Sokcho Saengdaegu 속초생대구

Sokcho Saengdaegu is a renowned raw cod soup restaurant in Yeongrang-dong, Sokcho, Gangwon-do, featured on the acclaimed Korean food show Suyomi Sikhoei. The defining element is the use of fresh - never frozen - Pacific cod, yielding thick fillets so tender they practically flake apart at the touch of chopsticks. The milky broth is gentle and clean rather than heavily seasoned, with a naturally refreshing depth that intensifies when you add extra broth and let it simmer on low heat. The recommended eating order is to fish out the minari (water parsley) and vegetables first, then carefully lift the cod pieces once they have cooked through in the simmering pot. Winter visits unlock the restaurant's true highlight: daegu iri (cod milt) and liver, which offer an extraordinarily rich, creamy texture reminiscent of concentrated cheese - a seasonal delicacy worth planning a trip around. The pan-fried raw cod jeon is another standout, coated in egg batter and served warm; during winter months, a half-and-half order with iri jeon is available. Among the banchan, the herring roe jeotgal deserves special attention - wrap it in unseasoned roasted gim with rice for an exceptional bite. The restaurant occupies a two-story building with table seating throughout and has its own parking lot. Opening hours are 10 AM on weekdays and 8:30 AM on weekends. Weekend waits frequently approach one hour, so early arrival is strongly advised.