Sokcho Food and Seoraksan Base Camp Stays: From Kim Satgat Hoemakguksu and Daecheongmaru to Chowon Resortel and The Red House
Sweet-and-sour flounder hoe-makguksu, nutty Chodang sundubu, and how to choose lodging for an early start to your Seorak morning
Comparison table at a glance
| Place | Type | Signature menu / features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kim Satgat Hoemakguksu | Makguksu specialty restaurant | Makguksu topped with pollack or flounder sashimi and tender boiled pork | Right after coming down Seoraksan, or lunch on a beach drive |
| Daecheongmaru | Korean food and sundubu | Nutty Chodang sundubu, grilled dried pollack, and neatly prepared side dishes | Breakfast or a hearty dinner with parents |
| Chowon Resortel | Seorak-area lodging | Easy access to Seoraksan and rooms focused on comfortable rest | Itineraries that climb to Gwongeumseong Fortress or Ulsanbawi Rock early in the morning |
| The Red House | Stylish lodging | Striking red-brick exterior and a cozy stay | A stylish one-night Sokcho stay with a partner or friends |
1. A Bowl That Instantly Quenches Your Thirst After Hiking Seoraksan: Kim Satgat Hoemakguksu
When traveling in the Yeongdong region of Gangwon-do, makguksu is a rite of passage you can't skip. Among Sokcho's options, Kim Satgat Hoemakguksu piles nutty buckwheat noodles high with sweet-and-spicy marinated raw fish, so the moment it hits your mouth, the chewy texture and savory flavor burst out.
The local regulars' way to eat it is to taste a few bites first without broth, like bibim makguksu, then finish by pouring in a little ice-cold dongchimi (radish water kimchi) broth with slush floating on top. Wrap a piece of warm boiled pork with the marinated fish, and the fatigue from walking Seoraksan melts away like snow.
Gimsatgat Hoe Makguksu · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1
Yeohaenggak editor's tip The line grows long at lunchtime (12–1:30 p.m.), so it's more comfortable to visit right after the 11 a.m. opening or after 2 p.m.
2. Easy-on-the-Stomach Mornings and Evenings in the Village Below Seorak: Daecheongmaru
If you eat only bold foods like raw fish, fried snacks, and dakgangjeong (crispy sweet fried chicken) on a Sokcho trip, before long you'll find yourself craving a warm, comforting meal. Daecheongmaru, on the road into Seoraksan, fills travelers up with nutty sundubu made every morning and salty, crispy grilled dried pollack.
Finish a meal with neatly prepared seasoned vegetable side dishes and stew, and diners of every age leave satisfied. It's a can't-miss option especially for family trips with parents or when you're looking for a breakfast spot before heading to Seoraksan Sogongwon early in the morning.
Daecheongmaru · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 3 (no changes allowed)
Yeohaenggak editor's tip Order a mix of spicy jjamppong sundubu and mild white Chodang sundubu to enjoy both.
3. A Lodging Strategy for Catching the First Seoraksan Cable Car: Chowon Resortel vs The Red House
Whether a Sokcho trip succeeds depends on how early you can get into Seoraksan Sogongwon. During foliage season or on weekends, long backups start on the access road to Sogongwon after 9 a.m., so if hiking or riding the cable car is your goal, it's wise to stay at Chowon Resortel near the Seoraksan area and set out early in the morning.
If, on the other hand, you want to move leisurely between the mountains and the sea and spend your evenings in exotic red-brick architecture and a cozy atmosphere, The Red House is a good fit. Choose where to stay based on whether your itinerary centers on Seoraksan trekking or on downtown Sokcho and beach drives, and you'll greatly cut the time you lose on the road.
Chowon Resortel · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1
Yeohaenggak editor's tip The Seoraksan Cable Car can suspend operations in bad weather (strong winds), so be sure to check the Seoraksan Cable Car website for that day's operation before you set out in the morning.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q. Where should I go in Sokcho to find a Korean restaurant serving a hearty breakfast?
The area around Daecheongmaru, a sundubu and grilled dried pollack specialist near the Seoraksan access road, serves meals from early in the day and is a popular breakfast stop before a hike or right after checkout.
Q. Can I still visit Kim Satgat Hoemakguksu if I'm with kids or companions who can't eat hoe-makguksu?
Yes. Side options such as mild dongchimi makguksu without the spicy raw fish, tender boiled pork, and potato pancakes are available, so families can visit without worry.
Q. When should I arrive to use the Seoraksan Sogongwon parking lot without waiting?
On weekends and in peak season, you need to reach the Sogongwon parking lot by 7:30–8 a.m. to get in without waiting, so leave your lodging early enough to make it.
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