Sokcho Hwajin-ho Captain Lee's Perfect Guide - A Complete List of Restaurants Featured on Sung Si-kyung's 'Would You Eat?'

Basic Store Information

Hwajin-ho Captain Lee's is a seafood specialty restaurant located at 18-1 Meokgori 4-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do. Situated within the Gyodong Food Street in Sokcho, it has been featured on Sung Si-kyung's 'Would You Eat?' and Heo Young-man's 'Baekban Journey', making it a representative waiting restaurant in Sokcho.

Operating Information and Reservations

Business hours vary slightly depending on the source, so it is necessary to check the latest information. As of July 2025, according to the latest reviews by bloggers, it operates from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM daily (last order at 2:30 PM), with regular closure on Sundays. Some sources list the hours as 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM (break time from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM), so it is recommended to confirm by phone before visiting.

The phone number is 0507-1417-0750 or 033-631-0750. Since the airing of Sung Si-kyung's 'Would You Eat?', the waiting time has increased, and a tabling system is currently in operation.

Waiting and Usage Tips

Currently, waiting times are quite long on weekends, with many people registering for the queue around 9:30 AM before opening. On weekdays, the waiting time almost disappears after 1 PM, allowing for a relatively relaxed dining experience. Arriving just after the weekday opening time of 11 AM usually results in about 5 teams waiting.

The waiting list is handwritten, and the restaurant registers it through a tabling system. If your accommodation is nearby, it is efficient to register, leave, and return upon notification.

Signature Menu and Prices

The signature menu includes fried flounder and fresh cod soup. As of 2022, the price information was 15,000 KRW for special raw fish, 10,000 KRW for raw fish bibimbap, and 13,000 KRW for fresh cod soup, but prices may have changed, so it is advisable to check upon visiting.

The fried flounder is characterized by its small size and thinness, allowing it to be eaten with the bones, and it has a savory taste. The fresh cod soup is popular for its refreshing and deep broth, making it a favorite for hangovers. On Sung Si-kyung's 'Would You Eat?', they tasted cod soup, braised flounder, fried flounder, and raw fish bibimbap.

Store Features and Atmosphere

Hwajin-ho Captain Lee's is a self-sufficient restaurant where the owner directly catches and cooks the fish from the sea, and it has been in operation for 15 years. Fresh fish caught at 4 AM is used, providing fresh seafood at reasonable prices compared to other restaurants.

The interior of the store is not very spacious, and the distance between tables is narrow. One wall is adorned with various plaques of appreciation, commendations, and celebrity autographs, showcasing its fame. You can see autographs from Heo Young-man, Sung Si-kyung, Lim Chang-jung, Sa Kang, and Nam Hee-seok.

Origin and Ingredient Information

According to the origin labeling, most of the main fish such as water hammer, cod, water bear, sandfish, and flounder are domestically sourced. Pollock and cod jeon use Russian ingredients. The fish soups are characterized by their pure fish flavor, without mixing other broths.

Side Dishes and Composition

The basic side dishes include six types: white kimchi, acorn jelly salad, stir-fried fish cake, diced radish kimchi, and seasoned bean sprouts. Many reviews highlight the deliciousness of the seasoned fernbrake, and overall, the side dishes are well-seasoned, receiving praise for being clean and neat.

Parking and Transportation Information

Parking is available in a small space in front of the restaurant, but it is not spacious, so you may need to park in the alleys around the restaurant. You can use the parking lines on the main road, but securing a parking space can be challenging when the waiting time is long.

For public transportation, you can take a city bus or taxi from Sokcho Express Terminal or Sokcho Intercity Terminal to Gyodong Food Street. From Seoul, you can take an express bus to Sokcho from Seoul Express Bus Terminal (operating 40 times a day, first bus at 6:00 AM, last bus at 11:30 PM).

Usage Regulations and Precautions

There is a one meal per person rule, so all visitors must order food. An additional 10,000 KRW is charged for refilling raw fish salad. When the waiting time is long, it is efficient to wait at a nearby accommodation or explore other tourist attractions in Sokcho city before visiting at the right time.

Broadcast Appearance History

It has gained nationwide recognition by appearing on various broadcasts such as Heo Young-man's 'Baekban Journey', Sung Si-kyung's 'Would You Eat?', and MBC's 'Local Table'. Especially after the airing of Sung Si-kyung's 'Would You Eat?' in August 2024, the waiting time increased significantly, leading to its current popularity.

Recommended Visit Time and Tips

The best time to visit without waiting is after 1 PM on weekdays. For weekend visits, it is advisable to arrive early before opening to register for the queue or check the waiting situation by phone in advance. A whole fish is included, providing ample portions for a filling meal for adult males.