Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market: Dakgangjeong & Squid Sundae Guide

What the market is known for

Sokcho's central Tourist and Fishery Market combines a traditional seafood market with a dense street food section, and it has become particularly famous nationally for its competing dakgangjeong stalls, each with their own loyal following.

Trying the signature fried chicken

Several stalls sell their own version of dakgangjeong, and comparing a couple of different vendors is a common approach among visitors, since the sauce and coating style can vary meaningfully between stalls.

Trying squid sundae

This distinctive regional dish swaps the traditional intestine casing for squid, creating a different texture and flavor profile from standard sundae, and it is generally sold sliced and ready to eat alongside a dipping salt or sauce.

Combining the market with a Seoraksan trip

Given its central location and proximity to the routes leading toward Seoraksan National Park, the market works well as either a starting point to grab food for the day or a rewarding stop to refuel after a day of hiking.

Useful Korean

Frequently asked questions

What is dakgangjeong?

Dakgangjeong is bite-sized fried chicken coated in a sweet, spicy, slightly sticky sauce, and Sokcho's version of this dish, sold by several competing stalls in the market, has become one of the city's most recognizable food specialties.

What is squid sundae?

This is a regional variation of Korea's traditional blood sausage dish, using squid instead of intestine casing, stuffed with a filling of glass noodles, vegetables, and other ingredients, then steamed or lightly fried.

Is the market a good stop before or after Seoraksan?

Yes, the market sits centrally in Sokcho, making it a convenient food stop to combine with a day trip to nearby Seoraksan National Park, either before heading to the mountain or after coming back down.