Sokcho market grain snack shop: still nutty a week later, Ibuja Mayak

What is Ibuja Mayak Gotgan?

Ibuja Mayak Gotgan (이부자마약곳간) is a shop in Sokcho Jungang Market famous for its grain snacks. Do you know the grain snack place everyone talks about? It's my must-stop for market snack gifts whenever I come to Sokcho, and it's hugely popular as a grain snack spot.

It isn't too sweet and it's made with real grains, so it works as a snack for kids and adults alike. That's why I always buy it as a gift in Sokcho.

How to find Ibuja Mayak Gotgan inside Sokcho Jungang Market

The shop is just past Manseok Dakgangjeong (famous fried chicken stall) in Sokcho Jungang Market, right before the entrance that leads further inside. It's always crowded, so you might walk right past without spotting the sign.

Just try one of the sample pieces and I bet you won't be able to leave without buying!

What do the grain snacks at Ibuja Mayak Gotgan taste like?

The shop's rule is made the same day, sold the same day. They're not too sweet, they're crisp, and you taste the nutty flavor of the grains as it is. My parents love them and everyone I give them to does too, which is why I always stop by to buy gifts.

Brown rice, buckwheat, white rice, black rice and yellow rice are puffed, then pressed onto a soft, crumbly jeonggwa (sweet syrup base) in the center, like a hangwa (traditional Korean confection). They're great dunked into ice cream, and just as good on their own.

Made the same day, so still nutty after a week

You can really tell they're made and sold the same day, right? Grain snacks can get a bit stale-smelling over time, but for a whole week after I bought them they stayed nutty and tasty. So this really is a same-day product! You can't miss it when you taste it.

For nutty, crispy grain snacks, this place is number one!! Highly recommended, no question.

Set sizes and ordering at Ibuja Mayak Gotgan

The grain snacks come in 8-piece and 12-piece sets. I ordered two 8-piece bags.

One was going to vanish at the beach anyway, so I ordered another separately as a gift, haha. And the price is really kind, isn't it? When I try to buy grain snacks in Seoul, the size is half of this and the price is much higher.

Grain snacks at the beach, even better on a hot day

Sitting at the Sokcho beach and munching these one by one is a real treat. Honestly, I didn't know grain snacks could taste this nutty until now.

They're crisp but not hard, and when the weather's a little warm, the center stretches slightly: sweet, moist, crunchy, nutty? Try them once and I bet you'll buy them as your Sokcho gift every time. My parents wait for these more than for the fried chicken.

How does the repeat purchase coupon work?

When you buy at Ibuja Mayak Gotgan, they give you a coupon. It's for one free grain snack piece: bring it on your next purchase and you get one extra.

There's no expiry date, so keep it safe and use it next time you visit Sokcho Jungang Market^^

One piece packed with grains: size and texture

Wow, see how densely the grains are packed on?

These are crispy and nutty, so there's nothing better when you're a bit hungry or want a snack.

Each piece is bigger than I expected, so the portion is generous too.

I ate one left at room temperature on a slightly warm day, and the center stretched a bit like honey. Honestly, once you taste it you'll want more!

For a Sokcho Jungang Market snack gift, I truly recommend the grain snacks at Ibuja Mayak Gotgan.

Ibuja Mayak Gotgan opening hours and location

• Address: 16 Jungangno 147beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon, South Korea, Sokcho Tourism & Fish Market, 1st floor, Unit 137 (lot-number address: 471-4 Jungangdong)
• Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 08:30 - 19:30
• Sat, Sun: 08:30 - 20:00
• Wednesday: closed (every Wednesday)

It isn't too sweet and it's made with real grains, so it's a great snack for kids and adults, and I recommend it as a Sokcho gift. A must-stop in Sokcho Jungang Market! Give it as a present and I bet the reaction will be off the charts.