Sokcho Korean Restaurant Miga: 30-Year Tradition of Grilled Hwangtae & Deodeok Dishes

Discover Miga in Sokcho, Korea: Famous for 30 years for tender Grilled Hwangtae, Deodeok dishes, and traditional Korean set meals with fresh seasonal side dishes.

Contents

Miga Restaurant: Basic Information

Signature photo of the full table setup at Miga, Sokcho’s Hwangtae Grill specialty restaurant

Restaurant Name	Miga
Type of Cuisine	Korean Cuisine (Specializing in Hwangtae Dishes)
Restaurant Address	41 Sinheung 2-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Restaurant Business Hours	• Friday to Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM • Last order: 3:30 PM • Closed: Every Thursday
Parking	Parking Availability (Free parking with meal) • Front Parking Lot of the Restaurant: 4 • spacesSide Private Parking Lot: 14 spaces (12 standard car spaces, 2 compact car-only spaces)
Seating Capacity	Hall Tables Seating for 50+ Guests
Amenities	Clean Restrooms Separated by Gender, Suitable for Groups of 4 or More, High Chair, Complimentary Fresh Filtered Water

Miga Restaurant: Menu & Prices

Menu	Prices include tax and service charge (KRW)
Set Meals (Served with a bowl of steamed rice and side dishes)	• Grilled Hwangtae Set Meal (Minimum 2 servings) – 18,000 KRW per person • Grilled Deodeok Set Meal (Minimum 2 servings) – 19,000 KRW per person • Hwangtae Hangover Soup – 10,000 KRW • Soft Tofu Stew (Sundubu) – 10,000 KRW
Extra Dishes	• Grilled Hwangtae – 32,000 KRW • Grilled Deodeok – 25,000 KRW • Grilled Hwangtae + Deodeok Combo – 32,000 KRW • Extra Hwangtae Soup – 2,000 KRW • Hwangtae Soup for Kids – 5,000 KRW

Miga Restaurant: Real Customer Reviews

Sokcho in Gangwon Province is one of Korea’s signature travel destinations, blessed with pristine natural scenery where Seoraksan Mountain meets the East Sea. Its landscapes are stunning year-round, and its accessibility—just two and a half hours from the Seoul metropolitan area—makes it ideal for anything from a day trip to a one-night getaway. In summer, the cool East Sea and the lush Seoraksan National Park make it one of the country’s top relaxation spots.

Beyond its natural beauty, Sokcho is also famous for its regional specialties and local cuisine. From fresh raw fish and snow crab to Abai sundae and crispy Korean-style fried chicken, the city offers a long list of beloved dishes. Among them, the most iconic ingredient for Koreans is hwangtae—dried pollock, considered the defining product of Gangwon Province. Hwangtae is essentially pollock that has been naturally dried outdoors. During the winter months, the fish repeatedly freezes and thaws in the cold sea breeze, creating a clean, savory flavor without any fishiness. This natural drying process produces a tenderness and depth of taste that artificial drying methods cannot replicate. For this reason, grilled hwangtae and hwangtae hangover soup are must-try dishes when visiting Sokcho.

All traditional deokjang (drying yards for pollock) in Korea are located along the East Coast, and the most famous among them is the Yongdaeri Deokjang in Hwangtae Village, located in Yongdae-ri, Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon Province. This mountain village has about 500 residents, and roughly 80 percent of them work in the hwangtae industry. The numerous drying yards throughout the village produce more than 70 percent of Korea’s top-grade hwangtae each year.

Exterior of Miga, Sokcho’s Hwangtae Grill restaurant, including the parking lot and indoor dining hall tables

Because Sokcho is only about a 20-minute drive from Yongdae-ri, the source of Korea’s finest hwangtae, the city is home to several specialty restaurants that receive premium-quality dried pollock. Among them, the most beloved and long-standing establishment is Miga, a hwangtae-focused restaurant that has been operating in Sokcho for more than 30 years. Miga is well known not only locally but also among food enthusiasts across the country. It has been featured on multiple national TV programs—including SBS Live Today, KBS 2TV Life & Info, and Heo Young-man’s Gourmet—earning widespread recognition. During the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, the Korea Tourism Organization selected Miga as one of Gangwon Province’s top restaurants. It has long been a favorite among local residents and nearby government office employees. One broadcast even introduced it as the restaurant that “sells more than 700 grilled hwangtae dishes per day,” reflecting both its popularity and the trust it has built over the years.

Miga occupies a single-story brick building topped with a traditional Korean-style roof. Its charming hanok-inspired exterior, large parking area, and clean interior make it a popular choice for family meals, group gatherings, and office dinners. Inside, the spacious dining hall is furnished with multiple wooden tables and chairs. Each table is covered with a white vinyl table sheet, similar to what you see in many Korean sashimi restaurants, designed for quick and efficient cleanup.

Table setup featuring the Hwangtae Grilled Set and Deodeok Grilled Set at Miga, Sokcho

Miga’s menu is based on traditional Korean set meals, featuring a main dish along with rice, soup, and various side dishes. The main options are Grilled Hwangtae and Grilled Deodeok, while additional choices include Hwangtae Hangover Soup and Soft Tofu Stew. Hwangtae, Deodeok, and soft tofu are all signature ingredients of Gangwon Province.

Because these set meals are designed for at least two people, even solo diners must order a minimum of two servings. We ordered both the Grilled Hwangtae set and the Grilled Deodeok set. Almost immediately after placing our order, the table was filled with an array of side dishes. Miga carefully selects fresh seasonal vegetables and ingredients, preparing only what will be used that day, offering more than 18 different side dishes. No artificial seasonings are used, so the flavors are clean and natural rather than overly strong or salty.

The Hwangtae Soup, known for its milky broth, is simmered for 4–7 hours, creating a deep, rich flavor. Unlike other restaurants that may use potatoes to stretch the dish, Miga generously includes Hwangtae. The fish is tender enough to melt in your mouth, making it a dish that both children and adults can enjoy without hesitation. From the very first spoonful, the savory depth is evident. The Hwangtae meat has a soft chew and leaves a naturally rich umami on the palate. The seasoning is light, allowing the true flavor of the Hwangtae to shine, delivering a comforting, warming taste that envelops the stomach.

For reference, Hwangtae is low in fat but rich in protein and amino acids, which can aid in hangover recovery, liver and cardiovascular health, eye health, and digestion. What makes Miga truly special is that it operates its own winter Hwangtae drying racks. Hwangtae dried in Yondaeri, under the harsh winter temperatures and ideal snow and wind conditions, has exceptional quality—a natural environment that few regions in Korea can replicate. This is what gives Miga’s Hwangtae its remarkable value and reputation.

Close-up shots of Hwangtae Grill and Deodeok Grill

Miga’s Grilled Hwangtae is known for its tender texture. Even after cooling, it stays moist and never becomes tough, thanks to the owner’s specially developed preparation and cooking techniques. From the very first bite, the fish delivers a delicate, savory flavor. The characteristic aroma of Hwangtae, matured in the winter winds, subtly fills the air, while the flesh flakes apart softly yet remains juicy. The chili-based seasoning strikes a perfect balance between spiciness and umami, enhancing the naturally nutty taste of the fish. Even as it cools, the Hwangtae retains its tenderness, making every bite comforting and leaving a lasting impression of traditional Korean flavor. At Miga, the Hwangtae is first soaked in makgeolli (Korean rice wine) to enhance softness, then thoroughly rinsed over ten times to remove impurities. Over 40 kg of onions are used to build the base flavor, which is then enriched with fresh seasonings to create Miga’s signature grilled Hwangtae.

Grilled Deodeok is equally impressive, starting with its aromatic depth. Carefully prepared and grilled to perfection, the Deodeok root combines its slightly bitter fragrance with a subtle, nutty sweetness. Each bite is tender yet has a gentle, satisfying chew. The homemade seasoning is not overly sweet, centering on a clean spiciness that accentuates the natural flavor of Deodeok. The hint of smokiness enhances the taste further, especially when enjoyed with rice, leaving a lingering, pleasant umami on the palate.

With so many side dishes accompanying the meal, the table becomes a feast fit for royalty, offering a wide variety of flavors that leave you feeling satisfied. For visitors to Sokcho, Hwangtae is more than just an ingredient—it represents the region’s natural environment, climate, and accumulated culinary tradition. To truly experience the authentic taste of Hwangtae, Miga, with its 30-year legacy as a Hwangtae specialty restaurant, is an essential stop and one of Sokcho’s must-visit dining destinations.

Recommended Menu Picks

For first-time visitors, these menu items are highly recommended:

1. Grilled Hwangtae Set (황태구이 정식) – Signature dish with tender, flavorful dried pollock; perfect for first-timers.

2. Grilled Deodeok Set (더덕구이 정식) – Aromatic, slightly sweet, and smoky, pairs beautifully with rice.

3. Hwangtae Soup (황태해장국) – Rich, comforting broth with generous pieces of Hwangtae, ideal for a warming starter.

4. Soft Tofu (순두부) – Silky and light, complements the grilled dishes perfectly.

Final Verdict

Miga is a must-visit dining destination in Sokcho for anyone seeking authentic Korean flavors. With 30 years of experience, this restaurant perfectly balances tradition and taste. Their grilled Hwangtae is tender and flavorful, while the Deodeok is aromatic and well-seasoned. Served alongside 18+ fresh, seasonal side dishes, every meal is a feast that showcases Sokcho’s regional ingredients and culinary heritage. Whether you’re a local or international traveler, Miga offers an unforgettable Korean dining experience.

💡 Pro Tip:
• Miga opens at 8:00 AM, making it one of the rare restaurants in Sokcho where you can enjoy a hearty Korean breakfast or early meal.
• The restaurant is extremely popular, so arriving early or making a reservation is recommended.
• All set meals require a minimum of two servings, even for solo diners.
• For the best experience, request a table near the windows to enjoy the cozy atmosphere and natural light.

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