Sokcho seafood market squid sashimi takeout: Jinmi Hwareo Center

When planning a trip to Sokcho, one essential stop you simply cannot leave out is wandering the lively market and tasting fresh seafood. Today, I’m introducing Jinmi Hwareo Center (진미활어센터), a sashimi takeout specialist inside Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market, also known as Jungang Market, that has earned word-of-mouth praise for its friendly service and great value.

Where is Jinmi Hwareo Center, and where can I park?

Location 16 Jungang-ro 147beon-gil Basement, Unit 145 Sokcho-si, Gangwon State

Parking: Use the Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market public parking lot (a parking discount voucher may be issued with a market purchase).

Jinmi Hwareo Center is located at 16 Jungang-ro 147beon-gil in Sokcho-si, Gangwon State, inside the bustling Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market.

The market layout can feel a little complicated, but once you head into the seafood alley, it is easy to find among the clustered tanks full of fresh fish.

If you are driving, the official Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market public parking lot is the most convenient option. It is only a few minutes’ walk from the lot to the market building, so access is excellent. In particular, after buying sashimi at the shop, ask for a parking discount voucher to receive the benefit—be sure to check when paying. It is also easy to reach by public transit, as the market is centrally located and served by major Sokcho bus routes.

Ordering flounder and squid sashimi to take away

Order Flounder sashimi: ₩30,000 Squid sashimi (small): 2 squid, ₩15,000

One of Jinmi Hwareo Center’s biggest strengths is being able to get fresh domestic squid at a reasonable price. They told me they handle only 100% Korean squid, which made it even easier to enjoy with confidence.

There is a small space where you can eat quickly inside, but the real charm of a Sokcho trip is taking it back to your accommodation or settling onto a bench near the beach and enjoying it comfortably, so I strongly recommend takeaway. The owners lift the fish straight from the tanks and prepare it skillfully as soon as you order, so even watching while you wait is fun.

Above all, the owner couple’s expressions and service were friendliness itself. It is the kind of place where the pleasant energy makes you smile even while waiting for your order.

How did the squid and flounder sashimi taste?

Squid sashimi and whole steamed squid

They were small rather than huge squid, but with today’s prices, two squid for ₩15,000 really felt like an excellent deal. It was a perfect value combination: chewy, lightly sweet squid sashimi alongside springy flounder sashimi, both at an easygoing price.

Thick-cut flounder sashimi

Flounder sashimi, with its wonderfully springy and firm texture, is a best-seller I never tire of. Cut nice and thick, it had a real bite in the mouth and a clean, mild flavor without any fishiness. Of course, it paired beautifully with chojang (sweet-tangy red chili dipping sauce) or wasabi soy sauce, and it was packed neatly in a takeaway container, staying fresh and undisturbed on the trip back to our accommodation.

It would not be an exaggeration to call this Jinmi Hwareo Center’s hidden star. Their pride in handling only 100% domestic squid really stood out. The small squid were not especially large compared with recent market prices, but two for ₩15,000 is an extremely appealing deal. The squid’s characteristic mild sweetness and bouncy chew were so addictive that I could not put my chopsticks down.

Why it was a great sashimi takeaway stop at Sokcho Central Market

• The owners are exceptionally kind from start to finish, making the takeaway experience naturally brighten your mood.
• Because it is inside Central Market, it is very convenient to combine with dakgangjeong (Korean sweet crispy fried chicken) and other market foods on the same shopping route.
• There is hardly a better place to pick up a light plate of sashimi before heading to your accommodation.
• If you want friendly service and fresh live-fish sashimi at good value in Sokcho Central Market, visit Jinmi Hwareo Center!