep-fried snacks. Usually enjoyed with soy sauce or Tteokbokki sauce.

Ojingeo-Sundae (오징어순대): A Sokcho specialty where a squid body is stuffed with meat, vegetables, and rice, then sliced and pan-fried.

Gim-mari (김말이): Deep-fried seaweed rolls stuffed with glass noodles (glass noodles are called Dangmyeon).

Getting to Sokcho from Seoul & Essential Tips

If you want to escape the bustling city of Seoul and breathe in the fresh ocean air, Sokcho¹ is your best bet. It is one of the most accessible coastal cities from the capital, offering a perfect mix of mountains and sea.

How to Get to Sokcho from Seoul

The most convenient and popular way for international travelers is by Express Bus².

Departure Points:

Dong Seoul Bus Terminal: Located at Gangbyeon Station (Subway Line 2).

Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gyeongbu): Located at Express Bus Terminal Station (Subway Lines 3, 7, 9).

Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours.

Booking Tip: Use the "T-money GO" app or buy tickets directly at the terminal’s automated machines, which support English.

written by Lookinseoul

LookinSeoul is a Korean lifestyle blog that introduces Korean food, travel spots, and local products to foreigners.