Sokcho market salted seafood to top rice instead of kimchi: Hwangbuja

Whenever I plan a trip to Sokcho, there's one course I never skip. The ocean views are great and the food is fun, but the food gifts I carry home when the trip ends are what really stretch out that post-vacation glow.

Why return to Hwangbuja Jeotgal at Sokcho market?

Among all the must-visit spots at Sokcho Central Market, the jeotgal (salted seafood) corner is one you really can't skip. Out of the countless shops there, I once again went straight back to Hwangbuja Jeotgal, the Sokcho jeotgal shop I never forget to visit on every trip. Walking through the lively market alley and stepping into the store, rows of neatly arranged jeotgal catch your eye right away — and since the octopus jeotgal and pollock hoe-muchim (mixed raw pollock) I bought last time were so good at home, I headed back without a second thought. This is easily my top pick among Sokcho Central Market restaurants and shops.

What kinds of jeotgal does Hwangbuja Jeotgal sell?

True to its reputation as a Sokcho Central Market jeotgal favorite, the shop is spotless and beautifully organized, which always puts me in a good mood the moment I walk in. The display case was packed with all kinds of mouth-watering options — my favorite octopus jeotgal, plus pollock roe, low-salt white pollock roe, squid jeotgal, squid sikhae, pollock hoe, pollock hoe-muchim, gajami sikhae (flatfish sikhae), and seed jeotgal.

This visit's picks: octopus jeotgal and scallop jeotgal

Since the whole family loved the octopus and pollock hoe-muchim I brought home last time, I made sure to grab my favorite octopus jeotgal again, and added scallop jeotgal, which I'd been wanting to try. The owner was generous, packing everything in tight, which made it look perfect for Sokcho Central Market souvenirs or thank-you gifts for people you care about.

Back home, I excitedly set the octopus jeotgal and scallop jeotgal I'd just bought on the table for a simple meal. What really stands out compared to jeotgal from other places is the texture and the balance of seasoning — both on a completely different level.

How they taste at home: a side dish that replaces kimchi

The crunchy, springy texture is far more alive here than in jeotgal from anywhere else, so every bite is a little pleasure. And unlike ordinary jeotgal that's just aggressively salty, the seasoning here is savory with just the right hint of sweetness and nuttiness — draped over warm rice, it's basically a rice thief. I didn't even bother pulling out kimchi; it worked perfectly well as the side dish on its own, which made mealtime a lot more interesting. The scallop jeotgal, which I tried for the first time here, proved to be a great pick too, with its chewiness and crunch working beautifully together.

This place satisfies me every single time I buy from it, so I always recommend it to friends heading to Sokcho — a true hidden gem at Sokcho Central Market. It's never overpoweringly salty, so you don't get tired of it, and the flavor keeps you interested down to the very last bite. Thanks to it, I no longer have to worry about side dishes at our table for a while.

If you're enjoying a Sokcho trip and thinking about hearty, delicious side dishes or a Sokcho Central Market gift for someone special, don't hesitate — stop by. Thanks to the jeotgal I bought at Hwangbuja Jeotgal, a Sokcho jeotgal shop known for its clean seasoning and standout texture, I get to keep enjoying the afterglow of this trip at home for a long time.