Jumun harbour 주문 Korea

Jumun is between Sokcho and Gangneung, a popular vacationing area on the east coast. After three nights of camping (two at Woraksan and last night in Gapyeong), I opted for an Airbnb by the sea as a base for the next few days. On my wish list: exploration, cycling, beaches, coffees, chilling and crab!

Day 4 of solo 6-day roadtrip

The Airbnb was a studio apartment (offictel) in a new building near the sea between Sodol beach (소돌해변 ) and Jumun Fish Market (주문진항 좌판 수산물 풍물시장). It was clean, had a view of the sea from the dining area, but best of all was a rooftop with 360 degree views from the sea to the mountains and all the village areas in between.

After taking a few snaps from the roof, I went for a stroll south to the harbour area and fish market, about 15 minutes away. Fish markets are usually a lively place to visit and this was as expected. I find myself attracted to the bright colours and bustle, though I’m always conscious that I’m basically a nosey tourist hovering around people just getting on with their jobs or shopping! On the actual harbour, I saw people fishing and relaxing next to the mirror-like sea. I was there just as the sun gets that perfect tint before sunset.

The alleys near the market housed a load of seafood restaurants, some with alley seating. Since crab was on my mind but wanting not to spend a ton of money, I chose a small place selling Honggye (홍계) a crab much cheaper than the huge, pricey King Crabs. A steamed one of those and a bottle of Cheongha on a back alley felt like heaven. The restaurant was called 금어수산. It was perfectly steamed with the shell cut ready to eat. They also supplied the top of the shell with some juicy body bits inside for mixing with the meat. It was really good, and the praying mantis that joined me was more than welcome.

On the main street there are lots of dried fish shops full of the bright oranges, yellows and reds I mentioned earlier. There were so many types of weird and wonderful looking dried fish, I thought I should probably get some for my Korean family back in Seoul. This area was huge; easily three or more streets, all selling dried fish.

I grabbed a convenience store coffee and ice cream on my way back and sat in the dark looking at how white rocks were with the street and shop lights behind me. It was a beautiful night. Then it was back to the Airbnb, a film and some time to think about tomorrow. Cycling probably.