Sokcho market mulhoe spot: ₩25,000 abalone mulhoe feeds two, Hwanggeum

Once I got to Sokcho, I was definitely craving raw fish. Sokcho is famous for mulhoe, so I agonized over which place to try. While digging through reviews, Sokcho Hwanggeum Mulhoe Hoetjip (속초황금물회횟집) caught my eye. It's a brand-new shop, but the reviews were so good, and it's known for nothing but mulhoe, so I couldn't not go. The portion was big and the fish was fresh, so it was a happy day!

Sokcho Hwanggeum Mulhoe Hoetjip: location, parking and takeout

Sokcho Hwanggeum Mulhoe Hoetjip is a mulhoe specialty raw fish restaurant at 24 Jungangno 147beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon, South Korea, on the ground floor, near the entrance of Sokcho Jungang Market. For parking, use the Jungang Market public parking lot, and takeout is available.

• 📍 Location: 24 Jungangno 147beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon (near the entrance of Sokcho Jungang Market)
• ⏰ Hours: check before visiting (market-area shops tend to open early in the morning and close in the evening)
• 🚗 Parking: Jungang Market public parking lot
• ✔️ Other: mulhoe specialty, takeout available

It's inside the market alleys, so walking is easier than driving. We were wandering the market and just drifted in.

What to eat at Sokcho Hwanggeum Mulhoe Hoetjip

The name says it's a mulhoe place, so for a first visit there's nothing to think about: get the mulhoe. There's the basic Hwanggeum mulhoe, and the abalone mulhoe with abalone on top.

We chose the abalone mulhoe at ₩25,000. Mulhoe with abalone on top seemed like the perfect cherry on the cake.

Is the fish in the tank fresh?

The fish in the tank at Sokcho Hwanggeum Mulhoe Hoetjip were lively. Mulhoe is made to order, so it takes a little while, and meanwhile we watched the fish in the tank. Some places have fish that aren't swimming around so energetically, but this Sokcho mulhoe favorite was different.

There were also all kinds of fish and raw fish ingredients on one side of the tank. Very much Gangwon-do, with freshness you can see. Mulhoe aside, the regular sashimi looked delicious too. Next time I think I'll try the assorted sashimi!

Worried because it's your first mulhoe?

Mulhoe is raw fish mixed into a sweet, sour and spicy chilled broth, so there's no need to be scared as a first-timer, and even people who don't eat raw fish usually get it down. If spice worries you, pour in some extra icy broth to dilute it, and it's just right.

I'd already eaten a ton of other market food, so we ordered just one portion of abalone mulhoe. That turned out to be a stroke of genius.

Thanks to the cooler bag Sokcho Hwanggeum Mulhoe Hoetjip gave us, there's no worry about taking raw fish to go in hot summer. So we got to enjoy the mulhoe nice and cold.

How big is one portion of abalone mulhoe?

One portion of abalone mulhoe at Sokcho Hwanggeum Mulhoe Hoetjip was like two portions. I was shocked when I first saw the takeout. This is one portion?!

Vegetables are piled high over the red-tinted sauce, with raw fish packed tightly on top, and big chunks of thickly sliced abalone sitting over that. It felt like two people's worth in one bowl. No matter how much I scooped with the spoon, I couldn't see the bottom. For a single portion, I kept saying, "Is this really one portion?"

The mulhoe sauce comes separately in a can

For takeout, the sauce is packed separately in a can so it tastes great right away. Pour it over the mulhoe and you can eat it fresher, anytime and anywhere.

The sauce was nicely sweet, sour and spicy. The more I ate, the more the broth came up cool and refreshing.

The best order for eating abalone mulhoe

First, fish out the raw fish and eat it with the vegetables. Save the abalone and pick up a piece now and then, which doubles the crunch and chew. When about half is left, add noodles. The golden rule of mulhoe: twice, once with the raw fish and once with noodles mixed in.

For one portion, it was definitely a lot. It would be filling even split between two people, so for value, nothing beats it.

Sokcho Hwanggeum Mulhoe Hoetjip FAQ

Is the abalone mulhoe a big portion?

Even as one portion, it's quite generous. It was enough to share between two.

I've never had mulhoe. Will it be okay?

The raw fish is mixed into a sauced broth, so it's less daunting. If it's too spicy, pour in more icy broth to adjust the strength.

Can I go with kids?

Mulhoe is spicy and raw, so it's hard for small children. I'd recommend bringing something separate for them to eat.

How is parking?

It's near Jungang Market, so you'll use the public parking lot. It's safest to check the exact operation before you go.

Is takeout available?

Mulhoe takeout is available. Handy if you want to eat at your lodging.

Sokcho Jungang Market mulhoe: finishing with a bowl of abalone mulhoe

A bowl of cold mulhoe in Sokcho in hot summer. And one piled high with abalone, no less. It couldn't have been better. A big, cool, filling meal. After a long browse of the market, finishing with this one bowl made the trip feel complete.

If you're torn about mulhoe near Sokcho Jungang Market, I strongly recommend Sokcho Hwanggeum Mulhoe Hoetjip. Next time in Sokcho, I'll come with an empty stomach and enjoy it properly. It's a place I want to come back to.