Sokcho market deodeok dakgangjeong for a beach swim: Seomin Gapbu

Where to eat dakgangjeong in Sokcho Central Market besides Manseok?

My pick in Sokcho Central Market, instead of Manseok Dakgangjeong, was Seomin Gapbu Sijang Dakjip (서민갑부 시장닭집). Sokcho Central Market is a must-visit on any Sokcho trip.

Manseok Dakgangjeong (sweet crispy fried chicken) is so famous that you have probably tried it at least once, so this time I wanted somewhere a little different and visited Seomin Gapbu Sijang Dakjip.

It has been featured on the TV program "Good Morning Korea" so my expectations were up, and it was impressive to see people constantly lining up even inside the market. It looks humble from outside, but that kind of vibe actually feels more trustworthy.

What is Seomin Gapbu Sijang Dakjip like inside?

Seomin Gapbu Sijang Dakjip is a takeout-focused shop inside Sokcho Central Market, and since everything is fried right when you order, turnover is fast. It is not big or stylish, being a market stall, but the lively, friendly market atmosphere is fully alive.

You can watch the cooking, and the oil looked clean and the place felt hygienically managed, which I liked.

Seomin Gapbu Sijang Dakjip menu and prices

The signature item at Seomin Gapbu Sijang Dakjip is the deodeok dakgangjeong at ₩24,000, while regular dakgangjeong runs ₩21,000-24,000. The menu is as follows.

• Deodeok dakgangjeong: ₩24,000
• Regular dakgangjeong: ₩21,000-24,000
• Nurungji ojingeo sundae / Abai sundae (Sokcho specialties)

The signature here is the deodeok dakgangjeong. Unlike regular dakgangjeong, it comes with fresh deodeok mixed in.

Since it is fried after you order, there can be a short wait, and I actually waited about 10-15 minutes.

Does deodeok dakgangjeong stay crispy at the beach?

I ordered the deodeok dakgangjeong, took it to the beach in front of our accommodation, and ate it while playing in the water. I highly recommend this combo.

Texture first: even after the time spent on takeout, it was not soggy at all and the crunch was still there.

This is a pretty big deal, and it is the point that earns it the title of a dakgangjeong gem. The sauce is not too sweet or harsh, with a rich savory depth. Once you start, you keep reaching for more.

Is the deodeok flavor too strong?

Now the key part: the deodeok. The deodeok dakgangjeong at Seomin Gapbu Sijang Dakjip has more fresh deodeok than I expected, about 2-3 pieces by feel. I worried its distinctive aroma would be strong, but it blended well into the sauce and was not overwhelming.

If anything, the subtle aroma gave it much more flavor than regular dakgangjeong.

The balance is good enough that even people who dislike deodeok could eat it, so it should not divide opinion much. Eating it while looking at the sea, honestly, made it taste at least 1.5 times better.

Seomin Gapbu Sijang Dakjip pros and cons

Pros

• Dakgangjeong that stays crispy
• Deodeok makes it a distinctive menu item
• Sauce is not overdone and is addictive
• Easy to reach inside Sokcho Central Market

Cons

• Wait after ordering
• Awkward to sit and eat, as it is a market
• Lines at popular times

Seomin Gapbu Sijang Dakjip location and parking

Seomin Gapbu Sijang Dakjip is inside Sokcho Central Market and easy to find: enter the market from the Mega Coffee side and it is right there. Parking is easiest at the Central Market public parking lot.

In peak season, though, the parking wait can be quite long, so I recommend going a bit early if you can.

Would I go back to Seomin Gapbu Sijang Dakjip? Tips

In conclusion, if you have only had Manseok Dakgangjeong, Seomin Gapbu Sijang Dakjip is worth stopping by at least once. Personally, if you are looking for a different kind of dakgangjeong, I was perfectly satisfied.

I would go back. Next time I definitely plan to try the nurungji ojingeo sundae too.

• It is fried to order, so allow some time
• Takeout eaten at the beach or your accommodation is a highly recommended combo
• If it is your first time, definitely give the deodeok dakgangjeong a try