Discovering Hidden Gem Restaurants in Sokcho: A Local’s Guide to the Best Kept Secrets

Venturing into the chilly winds of Sokcho, South Korea, popular Korean YouTuber 풍자 (PungJa) embarked on a delicious quest in episode 23 of her hit show, “또간집” (Dogan-jib), meaning “Revisited Restaurant.” This isn’t your typical tourist trap tour; 풍자 aimed to uncover the authentic, local 맛집 (mat-jib), those truly delicious restaurants cherished by Sokcho residents and unknown to the average visitor. Forget the usual suspects – this was a mission for genuine, hidden culinary gems.

The Hunt for Authentic Sokcho Flavors

Despite the freezing weather, 풍자, clad in a New Jeans-inspired outfit (perhaps a bit optimistic for the sub-zero temperatures!), was determined to showcase Sokcho’s 대표음식 (representative foods). From 물곰탕 (mulgomtang – fish soup) and 물회 (mulhoe – cold raw fish soup) to 아바이순대 (abai sundae – Abai sausage), Sokcho boasts a rich culinary landscape. However, 풍자 was after something more, something truly special – a 순두부집 (sundubu-jip – soft tofu restaurant) and other local favorites that escape the tourist radar.

The journey wasn’t easy. Initially armed with recommendations from locals, the crew faced a series of hilarious setbacks. Restaurant after restaurant was closed – a common occurrence on Tuesdays in Sokcho, it seems! From 갈비 (galbi – Korean BBQ ribs) at 돈우마을 (Don-u Maeul) to 칼국수 (kal-guksu – knife-cut noodles) at 도문집 (Do-mun Jip), and even 강원도 한정식 (Gangwon-do Hanjongsik – Gangwon-style Korean set menu) at 우성옥 (Woosungok), the path to 맛집 success was paved with closed doors and unexpected 휴무 (rest days).

Culinary Highlights: Don-u Maeul, Domun-jip, and Songjeonghee Eomeoni

Despite the initial hurdles, 풍자 and her team persevered, eventually uncovering three standout restaurants that truly represent the heart of Sokcho’s local cuisine.

Don-u Maeul: The Unexpected Sokcho Galbi Champion

Recommended by a local 대관람차 (Ferris wheel) operator, Don-u Maeul turned out to be a 갈비 (galbi – Korean BBQ ribs) restaurant. In a seaside town known for seafood, 갈비 might seem out of place, but locals insisted it was 속초 1등 맛집 (Sokcho number one 맛집). 풍자 ordered 양념 소갈비 (yangnyeom sogalbi – marinated beef ribs) and was blown away. She even declared it superior to Seoul 갈비, praising the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors and the exceptional 육즙 (yuk-jjeup – meat juice). Don’t miss their 식혜 (sikhye – sweet rice drink), a homemade specialty!

Domun-jip: Local’s Favorite Kal-guksu

After multiple restaurant rejections, a local couple steered 풍자 towards Domun-jip, a 칼국수 (kal-guksu – knife-cut noodles) restaurant beloved by Sokcho residents. This wasn’t your typical 뽀얀 (ppoyan – milky white broth) Seoul-style 칼국수. Domun-jip’s 칼국수 features a unique, flavorful broth with 감자 (gamja – potato) mashed directly into the 국물 (gukmul – soup), giving it a rich, distinctive taste. The 면발 (myeonbal – noodles) are also exceptional, described as 땡글땡글 (ttaeng-geul-ttaeng-geul – bouncy) and 살아있는 (sara-itneun – alive). Their 김치만두 (kimchi mandu – kimchi dumplings), handmade fresh daily, were also a standout, evoking nostalgic memories of 할머니 (halmeoni – grandmother)’s cooking.

Songjeonghee Eomeoni: 풍자’s Ultimate Sokcho Sundubu Pick

Finally, 풍자 discovered Songjeonghee Eomeoni, a 순두부 (sundubu – soft tofu) restaurant recommended by a local 강정 (gangjeong – Korean traditional sweet snack) vendor. This wasn’t just any 순두부; it was 속초 순두부, a 뽀얀 (ppoyan – milky white) version distinct from the spicy 순두부찌개 (sundubu-jjigae – soft tofu stew) common elsewhere. 풍자, a self-proclaimed 순두부 enthusiast, was utterly captivated, declaring it even better than her 6-year long-time favorite 순두부 place! The 순두부 itself is incredibly 고소함 (goso-ham – savory and nutty), and pairing it with 황태조림 (hwangtae jorim – braised dried pollack) is a flavor explosion. Don’t forget to try their 비지장 (bijijang – soybean pulp stew), a complimentary side dish that’s just as delicious.

PPL and Hilarious Moments

Adding to the fun was a PPL (product placement) segment for 미쟝센 (Mise en Scène) hair essence. 풍자’s comedic take on advertising, including price comparisons and even jokingly offering to stake a body part for the lowest price guarantee, provided plenty of laughs. The episode perfectly blended culinary exploration with entertainment, showcasing 풍자’s signature humor and genuine passion for 맛집 discovery.

Sokcho’s Culinary Scene: A Must-Visit Destination

Through trials and tribulations, 풍자 successfully navigated Sokcho’s 맛집 landscape, ultimately choosing 송정희어머니 as her “또갈집”—the restaurant she would revisit. This episode proves that Sokcho is more than just scenic views; it’s a haven for incredible, authentic Korean food waiting to be discovered. So, next time you’re in Sokcho, venture beyond the tourist hotspots and explore these local gems for a truly unforgettable culinary experience!