Food History of Cheoksan Hot Springs, Sokcho, South Korea
The history of food in the region around Cheoksan Hot Springs is closely entwined with the natural landscape and the seasons. Traditional Korean cuisine, known as 'Hansik', utilizes fresh, local ingredients that can be foraged from the mountains or sourced from the sea. Sokcho, being close to both mountains and the East Sea, benefits from a diverse range of ingredients. The therapeutic hot springs themselves are not directly related to food, but they attract visitors who also indulge in the local culinary scene.
Cheoksan Hot Springs is known for its healing mineral waters, and while it’s not a food destination per se, it has influenced the local hospitality industry, where restaurants cater to the well-being and health of visitors. Over time, these dining establishments have incorporated traditional Korean healing foods in their menus, which align with the health-giving properties of the hot springs.
Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Cheoksan Hot Springs, Sokcho
- Dakgangjeong (sweet crispy chicken) - Non-veg
- Korean Fried Chicken - Non-veg
- Abai Sundae (Korean sausage) - Non-veg
- Mulhoe (cold spicy raw fish soup) - Non-veg
- Kimchi jeon (Kimchi pancake) - Veg
- Bibimbap – Can be Veg or Non-veg
- Makguksu (buckwheat noodles) – Usually Veg
- Pajeon (green onion pancake) - Can be Veg or Non-veg
- Yachae Jeon (vegetable pancake) - Veg
- Tofu Kimchi - Veg
Top Famous Restaurants in Cheoksan Hot Springs, Sokcho
- Gaetbae Restaurant
- Address: 75 Cheoksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Famous for: Mulhoe - Non-veg
- Sokcho Jungang Market
- Address: 12 Jungang-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Famous for: Dakgangjeong and various street food - Non-veg and Veg options available
- Abai Sundae Town
- Address: 14-5 Abai Maeul-gil 44beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Famous for: Abai Sundae - Non-veg
- Manseok Dakgangjeong
- Address: 11 Joyang-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Famous for: Korean Fried Chicken - Non-veg
- Neungnae Makguksu
- Address: 269-2 Neungnae-ri, Cheoksan-myeon, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Famous for: Makguksu - Usually Veg
- Jeongdongjin Kimchi Jeon
- Address: Located in markets and street food areas around Sokcho
Famous for: Kimchi jeon - Veg
- Seorak Garden
- Address: 128-22 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Famous for: Pajeon and Bibimbap - Can be Veg or Non-veg
While exploring these dining options, visitors can enjoy the traditional to modern tastes of Sokcho’s cuisine, which is influenced by its proximity to the sea and its cultural history.