Bakery café near Sorano, Sokcho: squid ink potato bread, Bultan Gamja

A squid ink-coated dessert that even celebrities fell for: my visit to the main store of Sokcho Bultan Gamja Bread (속초불탄감자빵), plus Sokcho jjondeugi (chewy dried snack).

Where is Sokcho Bultan Gamja Bread Main Store?

The main store is near the Sokcho resort complexes, while stores 1 and 2 are near Sokcho Central Market. Sokcho has plenty of food, but the black potato bread filled with squid ink is especially popular. Since Bultan Gamja is not only near Seoraksan but also near the market, I really felt it fits easily into whatever route you're traveling.

• Sokcho Bultan Gamja Bread Main Store – near the Sokcho resort complexes
• Stores 1 and 2 – near Sokcho Central Market

After staying at Hanwha Resort Sorano, I visited the main store with my child. It sits in Nohak-dong, Sokcho, on the road into Seoraksan National Park and the main resort complexes, so it's easy to reach by car. Worth keeping in mind if you're going.

What are the exterior and parking like?

A quiet yet hip-looking exterior

The parking lot is really big, so you can arrive by car without worrying about parking. With its wide, quiet suburban feel, the route felt great for driving over leisurely with kids.

The cute design is the first thing that catches your eye. It's a bit like Seongsu's graffiti style while keeping a quiet suburban feel, which felt kind of fresh to me.

Why is the squid ink potato bread black?

Potato bread with squid ink

The black color of Bultan Gamja comes from squid ink. I like potato bread and often order it, but I'd never seen one this black, so I was personally really curious.

Since the color comes from squid ink, it felt fine to eat with my child too. I'd heard squid ink is an ingredient that helps with antioxidants and immunity, which made it feel even more trustworthy.

Can you sit in at the Bultan Gamja main store café?

Café seating available

The main store is very spacious and also runs as a café. It felt like a place where you could spend time looking at the Seoraksan ridgeline.

High ceilings and an Ulsanbawi view

The tall windows are glare-blocking, so even from the first floor you can see Ulsanbawi (Ulsan Rock) without squinting. I liked that too.

Moosetoy drawing activity with kids

The store displays lots of Moosetoy dolls, and there's a drawing activity going on at the same time, so it seemed nice to try with a child.

There were also lots of celebrity autographs, which were fun to look around at. The overall atmosphere of the shop is relaxed, so keep that in mind.

How does the Sokcho squid-flavored jjondeugi taste?

The moment I opened the bag of squid-flavored jjondeugi from Bultan Gamja, I smelled squid, almost like tearing into a squid leg. Jjondeugi is a snack my whole family loves and we eat it often, and the squid aroma pairs well with its signature chew, so it works great as a snack for adults and kids alike.

It comes in small individual packs, which made it easy to hand to my child, and the chewiness made it even more enjoyable. I really felt it would be great to keep in the car on long drives, with no powder crumbs and a fun chew. Worth keeping in mind when ordering.

How does Bultan Gamja potato bread taste, and what does it cost?

Chewy skin + smooth potato mousse

The outer skin of the potato bread was very chewy, and one bite gave both nutty richness and a plain, clean taste, which made it even more enjoyable.

A box holds 4 pieces, and it's ₩10,000 including the packaging, which I liked even more. It was good as a gift for acquaintances too.

Inside it's packed with yellow potato mousse, very smooth and plain-tasting potato, which made it feel healthier to enjoy. It also works as a meal replacement, handy for grabbing quickly on a busy lunch.

How do you store the potato bread?

Bultan Gamja can be stored at room temperature or in the freezer. If you can't eat it the day you buy it, I recommend freezing it.

Frozen storage lasts about 2 months

Frozen, it keeps for about 2 months, so buying extra felt fine. Frozen Bultan potato bread, reheated in a microwave or air fryer, brings back its original flavor, so keep that in mind.

How to reheat frozen potato bread

• Microwave: open the bag, put the bread in a microwave-safe dish, heat 30 seconds, flip, and heat 20 seconds more. Done
• Air fryer: preheat to 180°C, open the bag, and cook for 10 minutes

A good last takeout stop on a Sokcho trip?

Overall the main store was really good for takeout, and its location is handy for a stop at the end of a Sokcho trip. The parking lot is big and the packaging is neat, so it seems good for ordering as gifts.

• Hours 9:00 – 17:00
• Large parking lot
• Takeout available
• Café seating available