Sokcho ramen lunch with spicy Kara Ramen: Ichiba Ramen

After arriving at Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal, we had lunch at Ichiba Ramen (이찌바라멘) before heading to the sea. We had drinks the night before and wanted something warm, so we both chose the spicy Kara Ramen.

How are the location and parking at Ichiba Ramen?

The address is 1F, 348 Jungang-ro, Sokcho-si, and it is near the Yeongrang-dong pocha area. If, like us, you plan to head toward the sea after your meal, it is useful to consider the location as part of your itinerary.

According to the original post, it is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with no regular closing day. Free parking is also available.

Is the atmosphere comfortable for dining alone?

The interior was brighter than I expected. Rather than a dark izakaya atmosphere, it had a somewhat familiar, casual restaurant feel.

There was counter seating, so it looked easy to find a spot alone, while the layout also worked well for dining with companions. The open kitchen gave a clear view of food being prepared.

What did we order for two, and how much was it?

At first, we considered trying different ramen, but in the end we both chose Kara Ramen. We added chashu-don (a rice bowl topped with braised pork) because we wanted rice too, and shared karaage (Japanese fried chicken) because we were craving something crisp and fried.

• Kara Ramen for two: ₩9,500 per serving
• Chashu-don: ₩5,500
• Karaage: ₩5,000

How were the Kara Ramen broth and noodles?

The Kara Ramen came with noodles, chashu, and an egg in a reddish broth. It was filling for lunch, and the broth felt deep and rich alongside its spiciness. Personally, the warm broth felt soothing after the previous night.

The noodles were noticeably firmer than the ramen I was used to. They felt springy when lifted with chopsticks and did not seem to soften easily while I ate them with the broth.

I also added a little of the Japanese-style spicy powder set out on the table. If you want more heat, it is best to taste the broth first and then add it gradually.

How were the karaage and chashu-don as sides?

The karaage had a crisp fried exterior. The texture of the coating came through first with each bite, making it nice to alternate with the ramen.

At ₩5,500, the chashu-don was a good side when I wanted to add a rice dish to the ramen. The chashu was tender and went well with the rice, and I was satisfied with the price.

The combination of chashu, rice, and ginger was particularly memorable. The ginger added a sharp, clean taste that made my palate feel fresher than when eating the meat on its own.

The rich broth and firm noodles of the Kara Ramen stood out during this meal. With its bright interior and counter seating, it seemed suitable for dining alone or, like us, having a warm meal while traveling through Sokcho before moving on.