Makguksu: A Must-Try Spot in Gangneung

Overview

Have you heard of the famous makguksu restaurant in Jumunjin called ‘Sodol Makguksu’?

Back when I was living in Gangneung for three years as a military officer, I frequently visited a restaurant called ‘Yeongok Donghae Makguksu’ almost every week because of its delicious food.

This place was located in Yeongok-myeon, near Jumunjin, but the owner had to relocate the restaurant to a new spot near Jumunjin.

This newly opened spot is the ‘Sodol Makguksu’ restaurant that I will introduce in this post.

The original Yeongok Donghae Makguksu is still in operation. I once visited Yeongok Donghae Makguksu again without knowing the owner had moved to open Sodol Makguksu, and I found the taste different from before.

My wife and I were quite disappointed, thinking the owner had changed. Later, we found out that the owner had reopened the restaurant elsewhere.

We visited the new place the next day, and of course, the taste was still fantastic!

For a detailed review, please refer to the text below.

Sodol Makguksu Jumunjin Main Store Visit Information

  • Address: 571 Yeonju-ro, Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
  • Operating Hours: Closed every Wednesday, open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Break Time: 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM
  • Last Order: 7:00 PM
  • Parking: Available

This restaurant is located far from the bustling market area in Jumunjin, offering a quiet and peaceful dining experience.

They close every Wednesday and open early in the morning, making it a great spot for breakfast or lunch during a Gangneung trip.

Whenever my wife and I visit Gangneung, we always have our first lunch here because it’s truly one of the best eateries.

Fortunately, the restaurant has a large dedicated parking lot, so parking is never an issue.

Sodol Makguksu Exterior and Interior Facilities

Restaurant Parking Lot

The parking lot at Sodol Makguksu is very clean and well-maintained, as the restaurant is relatively new.

In the past, parking at the old ‘Yeongok Donghae Makguksu’ was very difficult, but now with the new location, it’s much more convenient to visit.

The restaurant has a large hall separated from the kitchen, giving the impression that it can handle a large number of guests at once.

Unlike other famous places like ‘Eomji’s Street Stall,’ Sodol Makguksu is not yet a nationwide famous restaurant, so you can enjoy your meal without waiting in line.

Please note that the prices have increased by about 1,000 won per menu item due to inflation since the photos were taken.

Food Review

Makguksu

My wife and I love bibim makguksu. We’ve never tried mul(water) makguksu here.

The reason is simple: when you order bibim makguksu, you get ‘myeongtae sikhae,’ a sweet and savory fermented pollock dish.

You also get a generous amount of broth on the side, so if you want to try mul makguksu, you can just add the broth to your noodles.

Myeongtae sikhae is known to be produced only around Sokcho. It has a mildly sweet and savory flavor with a slightly spicy kick, making it a great recommendation for those who enjoy spicy food.

Despite its appearance, it’s not salty at all, so don’t hesitate to try it.

Makguksu
Makguksu

The eating method is simple: pour one or two cups of broth into the noodles, cut the noodles with scissors, and mix well.

Add a piece of myeongtae sikhae on top and enjoy the sweet, tender texture of the sikhae with the savory buckwheat noodles. The broth adds a rich flavor, making this a healthy and delicious dish.

Myeongtae Sikhae Purchase Tips

In the past, when I frequented Yeongok Donghae Makguksu, I used to order myeongtae sikhae for home delivery and enjoyed it with boiled pork at home.

You can find myeongtae sikhae produced in Sokcho on the internet or at large retailers like Costco. However, not all products are the same in taste.

I once ordered a myeongtae sikhae from Coupang that was so bad I had to throw it all away.

If you try myeongtae sikhae here and crave it at home, I recommend reading various product reviews online carefully before making a purchase.

Delicious foods at Sodol Makguksu!

Enjoying buckwheat makguksu with delicious myeongtae sikhae is a must when visiting Gangwon-do.

If you’re in Jumunjin, start your Gangneung trip with a tasty bowl of bibim makguksu at Sodol Makguksu.

My wife and I visit this place every time we go to Gangneung because it’s truly a gem. We hope you get to try the food here too!

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