Sokcho tofu restaurant, 7 am couple's trip and squid sundae: Jinsol

Since our trip last fall, we hadn't gone anywhere at all. We were buried in daily life, T_T and both my husband and I realized we were completely worn out. So off we went to Sokcho!!! A healing plus eating trip, and when you think Sokcho, you think sundubu (soft tofu), right? Looking for a great Sokcho sundubu place, we ended up at Jinsol Halmeoni Sundubu (진솔할머니순두부), and I'd like to introduce it to you :D

What time does Jinsol Halmeoni Sundubu open?

Jinsol Halmeoni Sundubu in Sokcho opens at 7 am, and it was already famous as a breakfast spot. Even that early, quite a few people were already eating.

The atmosphere felt like a warm, friendly country house, which put my mind at ease too. We came at a quiet time, so we could pick a seat without any rush. Stepping into a restaurant full of warmth on an early morning made the start of our trip feel even more perfect. The place was also tidy, and I thought it would be great for families or couples alike 😋

What are the basic sides and the self-serve bar like?

The basic sides at Jinsol Halmeoni Sundubu were japchae (glass noodle stir-fry), salted squid, stuffed cucumber kimchi, anchovies, stir-fried seaweed stems, and macaroni salad. Every one of them was tasty, and there's a self-serve bar where you can grab more of whatever you need, which is so convenient!!

Buckwheat pancake as an extra side

They also gave us this buckwheat pancake as an extra side, and it was way better than I expected?! Better than what we get back where we live, I'd say haha. There didn't seem to be much in it, but it was nutty and so good!!

How does the jjamppong sundubu taste?

We ordered the signature jjamppong sundubu at Jinsol Halmeoni Sundubu, and the moment it arrived, the spicy aroma hit my nose and my mouth watered. Soft tofu and seafood came together for a deep flavor that was truly the best. The grilled dried pollack (hwangtae) we had with it was seasoned just right too, and a bowl of rice vanished in no time.

Is it okay if you can't eat spicy food?

The spice level of the jjamppong sundubu can be adjusted, so even people who don't handle spicy food well should be able to enjoy it without worry. It isn't harsh, yet it soothes your stomach, so I had to admit this is a proper Sokcho sundubu restaurant. If you try this flavor, I think you won't forget it ✨

Squid sundae served with dried radish salad

Squid sundae (squid stuffed with a savory filling) is a Sokcho must, so we ordered one at Jinsol Halmeoni Sundubu too. Unusually, it comes with muMalaengi (seasoned dried radish) and they tell you to eat them together. Nutty squid sundae with tangy, spicy dried radish was such a good pairing that it's hard to find a better match haha

What about the wait and break time?

There may be a wait at Jinsol Halmeoni Sundubu during mealtimes, but tables turn over fast, so we didn't have to wait as long as expected. Break time is 4 pm to 5 pm, so keep that in mind.

Personally, the side dishes were so good that I refilled them twice. You really feel the homemade, heartfelt cooking, so it left nothing to be desired as a Sokcho sundubu restaurant. It's also easy to reach from nearby attractions, which makes planning your day convenient. I'd definitely eat here again 😉

Thanks to Jinsol Halmeoni Sundubu, which is gentle yet fills you up, we got to start our trip on a very happy note. When you're craving a warm meal, I recommend stopping by.