📍 Donghae Makguksu – A Hidden Gem Between Yangyang and Sokcho, Gangwon-do
If you’re traveling between Yangyang and Sokcho in Gangwon Province and craving a satisfying local meal, Donghae Makguksu is a great spot to check out. It’s technically a branch, but it feels just like the main store—and to be honest, I think it might even be better.
There are quite a few restaurants with the name “Donghae Makguksu,” so it’s hard to say which is the original. But this place is legit. I’ve been coming here for over 10 years, and it’s never let me down.
🕒 Operating Hours
- Closed on Mondays
- Open 10 AM – 8 PM
(Shortened hours in winter: closes at 6 PM from November to April)
This visit was during the winter season.
🍽 Signature Dishes
- Mul Makguksu (Cold Buckwheat Noodles in Broth) – 10,000 KRW
- Bibim Makguksu (Spicy Mixed Buckwheat Noodles) – 10,000 KRW
- Suyuk (Boiled Pork Slices) – 30,000 KRW
If it’s your first time, I highly recommend the suyuk—it pairs beautifully with the noodles and is super tender with no unpleasant smell.
🏠 Atmosphere & Seating
The restaurant is big, with both table and floor seating available. Unless you visit during peak summer season, there’s usually no wait. On this visit, we came just after lunch hours and found plenty of parking. But during busy hours, the lot can get pretty full.
They’ve even introduced robot servers recently—pretty fun to see!
🥢 Flavor Highlights
Mul Makguksu here comes topped with generous seaweed flakes, and the broth has a distinct soy-sauce base with added seasoning. It’s flavorful and refreshing—not your typical plain buckwheat noodle broth.
Suyuk is juicy and tender. At 30,000 KRW, it might seem a bit pricey or totally worth it depending on your mood, but I always order it alongside the noodles.
Don’t skip the kimchi either—this is proper Gangwon-do style. It’s got a tangy, slightly addictive flavor and definitely not that mass-produced imported stuff.
They also serve the suyuk with myeongtae hoe sikhye (fermented pollock), a regional topping you’ll often find in Gangwon-style cold noodle dishes. It adds a really nice touch.
🚗 Location & Access
📌 Donghae Makguksu Branch
2 Powolwitmal-gil, Yangyang-eup, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
(50 meters from the main road)
This branch is located right as you leave Yangyang heading toward Sokcho, making it a super convenient stop. The parking area is spacious and easy to access.
Personally, I prefer this spot over the so-called “main store”—the flavor here just hits differently, and I end up coming here more often.
✅ Why You Should Stop By
- Convenient stop between Yangyang ↔ Sokcho
- Flavorful cold noodles with a rich broth
- Must-try suyuk that melts in your mouth
- Spacious interior and no long waits (except mid-summer)
- That addictive Gangwon-do style kimchi
If you’re road-tripping along the East Coast or heading up to Sokcho, Donghae Makguksu is a solid lunch spot worth checking out.
