Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market (Jungang Market)
16 Jungang-ro 147beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market buzzes with energy. It's where locals come to haggle over daily catches while tourists savor local delights such as crispy dak gangjeong sweet and sour chicken, chewy susu-bukkumi rice cakes, and savory seafood tempura. Renowned for its seafood, this market is a foodie's haven in Sokcho, a taste of authentic Korean flavors at every turn.
The market features on the itinerary of several multi-day guided tours from Seoul that showcase a variety of South Korea’s highlights. With tours ranging from private, bespoke itineraries to structured group adventures, visitors can explore various attractions, including Seoul’s historic landmarks, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), quaint Abai village, and the majestic Mount Seorak National Park. Those not on organized tours can fit in a market visit when independently exploring East Coast highlights.
The raw fish center, a market highlight, is usually closed on the second Wednesday of the month.
There are 350 parking spaces available, and parking discounts are available if you shop at the market. Parking is free outside of market hours.
Beyond fish and street food, there are shopping opportunities here, including clothes shops, health and beauty stores, and even a hair salon.
There are bathroom facilities available on-site.
If you’re traveling from Seoul, you can get an Intercity bus from Dong Seoul Terminal, which usually takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes. Disembark at the Intercity bus terminal, then take a 3-minute city bus to the “Tourist & Fish Market” stop. If starting at the Sokcho Express Bus Terminal, get bus Nos. 1, 7, or 9 to the Tourist & Fish Market” stop in around 20 minutes, or choose a 9-minute taxi ride instead.
Open throughout the year, the market's stalls set their own hours. For the freshest produce, morning visits are ideal—aim for an 8am arrival. But night owls need not worry; with the market buzzing until mid-evening, there's always a chance to grab a bite, ensuring that any time is a good time for a snack.
A true foodie haven—the best way to explore Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market is to taste your way around its stalls. One of the most famous dishes is a squid sundae—a stuffed and sliced squid dish with different fillings such as noodles, vegetables, and pork. The sweet and sour fried chicken always draws crowds, as does the sulbbang alcohol bread and the crab fried rice.
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