Sokcho grain gangjeong stall: crisping it back in a pan, Ibuja Mayak

It's hard to skip a stroll through Sokcho Tourist Fisheries Market when you're visiting Sokcho.

While checking out Sokcho Central Market restaurants this time, I was looking for a light Sokcho snack rather than a full meal and came across the handmade grain gangjeong (grain crisp) at Ibuja Mayak Gotgan.

Made from five grains — brown rice, buckwheat, white rice, black rice and yellow rice — all mixed into one bag, and with tasting available, this place is worth a look if you're after a Sokcho dessert or souvenir.

I tried it myself and packed two bags to take home — the crisp yet chewy texture made it easier to keep reaching for than I expected, even at home.

Where is Ibuja Mayak Gotgan, and when is it open?

Ibuja Mayak Gotgan is located at unit 137, 1st floor, Sokcho Tourist Fisheries Market, 16 Jungang-ro147beon-gil, Sokcho, Gangwon, South Korea.

It's open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., so it's easy to visit while wandering the market.

When you get to the stall, gangjeong made from brown rice, buckwheat, white rice, black rice and yellow rice are displayed by type, and the colorful array catches your eye right away.

Small pieces for tasting and toothpicks are set out in front, so you can check the taste before buying rather than jumping straight in.

According to the description, the five grains are steamed, dried with hot air, then aged to remove moisture before being made into gangjeong.

The stall makes and sells its product the same day.

Five-color grain gangjeong from ₩10,000 a bag

Ibuja Mayak Gotgan's grain gangjeong has a simple lineup, so it was easy to choose.

The set of 8 pieces is ₩10,000, and the set of 12 is ₩15,000.

Each bag holds brown rice, buckwheat, white rice, black rice and yellow rice gangjeong together, which I liked since you don't have to eat just one flavor the whole time.

The shape and color differ a bit by grain, so there's some fun in picking each piece out.

The black rice gangjeong stood out most among the five, with purple grains dotted throughout, while the white rice and yellow rice ones were striking with grains puffed up like popped rice snacks.

Each piece is about palm-sized, bigger than I expected.

For origin, brown rice, black rice and white rice are domestic, while the buckwheat is from China — worth noting when you buy.

How the gangjeong tastes: crisp outside, chewy inside

You might think grain gangjeong sounds too hard or too sweet, but the first thing I noticed eating it was a crisp yet chewy texture.

On top of that came the nutty flavor unique to grains, which was nice to reach for whenever I wanted something to nibble on.

With five kinds in one bag, it doesn't get boring the way eating just one type would, and there's fun in finding which one suits your taste.

Softened gangjeong? Re-crisp it in a pan over low heat

There was also guidance on how to enjoy the gangjeong again if it goes hard or soggy after a few days in storage.

You can microwave it for about 20 seconds and let it cool slightly, or lightly toast it in a pan over low heat.

They say pan-toasting in particular brings out a nutty aroma like nurungji (scorched rice), so if you're planning to buy some as a Sokcho souvenir and eat it a few days later, this tip is worth remembering.

Why Ibuja Mayak Gotgan works as a Sokcho snack and souvenir

Wandering around Sokcho Central Market, you'll find everything from dakgangjeong (fried chicken bites) and squid sundae that are best eaten right away, to food you can take home.

Among all that, I liked that Ibuja Mayak Gotgan's grain gangjeong is light to carry and good to bring home and eat slowly.

It seems especially well suited to those thinking about a Sokcho souvenir for parents or older relatives, or anyone looking for a simple snack while browsing the market.

Above all, having tasting pieces ready means first-time visitors can try it and check if it suits their taste before buying, which was a plus.

There's also a note that writing a Naver receipt review gets you a sample rice gangjeong, so check that out when you visit.

I packed two bags this time, and pulling pieces out one by one at home, they disappeared faster than I expected.

If you're browsing Sokcho Central Market restaurants and want a different kind of Sokcho dessert, or a grain-based snack instead of the usual souvenir, it's worth trying Ibuja Mayak Gotgan's 5-color grain gangjeong before deciding.