A Delicious Guide to Sokcho’s Dongmyeong Port Hoe Center and Local Eats
If you’re planning a trip to Sokcho, one place you absolutely can’t miss is the Dongmyeong Port Hoe Center (동명항 회센터). Whether you’re a seafood lover or just someone looking for a unique local food experience, this spot is a hidden gem on the east coast of Korea.
🐟 What is the Dongmyeong Port Hoe Center?
Located right next to Dongmyeong Port, this center is a modern seafood market where you can buy fresh, live fish straight from the tanks and have it expertly sliced into hoe (회)—Korean-style raw fish. It’s clean, well-organized, and full of vibrant energy from both locals and tourists alike.
The market used to be a more rustic, traditional street market, especially famous for its squid stalls. Although it has now been modernized with proper stalls and facilities, it still retains that nostalgic harbor charm.
🐠 How It Works
On the first floor, you’ll find dozens of individual vendors selling various types of live seafood—flounder, sea bass, rockfish, and more. Once you choose your fish, the vendor will direct you to the back where it’s expertly filleted. There’s a 10% slicing fee (so ₩3,000 on a ₩30,000 fish, for example), but the price and freshness are unbeatable.
At this slicing station, you can also buy condiments and side items like:
- Gochujang (spicy red chili paste)
- Wasabi
- Soy sauce
- Perilla leaves & lettuce
- Garlic, peppers, ssamjang (dipping paste)
If you’re planning to take the sashimi back to your accommodation, it’s a good idea to buy extra veggies from a local supermarket, as the amount given may be a bit small.
🍲 Want to Eat It Right Away?
Head to the second floor, where there’s a dining area set up just for people bringing their fresh sashimi upstairs. For a small table setting fee, you can enjoy your meal with a bottle of soju and even request a maeuntang (spicy fish stew) made from the leftover bones and head of your fish.
It’s a perfect way to enjoy a warm, comforting soup after the freshness of raw fish.
🌅 Scenic Views and Sunset Sashimi
Nearby, you’ll find Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion, a well-known scenic spot with two pavilions—one traditional and one modern—connected by a pier over the ocean. The view from here is stunning, especially at sunset or during the evening when the lights reflect on the water.
It’s a great idea to grab some sashimi takeout from the Hoe Center around sunset, then head over to the pavilion or breakwater to enjoy the view with your meal.
🍤 Don’t Miss the Fried Food Alley
Right next to the Hoe Center, there’s a row of fried food (튀김) vendors that’s just as famous among regulars. These stalls serve all kinds of crispy delights like:
- Shrimp tempura
- Squid rings
- Sweet potatoes
- Mini crabs (칠게)
- Fishcake skewers with hot broth
Most places are similar in price and taste, so you can’t really go wrong. One popular stall is Sora’s Tempura, but feel free to explore.
You can usually get a generous mixed tempura platter for around ₩20,000—more than enough for a family of 3–4, especially when paired with sashimi.
🧊 Takeout Tips
Planning to take your food back to your lodging or a resort?
- Keep the sashimi chilled in a cooler bag if possible.
- Grab some extra sauces and greens from a supermarket.
- Pair your meal with some soju or makgeolli for a full-on local experience.
💸 How Much Does It All Cost?
- Live fish (for sashimi): ~₩30,000–₩40,000 for a good portion
- Slicing fee: 10% of the fish price
- Condiments and veggies: ₩3,000–₩5,000 depending on what you get
- Dining upstairs (optional): Table fee + seasoning fee for maeuntang
- Tempura platter: ~₩20,000 for 3–4 people
Considering the portion sizes and freshness, it’s great value for money.
🌊 Final Thoughts
The Dongmyeong Port Hoe Center is more than just a seafood market—it’s a local experience.
You get to see, choose, and eat the freshest fish straight from the tank, either on-site or back at your stay. Add in some crispy tempura, a walk along the harbor, and a sunset view from Yeonggeumjeong, and you’ve got the perfect Sokcho evening.
If you’re in Sokcho, make this stop part of your itinerary—you won’t regret it.