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Discover Sokcho’s Hidden Gem: Sigol Kalguksu – Unique Noodle Soup with Cod Roe and Milt

Welcome to Sokcho, Gangwon-do, a city renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and, of course, its delicious cuisine! Among the must-try dishes in Sokcho, Jang Kalguksu (spicy noodle soup) stands out. While Sokcho boasts numerous Jang Kalguksu restaurants, today I’m excited to introduce you to a truly unique spot: Sigol Kalguksu (시골 칼국수), located in Cheongho-dong, Sokcho. This restaurant is gaining popularity not just among tourists but also with locals, thanks to its visually stunning and incredibly flavorful noodle soup featuring a generous helping of cod roe and milt – known as “Al Gonyi” (알곤이) in Korean.

The Unique Appeal of Sigol Kalguksu

What makes Sigol Kalguksu special? It’s their signature dish: Al Gonyi Jang Kalguksu. This isn’t your typical seafood noodle soup. Sigol Kalguksu is known for being the only place in Korea where you can savor Jang Kalguksu with domestically sourced cod roe and milt. For those unfamiliar, cod roe and milt (sperm sac of male fish) might sound adventurous, but for adventurous foodies and those who already love these delicacies, it’s a culinary dream come true! The restaurant’s visually striking food photos, showcasing mountains of Al Gonyi, have gone viral on social media, drawing in curious food lovers from all over.

A Taste of the Menu

Sigol Kalguksu keeps it simple with a focused menu featuring just three noodle dishes, all priced at 9,000 KRW (approximately $7 USD). The main attractions are:

• Jang Kalguksu (장칼국수): The star of the show! Spicy noodle soup with a generous serving of cod roe and milt.
• Jjiri Kalguksu (질이 칼국수): A non-spicy, clear broth noodle soup. While it also contains cod, it’s overshadowed by the flavorful Jang Kalguksu.

During my visit, I decided to try both the Jang Kalguksu and Jjiri Kalguksu to give you a comprehensive review. Side dishes, including delicious kimchi (confirmed to be domestic!), are self-serve.

Diving into the Flavor

Let’s talk about the Al Gonyi Jang Kalguksu. The visual presentation alone is impressive – a vibrant red broth brimming with noodles, vegetables, and of course, heaps of cod roe and milt. The broth is perfectly spicy, not overwhelming, with a deep, savory seafood flavor. The Al Gonyi itself is fresh and adds a rich, creamy texture that elevates the entire dish. While some might find the concept of cod roe and milt unusual, trust me, it’s a delightful experience, especially if you appreciate seafood delicacies.

I also sampled the Jjiri Kalguksu. It features a milder, cleaner taste with bean sprouts and some cod meat. While pleasant, it lacked the depth and excitement of the Jang Kalguksu. I found it a bit bland and even detected a very subtle fishy note compared to its spicy counterpart. Adding a touch of salt and pepper helped, but it still couldn’t compete with the robust flavor of the Jang Kalguksu.

Final Verdict: Is Sigol Kalguksu Worth a Visit?

Absolutely! If you’re in Sokcho and looking for a unique and flavorful culinary experience, Sigol Kalguksu is a must-visit. While the taste profile might be familiar to those who enjoy Al Gonyi stew or braised cod, the noodle soup format and the sheer abundance of Al Gonyi make it stand out. It might not be a completely “new” flavor, but it’s a delicious and satisfying one, especially for seafood lovers. I highly recommend the Jang Kalguksu – it’s the dish that truly shines and makes Sigol Kalguksu a memorable dining destination.

Restaurant Information:

• Restaurant Name: Sigol Kalguksu (시골 칼국수)
• Location: Cheongho-dong, Sokcho, Gangwon-do, South Korea (청호동, 속초시, 강원도)
• Rating: Highly Recommended (based on local popularity and unique dish)