Korean Food Series (3) – Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup) π²π
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| Korean ginseng chicken soup in a bowl, Samgyetang |
π Welcome back to the Korean Food Series!
In this series, we introduce iconic Korean dishes you must try during your trip.
Today’s spotlight is on Samgyetang (μΌκ³ν) — a warm, nutritious ginseng chicken soup beloved by Koreans, especially in the heat of summer.
π What is Samgyetang?
Samgyetang is a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, garlic, jujubes, and a ginseng root, simmered in a rich, milky broth.
It’s known as Korea’s top "boyang-sik (보μμ)", or restorative health food, traditionally eaten to beat the summer heat.
Koreans eat Samgyetang especially on Chobok, Jungbok, and Malbok — the three hottest days of summer, believing it replenishes the body’s energy through warm food (μ΄μ΄μΉμ΄).
π₯ How to Eat Samgyetang – Step by Step
1. Break the Chicken Apart
Use your spoon or chopsticks to gently tear the soft chicken open. Inside, you’ll find rice soaked in broth and the ginseng filling.
2. Mix and Match
Scoop a bit of chicken, rice, and broth together.
You can add salt and pepper to your taste, or enjoy it as-is for the mild, herbal flavor.
3. Enjoy the Broth
The broth is slow-cooked for hours, drawing flavor from the chicken, ginseng, and herbal ingredients. It’s savory, comforting, and perfect on a hot or cold day.
4. Don’t Miss the Side Dishes
Samgyetang usually comes with kkakdugi (radish kimchi), kimchi, and sometimes ginseng liquor as a small shot before the meal. Try them all!
π Why Koreans Love It
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Energy booster: Believed to replenish stamina during hot summer days
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Healthy: High in protein, low in oil, and packed with natural herbal ingredients
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Comfort food: Mild but flavorful, making it approachable for all palates
π Best Samgyetang Restaurants in Seoul
✅ Tosokchon Samgyetang (ν μμ΄ μΌκ³ν)
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Perhaps the most famous Samgyetang spot in Seoul
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Loved by tourists and locals alike, with rich, creamy broth
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π 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (near Gyeongbokgung Station)
✅ Baekje Samgyetang (λ°±μ μΌκ³ν)
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Traditional recipe with a clean, clear broth
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π 41-5 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
✅ Korea Samgyetang (κ³ λ €μΌκ³ν)
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Near Namdaemun Market; popular for ginseng liquor pairing
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π 55-1 Namdaemunno 4(sa)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
π Recommended Spots Outside Seoul
π Busan – Seomyeon Samgyetang (μλ©΄μΌκ³ν)
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π 60-1 Bujeon-dong, Busanjin-gu
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Local favorite, served with black garlic broth
π² Jeonju – Pungnamheon Samgyetang (νλ¨ν μΌκ³ν)
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π 103 Pungnam-dong 2-ga, Wansan-gu
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Traditional hanok-style restaurant with herbal options
π️ Gangwon-do – Chuncheon Dak Hanmari Alley
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π Near Chuncheon Station
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Although more famous for Dakgalbi, many stores offer Samgyetang with mountain herbs
πΆ Drink Pairing
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Ginseng liquor (μΈμΌμ£Ό) – Sometimes served as a small shot
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Water or barley tea – Best to keep the clean herbal taste
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✨ Samgyetang is typically not paired with alcohol like soju or beer
π‘ Pro Tip!
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Ask for black garlic or wild ginseng options if available — some restaurants offer premium upgrades.
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Some places serve Samgyetang for one, but others expect at least two diners. Check ahead or go during lunch hours for solo-friendly seating.
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It's totally okay to use a spoon and hands for the chicken if needed — just ask for gloves!
π Final Tips
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Samgyetang is especially popular during summer but available year-round in Korea.
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It’s a perfect comfort food when you're tired, jet-lagged, or looking for something soothing.
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If you're looking to experience a true Korean health dish, this is a must-try.
Thanks for joining us on another delicious chapter of the Korean Food Series!
Next time, we’ll explore a spicy and sizzling Korean favorite — stay tuned! π°π·π₯
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"π✈️ First time in Korea? π°π· Wondering what to do, eat, or see? ππ―π Let me know! π¬π"
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