# Gangneung restaurant for live abalone sashimi lunch: Jeonbok Haenyeo - By Damdam (https://superchart.com/en/@seoul-table/) - Written Sep 20, 2026 - Local places › Restaurants › Gangneung, Gangwon - Sponsored: This meal was provided as part of a sponsored store visit. - English edition: https://superchart.com/en/@seoul-table/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/ - Also in: [한국어](https://superchart.com/ko/@seoul-table/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/index.md) ## In short Gangneung Jeonbok Haenyeo Village is a Korean restaurant specialising in pressure-cooker abalone porridge, set on the first and second floors of Building Na in Solhyang Food Town on Gangmun Beach in Gangneung, Gangwon, across from St. Johns Hotel. Two servings of pressure-cooker abalone porridge came with a haenyeo (female diver) table of more than 12 dishes, including sashimi cut from 13-count live abalone, steamed scallops, steamed white whelk, abalone mulhoe (cold soup sashimi) and grilled dried flounder. Gangneung Jeonbok Haenyeo Village fills you up without weighing you down, making it an easy recommendation for family trips and dates alike. ## Good to know - **Address**: 286-1 Haean-ro, Building Na, 1st–2nd floor (Solhyang Food Town), Gangneung, Gangwon - **Hours**: 08:00–15:30, last order 14:50 - **Closed**: Every Tuesday - **Ordered**: Pressure-cooker abalone porridge, 2 servings - **Order minimum**: Meals start at 2 servings; solo diners get the same spread by ordering 2 servings - **Parking**: Dedicated lot in the food town, free for up to 2 hours with a meal - **Seating**: 1st floor hall; 2nd floor hall and private rooms for groups - **Takeout**: Abalone porridge from 2 servings, seaweed soup from 1 serving - **Dogs**: Large dogs over 15 kg not allowed; small dogs welcome in a carrier or stroller *as written by the visitor on Sep 20, 2026* ![Signature haenyeo table spread at Gangneung Jeonbok Haenyeo Village](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-01-r0xzv-1200.webp) On the last day of my Gangneung trip, I wanted to skip the usual food and end things with something gentle on the stomach but special. Looking for somewhere I could eat until full, I found Gangneung Jeonbok Haenyeo Village (강릉전복해녀마을), a spot known for a table full of fresh live abalone. The seafood quality, the generous spread, and the care in the cooking all impressed me, so I'm sharing it as a Gangneung lunch spot worth knowing. ## Where is Gangneung Jeonbok Haenyeo Village, and where do you park? Gangneung Jeonbok Haenyeo Village is a Korean restaurant by Gangmun Beach, taking up the 1st and 2nd floors of Building Na in Solhyang Food Town at 286-1 Haean-ro, Gangneung, Gangwon. It's open 08:00–15:30 with last order at 14:50, and closed every Tuesday. ![Vertical shot of the Gangneung Jeonbok Haenyeo Village building exterior](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-02-sgg2y-966.webp) ![View of Building Na, Solhyang Food Town, along Haean-ro](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-03-1yp3l-966.webp) It's right on the main road across from St. Johns Hotel, so it's easy to find even on a first visit. Just search '286-1 Haean-ro, Gangneung, Gangwon' in navigation — the restaurant spans the 1st and 2nd floors of Building Na in Solhyang Food Town. There's a dedicated parking lot within the complex, and parking is free for up to 2 hours with a meal, so I could focus on eating without any parking stress. ![Restaurant entrance and direction to the parking lot](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-04-e4oyo-966.webp) ![Vertical photo of the entrance signage](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-05-4x8b3-m-966.webp) ![1st floor interior hallway at Gangneung Jeonbok Haenyeo Village](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-06-cdj9b-m-966.webp) ## Inside the two floors: window seats over the rice paddies Walking in, the open, pleasant interior stood out right away. The 1st floor was lively and clean, and the staff greeted us warmly, which made a great first impression. ![1st floor hall seating area](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-07-jjxww-966.webp) Going up to the 2nd floor, a lush green field view opened up beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows — genuinely beautiful. Eating while enjoying that peaceful green view felt like proper healing. The 2nd floor also has private rooms in addition to the hall, which would be great for groups wanting some privacy. ![2nd floor seat with a field view through the window](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-08-18ubp-966.webp) ![2nd floor dining space with hall and private rooms](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-09-wn9av-966.webp) ## Ordering 2 servings of pressure-cooker abalone porridge, one pot per table The defining feature of this Gangneung lunch spot is its philosophy: 'one pot cooked for one table, served as one complete spread.' Abalone porridge is often simmered in bulk and ladled out, but here they start a fresh pressure-cooker batch for your table the moment you order. We ordered the signature pressure-cooker abalone porridge for 2, as a combined breakfast and lunch. Meals start at 2 servings, but they said solo diners can order 2 servings and dine the same way! ![Table set for the pressure-cooker abalone porridge for two](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-10-q7xu0-966.webp) ## What comes on the 12-dish haenyeo table? After the wait, the haenyeo table (해녀한상) that arrived at Gangneung Jeonbok Haenyeo Village was genuinely impressive. We only ordered porridge, but over 12 elaborate dishes came out on a large bamboo tray. Note that the lineup isn't fixed — it changes with the season and available ingredients. ![Full haenyeo table spread on a bamboo tray](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-11-b22ac-966.webp) The first thing that caught my eye was the fresh seafood and seaweed in the center, along with salted flying fish roe. (Definitely try the flying fish roe with the abalone porridge!) ![Plate of seafood, seaweed, and salted flying fish roe](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-12-x1iig-966.webp) ### Tasting live abalone sashimi for the first time (13 abalone per kilo) I'd only ever had cooked abalone before, so this was my first time trying raw abalone sashimi at a Gangneung lunch spot — and it immediately proved their claim of using only live, 13-count abalone, never frozen. I dipped a glossy, bumpy-textured piece of pale abalone sashimi into vinegar-chili sauce and took a bite. The crunch was so fresh it practically echoed in my ears, and the more I chewed, the more a subtle ocean sweetness came through — genuinely impressive. ![Plate of raw abalone sashimi from live abalone](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-13-14q7v-966.webp) ![Abalone sashimi dipped in vinegar-chili sauce](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-14-wkqdb-966.webp) The boiled meat, cooked moist with no gamey smell, paired well with the seasoned chives, and every one of the neat side dishes was excellent. Since the lineup changes slightly with the season instead of repeating, I could always expect something new. ![Boiled meat, seasoned chives, and neat side dishes](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-15-ke57r-966.webp) ### Steamed abalone and scallops from the bamboo steamer Inside the bamboo steamer sat large, appetizing steamed abalone and scallops. The reddish-purple shell colors added to the visual appeal. Picking up a plump, moisture-rich scallop with chopsticks and biting in, the texture was tender yet chewy, releasing a sweet juice that made a great starter. ![Steamed abalone and scallops in a bamboo steamer](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-16-o38sm-966.webp) ![Scallop meat picked up with chopsticks](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-17-1mcr0-966.webp) The abalone in the steamer at this Gangneung lunch spot was also steamed soft, not chewy at all, so I could really taste its clean, mild flavor. ![Close-up of the softly steamed abalone](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-18-hn2qz-966.webp) ![Steamed abalone taken out of the steamer](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-19-y0pjl-966.webp) ![Vertical photo of steamed abalone being picked up](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-20-10nqc-966.webp) ### Steamed white whelk The steamed white whelk in the bamboo steamer was also a treat not to miss. Warm and still steaming, the meat popped out plump and springy when pulled with a fork. The richness of the innards blended with the chewy texture of the meat, and dipping it generously in the red vinegar-chili sauce brought a burst of ocean flavor. ![Bamboo steamer of steamed white whelk](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-21-1pafj-966.webp) ![Whelk meat pulled out with a fork](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-22-74cp4-966.webp) ### Abalone mulhoe and grilled dried flounder The abalone mulhoe (cold raw seafood soup, 전복물회) had an excellent tangy, sweet, and icy-cold broth. A whole scored abalone sat on top of the shredded radish, and combined with the cold broth, its already firm texture became even crunchier — the mix with the spicy-tangy vegetables was fantastic. ![Abalone mulhoe with a whole abalone on top](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-23-1ksta-966.webp) The grilled dried flounder was another rice thief in its own right. The well-dried flounder was grilled golden, crisp on the outside and chewy inside. The more I chewed, the more its savory fish flavor came through, and the seasoning was mild rather than overly salty — perfect for scooping a big piece onto the porridge with a spoon. ![Golden grilled dried flounder](https://img.superchart.com/images/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch-24-jki1e-966.webp) ## How the abalone porridge tastes, served in the pressure cooker While we were still working through the side dishes, the pressure-cooker abalone porridge from Gangneung Jeonbok Haenyeo Village arrived steaming and dramatic. Instead of being ladled into a bowl beforehand, it's brought to the table in the actual pressure cooker it was cooked in — the moment the lid came off, a nutty, rich aroma of abalone innards spread through the air. Stirring it with the ladle brought up an even deeper ocean scent that made my mouth water. Cooked briefly under high pressure, the deep green color of the fresh abalone innards had soaked completely into every grain of rice. Ladling a generous scoop into a bowl revealed plenty of large-cut abalone meat. Following the haenyeo's traditional cooking method, there was no artificial seasoning taste at all — just the deep, rich umami of quality ingredients filling my mouth, making it impossible to put the spoon down. The way the fully softened rice grains melted together with the springy, chewy abalone meat was wonderful. ## Reservations, takeout and bringing a dog Even after eating until the table was practically groaning under the food, what satisfied me most was that my stomach felt completely comfortable afterward, with no heaviness at all. I'd recommend this Gangneung lunch spot to anyone taking their parents on a healing family trip, or looking for a clean, pleasant date spot. - For takeout, abalone porridge is available from 2 servings, seaweed soup from 1 serving - Booking ahead via Naver Reservations lets you skip the wait - Dogs over 15kg have difficulty entering - Small dogs can dine along if brought in a dedicated carrier or stroller (excessive barking may lead to restrictions, so check the store's posted notice) ## Where it is - Gangneung Jeonbok Haenyeo Village (강릉전복해녀마을) - 286-1 Haean-ro, Building Na, 1st-2nd floor, Gangneung, Gangwon, South Korea - 강원특별자치도 강릉시 해안로 286-1 나동 1~2층 - 37.790759, 128.9207161 - Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/%EA%B0%95%EB%A6%89%EC%A0%84%EB%B3%B5%ED%95%B4%EB%85%80%EB%A7%88%EC%9D%84/@37.790759,128.9207161,17z --- Superchart · https://superchart.com/en/@seoul-table/gangneung-abalone-haenyeo-village-sashimi-lunch/ · https://superchart.com/llms.txt