Korean Food Series (3) – Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup) 🍲🐓

Korean ginseng chicken soup in a bowl, Samgyetang

Picture: Unsplash의Cyprien Delaporte

📍 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 (삼계탕) — a warm, nutritious ginseng chicken soup beloved by Koreans, especially in the heat of summer.

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🍗 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 (보양식)", 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 (이열치열).

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🥄 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!

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🏆 Why Koreans Love It

• Energy booster: Believed to replenish stamina during hot summer days

• Healthy: High in protein, low in oil, and packed with natural herbal ingredients

• Comfort food: Mild but flavorful, making it approachable for all palates

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📍 Best Samgyetang Restaurants in Seoul

✅ Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌 삼계탕)

• Perhaps the most famous Samgyetang spot in Seoul

• Loved by tourists and locals alike, with rich, creamy broth

• 📍 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (near Gyeongbokgung Station)

✅ Baekje Samgyetang (백제삼계탕)

• Traditional recipe with a clean, clear broth

• 📍 41-5 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

✅ Korea Samgyetang (고려삼계탕)

• Near Namdaemun Market; popular for ginseng liquor pairing

• 📍 55-1 Namdaemunno 4(sa)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul

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📍 Recommended Spots Outside Seoul

🌊 Busan – Seomyeon Samgyetang (서면삼계탕)

• 📍 60-1 Bujeon-dong, Busanjin-gu

• Local favorite, served with black garlic broth

🌲 Jeonju – Pungnamheon Samgyetang (풍남헌 삼계탕)

• 📍 103 Pungnam-dong 2-ga, Wansan-gu

• Traditional hanok-style restaurant with herbal options

🏞️ Gangwon-do – Chuncheon Dak Hanmari Alley

• 📍 Near Chuncheon Station

• Although more famous for Dakgalbi, many stores offer Samgyetang with mountain herbs

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🍶 Drink Pairing

• Ginseng liquor (인삼주) – Sometimes served as a small shot

• Water or barley tea – Best to keep the clean herbal taste

• ✨ Samgyetang is typically not paired with alcohol like soju or beer

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💡 Pro Tip!

• Ask for black garlic or wild ginseng options if available — some restaurants offer premium upgrades.

• Some places serve Samgyetang for one, but others expect at least two diners. Check ahead or go during lunch hours for solo-friendly seating.

• It's totally okay to use a spoon and hands for the chicken if needed — just ask for gloves!

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📝 Final Tips

• Samgyetang is especially popular during summer but available year-round in Korea.

• It’s a perfect comfort food when you're tired, jet-lagged, or looking for something soothing.

• 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! 🇰🇷🔥