Sokcho Korean restaurant for kid-friendly Abai sundae: Hwangbuja Twigim

Wrapping up a Sokcho trip with takeout from Hwangbuja Twigim, a great spot for Sokcho squid sundae: location, parking, and hours

After wrapping up a short but still-too-short two-night, three-day trip to Sokcho, I was reluctant to leave without one last bite, so I picked up squid sundae and Abai sundae from Hwangbuja Twigim (황부자튀김), a popular spot in Sokcho Jungang Market. The squid sundae had just been cooked in clean oil, and it was so good even cold that I regretted not buying more. Let me share this must-try Sokcho Jungang Market food: squid sundae and Abai sundae.

Recommended sundae dishes and takeout tips at Hwangbuja Twigim

• Recommended dishes: the new nurungji squid sundae, and mild Abai sundae that children enjoy
• Parking tip: use the public parking lot across from Jungang Market; purchases of ₩15,000 or more receive a 30-minute free parking voucher
• Takeout verdict: warm it up at home for an essential Sokcho travel snack that goes wonderfully with beer

Hwangbuja Twigim at Sokcho Jungang Market: location and visitor information

The address is Stalls 26–27, Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market, 16 Jungang-ro 147beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea (강원특별자치도 속초시 중앙로147번길 16 속초관광수산시장 26·27호), right inside the market's main shopping area. Hours are 08:00–20:30 daily, with regular closure every Wednesday. There is a dining area with seats for solo diners, couples, and groups, and takeout and reservations are available too.

Ordering Set No. 11 and Abai sundae to take home

There are lots of options, from individual items to jeon (pan-fried dishes) and half-and-half sets, but I ordered the best-marked Set No. 11—squid sundae plus nurungji squid sundae—for ₩20,000, along with Abai sundae for ₩10,000. They cooked everything fresh as soon as I ordered, so I wanted to eat it right away, but the drive home was long, which was a little disappointing. Next time I visit Sokcho, warm squid sundae will be the very first thing I eat.

How crispy is nurungji squid sundae?

Nurungji squid sundae is a new menu item at Hwangbuja Twigim and apparently one of its most popular dishes these days. The outside was crispy like nurungji, the browned rice crust pressed firmly in a pan, while the chewy squid texture inside remained intact, becoming more savory with every bite. The smell filled the car during the drive home and made it so hard to wait, but pairing it with a cold beer as soon as I got home made for the perfect late-night snack. If you love a crispy texture, you have to try it.

The mild flavor of original squid sundae

The squid sundae is generously packed with meat and vegetables, then cooked golden in an egg batter, giving it a nutty, mild flavor. It is perfect for anyone looking for an original squid sundae that just about everyone can enjoy.

The Abai sundae my child enjoyed too

Abai sundae was the dish my daughter chose. Its casing was pleasantly chewy and the filling soft, with absolutely no unpleasant odor, so the kids ate it really well too. It was not strongly seasoned and had a rich savory flavor, making it nice as a snack for children or a side dish with a meal.

I only brought home sundae because I worried it might be too much that day, but looking at the photos, the fried items look so delicious too—I really regret not buying more 😂 It also made me want to go back to Sokcho. Next time, I am eating both the sundae and the fried snacks. If you are deciding where to eat or what food to try at Sokcho Jungang Market, pick up a sundae set suited to your taste from the truly delicious Hwangbuja Twigim.