Ramen in Sokcho near Yeonggeumjeong: Ichiba Ramen

While traveling in Yangyang, I stopped in Sokcho and visited Ichiba Ramen (이찌바라멘). I had been drinking the night before, and with rain falling, I was craving a hot, rich broth. We ordered tonkotsu, karai, and miso ramen to compare the different flavors.

Where is Ichiba Ramen, and is parking available?

The address is 348 Jungang-ro, Sokcho-si, near Yeonggeumjeong. I heard it had originally been near Sokcho Jungang Market before expanding and relocating to its current spot. The hours listed in the original post are 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with last orders at 8:30 PM.

It was nearly full when I visited at lunchtime. Customers kept coming and going, but turnover was fairly quick, so we found seats before long. You can park in front of the restaurant, and I heard that using the nearby Yeongnangho Lake Park parking lot also comes with 30 minutes of parking support.

Are there seats for solo diners or families?

The interior was more spacious and comfortable than I expected. There were counter seats well suited to solo diners, along with tables for two to five people, and high chairs were available. It looked convenient for solo travelers as well as families and groups of friends.

While waiting, I looked at a dog doll facing the window and another doll dancing to the music on top of a speaker. The restroom was inside the restaurant and was kept clean.

What are the ramen prices and ordering system?

Because the restaurant is run by one chef, you order at a kiosk and pick up the food yourself. At the time of my visit, tonkotsu ramen was ₩9,000, which felt reasonably priced to me.

I heard that the chef graduated from Hattori Nutrition College in Japan, which made me even more curious about the ramen. To try several flavors, we ordered tonkotsu ramen, karai ramen, miso ramen, and karaage (Japanese fried chicken).

How did the tonkotsu, karai, and miso ramen differ?

Overall, the ramen tasted similar to what I have had in Japan. The toppings, as well as the broth, varied slightly by type, so each bowl had a distinct character.

How were the tonkotsu ramen broth and toppings?

The tonkotsu ramen had a rich, deep broth. Since it was raining, the hot soup was especially satisfying, and it made me want to add rice to the last of the broth. The chashu was tender without any off smell, while the soft-boiled egg had a moist yolk that went well with the ramen.

How spicy was the karai ramen?

The karai ramen was lightly spicy with a clean, warming heat. While the tonkotsu was rich and substantial, the spice made the karai feel a little lighter. It suited my palate well when I was looking for a warm broth after drinking the night before.

What flavor did the miso ramen have?

The miso ramen had the savory, nutty flavor characteristic of fermented soybean paste. I think it would suit anyone who likes Japanese-style miso ramen. Its toppings also differed slightly from the other bowls, giving me the sense that the ingredients had been chosen to match the flavor.

How were the ramen portion and noodle texture?

For me, the portion felt as generous as ordering an extra-large serving at another ramen restaurant. The noodles were thin and fine but chewy, making for a filling meal. Each seat had pepper and chili powder, so I added a little midway through for a change of flavor.

How was the karaage with the ramen?

The karaage was a good side dish to pick at alongside the ramen. The coating was crisp, the chicken was moist, and it was well seasoned enough to enjoy on its own.

What stayed with me from this meal were the different broth flavors and the generous portions. Although I had to order and pick up the food myself, I was satisfied with the price, food, and cleanliness of the restaurant. It was a fitting meal for when I wanted a warm broth during a trip to Sokcho.