If you are planning a trip to Gangwon-do, South Korea, adding Sokcho to your itinerary is an absolute must. While Sokcho is famous for its coastal scenery and bustling tourism, finding a restaurant that locals truly love—rather than an overpriced tourist trap—can be challenging.
During my three years living in Sokcho, my partner and I made it our mission to filter out the commercialized spots and find the absolute best local eats. Today, I am excited to introduce you to our ultimate favorite and a true local-approved hidden gem: Songdo Mulhwe (송도물회).
What is Mulhwe and Maewuntang? (For First-Timers)
If you are new to Korean seafood cuisine, you might be wondering what these dishes are. Don’t worry—they are absolute game-changers once you try them!
1. Mulhwe (물회 – Cold Raw Fish Soup)
- What it is: Mulhwe literally translates to “water fish.” It is a refreshing, cold soup made with an abundance of thinly sliced raw fish (like rockfish or squid), crisp fresh vegetables (cucumbers, onions, perilla leaves), and a sweet, tangy, and spicy chili-and-garlic broth. At Songdo Mulhwe, they elevate this classic dish by adding a secret, rich soybean paste (doenjang) base that gives it a deeply savory depth you won’t find anywhere else.
- How to eat it:
- Mix it first: Before adding any liquid, mix the raw fish and crisp vegetables together with the concentrated sauce provided in the bowl. This lets you taste the pure freshness and texture—it’s half fish, half veggies!
- Add water/ice: Pour a bit of cold water or ice into the bowl to turn it into a refreshing soup.
- Add rice or noodles: In Sokcho, it is very common to submerge a scoop of steamed white rice or somyeon (thin wheat noodles) directly into the cold broth. The contrast of the hot/warm rice with the ice-cold, spicy broth is absolute perfection.
2. Maewuntang (매운탕 – Spicy Fish Stew)
- What it is: Maewuntang is a hot, boiling, spicy fish stew made using the fresh bones and head of the fish, combined with radishes, onions, garlic, and hot chili paste or powder. It is the ultimate Korean comfort food, especially after eating a cold dish.
- How to eat it:
- Let it boil: Let the pot simmer on your table’s burner until the broth deepens and rich flavors extract from the fish bones.
- Savor the broth first: Take a spoonful of the hot soup. Songdo Mulhwe’s Urok Maewuntang uses a rich soybean paste base that completely eliminates any fishy odor, leaving a clean, comforting, and spicy kick.
- Eat with rice: Scoop up pieces of tender fish meat and soft radishes, and eat them alongside a hot bowl of rice.
Why Songdo Mulhwe is a Must-Visit in Sokcho
Located just a short walk from the famous Sokcho Central Market (속초중앙시장), Songdo Mulhwe has remained our go-to restaurant even after moving away to Seoul. Here is why:
1. Unmatched Taste and Freshness
The restaurant owns its own fishing boat, meaning every dish is prepared using the freshest catch of the day.
- The Mulhwe: As mentioned above, their homemade broth with a subtle doenjang twist is the best in Sokcho.
- The Rockfish Spicy Stew (Urok Maewuntang): Paired with rice, this bubbling hot pot and the cold mulhwe make the ultimate hot-and-cold culinary combination.
2. Massive Portions at Reasonable Prices
In major tourist areas, seafood is often expensive and disappointing in quantity. Songdo Mulhwe completely breaks this mold.
- A single serving of mulhwe is so massive that one bowl is easily enough for two people.
- Because prices are reasonable and portions are exceptionally generous, you get incredible value for your money.
Menu Recommendations
- Mulhwe Deopbap (Cold Raw Fish Soup & Rice): The signature dish can be enjoyed as a refreshing soup or mixed like a bibimbap with rice.
- Urok Maewuntang (Spicy Rockfish Stew): My personal favorite maewuntang of all time. Zero fishy odor, perfectly balanced spice, and deeply satisfying. (Note: Jangchi stew is also available seasonally, but the rockfish stew is a foolproof choice).
- The Secret Weapon—Side Seaweed Soup (Miyeok-guk): Don’t overlook the side dishes! The homemade seaweed soup served here is deeply flavorful and rich, cooked down to perfection. It is so good that you can easily finish a whole bowl of rice with just this soup alone.
Location, Parking, and Tips for Visitors
63 Jungangbudu-gil – Google Maps
- Address: 63, Jungangbudu-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
- Convenient Location: Situated right next to Sokcho Central Market, making it easy to grab a meal and take a relaxing digestive walk through the market stalls afterward.
- Parking & Accessibility: While the alley leading into the restaurant can feel a bit narrow, parking is available right next to the building. The friendly staff expertly assist with street parking or valet-style guidance, ensuring a stress-free arrival.
- Seating & Wait Times: The interior is spacious. While it gets packed during peak tourist seasons, the restaurant has a high turnover rate, meaning wait times are usually minimal (around 10 minutes max).
Final Ratings & Verdict
- Taste: 4.9 / 5 (The spicy stew is elite tier nationwide)
- Accessibility: 4.0 / 5 (Right next to Sokcho Central Market, though the entrance alley is slightly narrow)
- Service: 3.8 / 5 (It can get quite loud and busy during rush hours)
- Cleanliness: 4.0 / 5 (Standard, neat local restaurant environment)
If you want to experience authentic Sokcho coastal flavors without falling into tourist traps, make sure to add Songdo Mulhwe to your South Korea travel bucket list!