Sokcho market takeaway snacks to eat in the car: Ibuja Mayak Gotgan

Why Ibuja Mayak Gotgan is our first stop in Sokcho Central Market

Ibuja Mayak Gotgan is a snack stall on the first floor of Sokcho Tourist Fisheries Market. Whenever our family heads to Sokcho, there's one thing we never, ever skip — stopping by Sokcho Central Market, one of the city's signature spots, to pick up snacks the whole family loves. Among all the food stalls lining the market alley, Ibuja Mayak Gotgan is the one our kid loves so much that it's become a must-stop every single time we visit Sokcho.

The flavor is nutty and crisp in a way that just fits kids' tastes perfectly, so every time we get into the market I find myself walking straight to the store. Standing in front of it, you see neat, cleanly arranged rows of snacks that make you feel good just looking at them — and my mouth starts watering. It's now fully established as our family's own go-to Sokcho Central Market spot.

What makes these snacks work so well in the car

The snacks at Ibuja Mayak Gotgan are perfect for pulling out one piece at a time while driving. Once you taste them, it's hard to stop reaching for more — they have that kind of addictive flavor. Especially while getting around Sokcho by car, there's no better snack to keep in the car and nibble on bit by bit. Whether you get a little hungry while driving or the kid gets bored in the back seat, popping one piece after another fills the car with a nutty aroma and makes the trip even more fun.

Our kid eats these snacks far more happily than any other snack, which honestly gives us as parents a lot of pride and satisfaction. Even after you've finished sightseeing in Sokcho and eaten your fill of good food, if you swing by the market, don't forget to pick some up — it's a must-buy item. The packaging is also neat and easy to carry, so you don't have to worry about it crumbling or spilling in the car, which is another thing that's really satisfying.

The snack that tastes even better on the drive home

The value really shines especially when you buy a bag of Ibuja Mayak Gotgan snacks on the way home after wrapping up your whole trip. The drive back home after a trip is always full of traffic and creeping fatigue, but strangely enough, opening the bag and eating one piece at a time makes the boredom disappear entirely.

It's the kind of snack with a magical pull that makes you lose track of time before you know it, you're already home. Thanks to that nutty, can't-stop-eating quality, our kid doesn't fuss in the car and just happily snacks away. Turning a tedious long drive into a fun little tasting session makes the road home feel reassuring and enjoyable every time.

A Sokcho market snack the whole family keeps reaching for

Sokcho is packed with all kinds of food, but it's rare to find a snack that so completely wins over everyone from kids to adults, and makes both the start and end of the trip happy. Thanks to a rich, nutty flavor that isn't too strong but keeps you reaching for more, our whole family still gathers around and shares it even after we're home. If you're planning a trip to Sokcho or plan to stop by Central Market, I strongly recommend not even hesitating and just going. It'll be the kids' favorite snack and the perfect choice for making the ride home a happy one.