Palpal Hoe Center
팔팔회센타
A legendary Daepo Port institution operating since 1988, now in its fourth generation of family management. They are credited with pioneering the 'crab set' menu in Sokcho, offering a comprehensive feast of live crab, fresh sashimi, and seasonal seafood.
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Interviewed by HeySeorak on 📖 Owner story included
Best For
Groups, special meals, and first-time seafood lovers
Area
Daepo
Price
₩₩₩ Premium
Reviewed by HeySeorak Editorial · Updated
Info
The Story
Palpal Hoe Center has been a staple of Daepo Port since 1988, now spanning four generations of family ownership from grandmother to mother, the current representative, and their son. The current representative has over 30 years of experience, having worked in the business since age 20, mastering everything from fish auctions to daily sales. The restaurant expanded with a second location about a year ago to accommodate its long-standing popularity.
“"죽은 것은 절대 쓰지 않습니다. 100% 활어, 활게만 고집합니다." — "We never use dead seafood. We insist on 100% live fish and live crab."”
— Owner, Palpal Hoe Center
What They Stand For
The restaurant maintains a strict 'live-only' policy, refusing to use dead or frozen seafood, which they believe is easily detectable in the smell and color of steamed crab. They source all natural seafood directly from the East Sea through daily auctions and bidding. When ingredients cannot be sourced locally, they rely on high-quality supplies from Noryangjin to ensure their standards never slip.
Behind the Signature
In 1996, the owner developed the 'Crab Set' menu, a concept that revolutionized the local dining scene. Before this, Daepo Port restaurants typically sold sashimi and crab separately, but this set combined crab, sashimi, seafood, side dishes, and spicy fish soup into one experience. This innovation was so successful that it became the standard model for restaurants across Sokcho today.
Local Tip
The restaurant is located in Daepo Port. For parking, use the Daepo 1st Public Parking Lot; the restaurant provides a 1.5-hour discount voucher for guests. It is a short walk from the parking area, located near the U-Mart and GS25.
Seasonal Note
Seafood service items included in the sets are subject to change based on the season and daily weather conditions to ensure maximum freshness.
For Travelers
With many guests from nearby hotels like Casia, Ramada, and Lotte, the staff is well-versed in serving international visitors using body language, translation tools, and basic English terms like 'sashimi' and 'crab.' The owner trains staff to treat foreign guests with exceptional kindness, viewing it as a form of patriotism. One memorable guest was so satisfied with their meal that they returned for three consecutive days.
Start with these dishes
The best first order for understanding what makes this place worth visiting.
Snow Crab Set A (4 people)
대게세트 A (4인)
A massive feast featuring two extra-large snow crabs, fresh sashimi, and a variety of seasonal seafood sides.
Snow Crab Set B (2-3 people)
대게세트 B (2~3인)
Includes one large snow crab, one large red crab, fresh sashimi, and seasonal sides.
Snow Crab Set C (2 people)
대게세트 C (2인)
A perfect portion for two, featuring one large snow crab, fresh sashimi, and seasonal sides.
How to order here
A simple flow for first-time visitors who want to order confidently.
Step 1
Start with the house specialty
If you are unsure, begin with Snow Crab Set A (4 people). Seafood-focused places usually do their best work with the freshest catch or most popular set.
Step 2
Confirm portion and pricing
Ask whether dishes are sized for one person or for sharing. If they sell market-price seafood, double-check the price before you commit.
Step 3
Round out the meal
Pair the main order with Snow Crab Set B (2-3 people) or a lighter side so the table gets both a signature item and something easy to share.
More from the menu
View full English menu →Red Crab Set A (4 people)
홍게세트 A (4인)
Features three large red crabs, fresh sashimi, and a spread of seasonal seafood sides.
Red Crab Set B (2-3 people)
홍게세트 B (2~3인)
Includes two large red crabs, fresh sashimi, and seasonal seafood sides.
Helpful guides
Practical reads to help you make the most of your visit.
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