Why Sokcho Tourist and Fishery Market Captivates Everyone from Millennials to Seniors: The Secret Behind Its Unrivaled No.1 Status

Sokcho Tourist and Fishery Market Ranks First Nationwide in Non-Metropolitan Navigation Searches
Established as a Must-Visit Course in Sokcho Tourism
The Secret: Food, Entertainment, and Attractions All in One Place

Sokcho Tourist and Fishery Market in Gangwon Province has maintained its position as the undisputed number one in navigation searches among tourist destinations in the Gangwon region for several years. Last year, it also ranked first in searches for non-metropolitan destinations, further solidifying its reputation as a popular tourist attraction.

Sokcho Tourist and Fishery Market panorama. Provided by Sokcho City

According to data from the SK Telecom Newsroom, Tmap Mobility analyzed movement data from January 1 to November 24, 2025, to determine the most visited locations. The results showed that Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 topped the list for the metropolitan area, while Sokcho Tourist and Fishery Market ranked first among non-metropolitan destinations.

Within the top 50 non-metropolitan destinations, three locations in Sokcho made the list: Sokcho Beach at 15th place and Seorak Cable Car at 45th place.

In the Gangwon region, Gangneung Central Market ranked 24th, Naksansa Temple 28th, and Gyeongpo Beach 29th, all making it into the top 50 non-metropolitan destinations.

Sokcho Tourist and Fishery Market has also maintained the top spot in navigation search data for tourist attractions in the Gangwon region (excluding food and beverage sectors) according to the Korea Tourism Organization's Korea Tourism Data Lab analysis since 2018.

The Korea Tourism Data Lab's navigation search data also utilizes information from Tmap Mobility.

While search data may differ from the actual number of visitors, the high volume of searches is seen as evidence of significant public interest, drawing attention to the market's popularity.

The primary reason for such high navigation search data for Sokcho Tourist and Fishery Market is that it is considered a must-visit course for tourists visiting Sokcho.

In fact, not only on weekdays but also during holidays, weekends, and peak tourist seasons, the market is so crowded that it is difficult to move through the alleys.

Sokcho Tourist and Fishery Market once faced severe challenges after the Asian financial crisis, as the economic downturn hit traditional markets hard. Many vendors left, making it impossible to cover the operating costs, and at one point, the market was even threatened with power and water supply cutoffs.

However, starting in 2006, large-scale investments and facility improvements by Sokcho City through a market modernization project began to transform the market, turning it into a major tourist attraction that goes beyond the traditional concept of a marketplace.

The creation of a large parking lot has made it more convenient for visitors traveling by car. The market features alleys lined with shops offering local Sokcho specialties such as Dakgangjeong (sweet and spicy fried chicken), Abai Sundae (stuffed squid sausage), Ojingeo Sundae (stuffed squid), and Sundae-guk (sausage soup), as well as seafood and fermented fish shops. In the basement, there is a sashimi center where visitors can enjoy fresh raw fish, making the market a one-stop destination for food, sightseeing, and entertainment.

Sokcho Tourist and Fishery Market panorama. Provided by Sokcho City

Additionally, the market's proximity to other major Sokcho attractions, such as Cheongho-dong Abai Village and the unique Gaetbae boat experience, is considered another advantage.

Efforts led by the merchants' association, including campaigns to improve service awareness, foster a healthy commercial culture, and provide hospitality marketing education, have also played a significant role in revitalizing the market.

A city official stated, "Sokcho Tourist and Fishery Market has become the most preferred travel destination for domestic tourists, from Millennials & Gen Z to middle-aged visitors, thanks to popular offerings like Dakgangjeong, Sulbbang (steamed bread), and Ojingeo Sundae, going beyond the simple function of a market." The official added, "We plan to further develop the market into a global tourist destination by improving facilities and creating new content for both domestic and international visitors."

The official also emphasized, "By enhancing convenience facilities and developing content for international visitors as well as domestic tourists, we aim to establish Sokcho as a leading global tourist destination and a model for glocal cultural tourism cities."