A Culinary Journey in Sokcho: Discovering the Delights of Gangnam Hwaheo
81, Daepo Port Hope Road, Sokcho, Gangwon, South Korea


Hello, I'm a travel influencer embarking on an emotional journey.
Where do you go when you want to see the ocean? For me, Sokcho is the first place that comes to mind. While Gangneung has its charm, I personally find Sokcho's unique allure more appealing. It's perfect for quietly healing while enjoying the beach and the sea. Another reason I love Sokcho is the abundance of my favorite seafood. Let me share my delightful experience of indulging in a feast during my recent visit to Sokcho.
For my family, who are particularly fond of seafood and snow crab, there is no better place than Sokcho. Not only do we get to travel and enjoy the ocean, but we can also savor fresh crab and seafood, making it a triple delight! This is why I adore this city.
How can one resist this visual feast? Just looking at it makes me want to cheer! It feels incomplete to order just one dish, doesn't it? The charm of being able to enjoy a well-rounded set menu at a reasonable price is undeniable. This time, I chose Gangnam Hwaheo, located in the Sokcho Daepo Port Fish Market.
Gangnam Hwaheo
Address: 81, Daepo Port Hope Road, Sokcho, Gangwon, South Korea
Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
The tanks are meticulously maintained daily, filled with fresh seafood and sashimi-grade fish. The sight of snow crabs almost jumping out of the tanks was captivating. Gangnam Hwaheo is situated in the C section of the Daepo Port Tourist Market.
Parking is available at the Daepo Port Public Parking Lot, where you receive a parking ticket for free parking. The parking lot is centrally located along the street, making it the most convenient option.
As I explored Gangnam Hwaheo, I noticed it had a structure with tanks, a kitchen, and tables on one side, primarily for cooking. It has recently gained attention as a popular crab spot among guests at the nearby Cassia Hotel.
The opposite side had tables where customers could enjoy their meals while overlooking Daepo Port. One group was leaving, while another was dining. Luckily, a window seat opened up, and we quickly took it.
On a rainy day, enjoying the view of Daepo Port through the window was delightful. It had been a while since I visited the Sokcho Daepo Port Fish Center, and I was captivated by the autumn ambiance.
When it came to ordering, my daughter and I eagerly examined the menu, determined to go for a set menu. We finally decided on a snow crab, red crab, and sashimi set. If not now, when would we indulge? We had to make the most of our visit. After placing our order, I stepped outside to capture some social media moments, as these are essential nowadays.
By the way, Gangnam Hwaheo is pet-friendly!
The fish for sashimi looked excellent, and I took a moment to admire them swimming in the tanks. They appeared incredibly fresh, and I learned that hotel guests often visit in the evenings, drawn by the reputation of the crab dishes.
As the owner called me over, I spotted a peculiar-looking fish. It turns out this is what we commonly know as dried fish. Its unusual appearance made me want to capture a memory with a photo.
The set menu included a variety of seafood, showcasing a different class of freshness. I was surprised at how elegantly it was presented, which exceeded my expectations of a casual eatery. My daughter’s eyes widened in delight at the sight of such fresh seafood.
When the sashimi arrived, it was so thin that the plate was almost transparent. Personally, I prefer thinly sliced sashimi over thicker cuts, so it was just perfect for my taste.
It looked even more appetizing on the table, prompting my daughter to urge me to hurry and take photos.
I was amazed by the quality of Daepo Port's offerings. The plating and dishes were stunning, making us both marvel at how a place like this could exist.
Finally, the main attraction of the set menu, the snow crab, arrived! The combination of snow crab and red crab was plentiful, overflowing from the plate, bringing us joy just from the visual.
I held off on eating to take a picture, and my daughter pouted, saying, 'Hurry up and take the picture!' After capturing all the photos, we dove into our meal.
My daughter started with the snow crab while I tackled the seafood. I generously let her have the crab, wishing for her to enjoy herself without worries for the day.
After diligently picking the crab meat, she placed some on my plate, saying, 'Mom, you’re busy taking pictures, so you should eat this.' I almost teared up, touched by her kindness and thoughtfulness.
We had to try the crab shell fried rice! It would have been a mistake to skip it. We both enjoyed a hearty meal, making it a truly happy time. I requested the spicy soup to go, perfect for enjoying later with a drink at our accommodation.
In all honesty, I felt the chef's love in every dish. The freshness of the seafood, sashimi, and snow crab was unparalleled, with no off-putting tastes at all.
The spicy dipping sauce was delicious, with a unique sweetness and tanginess that paired perfectly with the sashimi and seafood. Gangnam Hwaheo at Sokcho Daepo Port was simply the best.

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