5 Best Places to Go Shopping in Sokcho

The ports in Sokcho are some of the best places to shop for raw and dried fish. Ports to explore are Daepo Port, Dongmyeong Port, and Jangsa Port. Live fish stores and stalls, as well as dried fish shops located near each port, offer a wide variety of fish at affordable prices.

Each port has its own charm and atmosphere, so we highly recommend visiting all 3 during your stay in Sokcho. Different types of fish are traded throughout the year, so it can be a good idea to check what's in season before you visit.

The Daepohang Fish Market is a quiet and unassuming seafood market in Sokcho. While this historic market has since been dwarfed by the city’s other larger markets, that doesn’t make it any less quaint or attractive for travelers who want to enjoy an authentic shopping experience.

Along the Daepohang Fish Market promenade, you will find a variety of restaurants serving seafood delicacies. Some venues are styled around the traditional Korean outdoor dining experience known as pojang macha, with makeshift tents and stools set up to accommodate hungry patrons.

Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market is located on Jungang-ro, the center of Sokcho-si. Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market is The street is lined with over 500 stores where you can buy fresh seafood, salted fish, and specialties of the eastern coast.

You can also find several restaurants in the underground fish market. Explore the local food alleys in the market that have earned a national reputation for their specialties of sweet and sour chicken (dak gangjeong) and Korean sausage and rice soup (sundae gukbap).

Ile is a great place to buy snackable souvenirs in Sokcho. You can choose from a wide variety of dried fish, which are great as presents for loved ones or anju (drinking snacks) for yourself.

To find this popular store, you will have to venture through the alleyways of the Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market, making your way past many other stores with tempting wares. Dried squid is, by far, the most popular preserve at Ile. It has a chewy texture and salty flavor, making it a great savory snack when you’re feeling peckish.

Sokcho Rodeo Street, also known as Seorak Rodeo Street, is on Jungang-ro near the Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market. Located in central Sokcho, this street has a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Look out for the district's striking statues, and the nearby stalls selling delicious deep-fried chewy doughnuts and Korean delicacies.

At night, colorful lights and fountain shows attract locals and travelers to Sokcho Rodeo Street. Every October, the Seorak Cultural Festival takes place in the area, offering family-friendly activities and live performances.