Sokcho Yes Dakgangjeong Review 2026: Is the Wait Worth It?

A 2-Hour Wait: Is Sokcho's Yes Dakgangjeong Really Worth It?

An Honest Review by Haong-e

ⓒText/Photos Haong-e

Sokcho's Yes Dakgangjeong has been a major buzz lately! I tried to visit in the evening, only to find they were already sold out. Determined, I went back the next day and finally got to taste it.

Was it worth the wait? My answer was a resounding YES.

While the flavor is undeniable, the long wait times can be a real drawback. But don't worry, I'm here to share my insider tips on how to enjoy this delicious Dakgangjeong without the endless queue!

1. Where to Find It: Location, Hours, and Parking

Yes Dakgangjeong has both a main branch and a direct branch in Sokcho. Currently, the main branch is not operating, so you'll need to head to the direct branch located near Jungang Market to get your fix.

Being vacation season, the market was bustling and quite crowded.

After visiting on consecutive busy weekends, I found that arriving around lunchtime was easier for parking and resulted in shorter wait times compared to the evening.

If you're planning a weekend visit in August or September 2026, I highly recommend parking directly at the Jungang Market parking lot around lunchtime and heading straight to Yes Dakgangjeong!

If the main lot is full, you can usually find roadside parking along the Chungju Sanghoe street!

2. How to Skip the Long Wait

Don't make the same mistake I did! I initially thought I could just show up, join the queue, and buy it. I ended up leaving empty-handed because they were sold out for the day.

To save you from similar disappointment, I've put together a guide on how to get your Dakgangjeong with minimal waiting, including both advance booking and same-day strategies!

Therefore, the best way to enjoy this delicious Dakgangjeong without a long wait is to pre-order through Naver at least two days before your Sokcho trip, select your pickup time, and then collect it.

As outlined in the table above, if you're waiting on the day of your visit, plan your schedule assuming a morning order means a lunchtime pickup, and an afternoon order means a dinner pickup. This will make your visit smoother!

3. Must-Try Menu

The menu features three flavors: Original, Spicy, and Black! I typically ordered a half-and-half combination of Spicy and Black Dakgangjeong. The price for this was approximately ~$17.

Yes Dakgangjeong offers half-and-half orders for any combination, and you can also order a single flavor if you prefer.

Be sure to leave a review after your purchase! They offer complimentary green onion pickles on a first-come, first-served basis with receipt reviews, and they're a perfect accompaniment!

So, I placed my order around 2:00 PM and picked it up around 4:00 PM. We then headed to the nearby Lighthouse Beach (Deungdae Beach) to finally enjoy our feast!

Finally, the moment arrived—our YES Dakgangjeong! The portion was generous, and it looked absolutely incredible with that glossy, irresistible coating.

Since dine-in isn't available, keep in mind you can drive about 7 minutes to Lighthouse Beach (Deungdae Beach) and enjoy your Dakgangjeong with a beautiful ocean view!

The beach has several picnic tables, so you don't need to bring your own blanket. It's perfect for enjoying your Dakgangjeong by the sea without getting sandy!

I started with the unique black Dakgangjeong, and let me tell you, it was crispy and delicious, with absolutely no dry meat, freshly made that day.

The flavor was a delightful blend of savory and sweet, almost like a subtle black bean sauce, unlike any Dakgangjeong I'd ever tasted.

Plus, being made entirely with thigh meat, it was incredibly tender—the ultimate in succulence!

Next, I tried the spicy flavor. It wasn't greasy at all, and the crispy texture meant I could keep eating it without getting tired of the taste.

My boyfriend and I both ranked it among our Top 3 favorite foods we ate in Sokcho. It was so good, we devoured every last piece!

It completely made sense why people rave about it and are willing to wait in line—the taste truly justified it!

4. Overall Review

Sokcho's Yes Dakgangjeong is famous for its long queues, but after finally trying it, I can confidently say it's worth the wait.

If you want to avoid a 2-hour wait like I did, then definitely pre-order for pickup through the Naver reservation page at least two days before your visit!

If you plan to visit on the same day, be aware that they can sell out by late afternoon. Your best bet is to place your order in the morning, explore the market while you wait, and then pick up your delicious Dakgangjeong!

I hope this honest review of Yes Dakgangjeong, which my boyfriend and I ranked among our top three favorite foods in Sokcho, helps you plan your own delicious trip!

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