Gangwon Makguksu & Dakgalbi Belt — From Chuncheon to Bongpyeong
This is a driving course traversing east to west, in the order of Chuncheon (Dakgalbi) → Bongpyeong (Buckwheat Noodles) → Gangneung/Sokcho (Sea). At the Dakgalbi in the Myeongdong alleys of Chuncheon, the standard method is stir-fried on a hot plate, so be sure to factor in the final fried rice when ordering. For Bongpyeong Makguksu, be sure to try the mixed style with perilla oil and seaweed flakes. The Dakgangjeong at Sokcho Tourist & Fisheries Market is delicious even when cold, making it perfect for takeout to take home.
Chuncheon Myeongdong Dakgalbi Alley
춘천 명동닭갈비골목
Bongpyeong Buckwheat Village
봉평 메밀마을
Gangneung Chodang Sundubu Village
강릉 초당순두부마을
Sokcho Tourist and Fisheries Market
속초관광수산시장
Jumunjin Port Fish Market
주문진항 회센터
Chuncheon Myeongdong Dakgalbi Alley
춘천 명동닭갈비골목
The original alley where restaurants specializing in grilled chicken are gathered. Adding udon noodles and cheese is popular, and the fried rice to finish is a must-try.
Bongpyeong Buckwheat Village
봉평 메밀마을
It is the setting of Lee Hyo-seok's *When Buckwheat Flowers Bloom* and the home of makguksu and buckwheat pancakes. There are long wait times during the buckwheat flower festival in September.
Gangneung Chodang Sundubu Village
강릉 초당순두부마을
Chodang Tofu Village, where seawater is used to make the coagulant. The standard course includes a soft tofu gelato dessert, and many establishments open early in the morning.
Sokcho Tourist and Fisheries Market
속초관광수산시장
A market famous for Dakgangjeong and Abai Sundae. On weekends, the trick is to get a waiting number for Dakgangjeong first and then walk around the market.
Jumunjin Port Fish Market
주문진항 회센터
A representative live fish port on the East Coast. The fish is freshest right after the morning auction, and the method involves slicing the fish into sashimi and taking it up to the 2nd-floor restaurant for dipping sauce.