On the hottest, most humid days of a Korean summer, you will see locals lining up for a bowl of soup that is served boiling hot. That soup is samgyetang (삼계탕): a whole young chicken stuffed with rice and simmered with ginseng. It sounds counterintuitive to eat something so hot in the heat, but there is a logic to it, and it has become one of the dishes visitors most want to try in Seoul. Here is a simple, first-hand guide to what samgyetang is, why Koreans eat it in summer, how to eat it, and where to find it.
What Is Samgyetang?
Samgyetang is a clear chicken soup made from a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, garlic, jujube (Korean date), and, the star ingredient, ginseng. The name comes from three characters: sam (ginseng), gye (chicken), and tang (soup). The broth is mild, savory, and clean-tasting rather than spicy, and the meat falls off the bone after long simmering. You season it yourself at the table with salt and pepper.
Why Do Koreans Eat Hot Soup in Summer?
Korea has a saying, iyeolchiyeol (이열치열): roughly, “fight heat with heat.” During the three hottest days of the year, known as boknal (복날), which fall across July and August, many Koreans eat a hot, nourishing bowl of samgyetang to restore energy lost to the heat. The idea is that a warm, protein-rich meal helps the body cope with the summer rather than fight it with cold food. It is as much a seasonal ritual as it is a meal.
A Surprisingly Short History
Although it feels timeless, samgyetang as we know it is not that old. In the Joseon era, chicken dishes with medicinal ingredients existed (closer to a porridge called baeksuk), but ginseng was expensive and rare, so today’s version was uncommon. It was only after ginseng field-farming spread and specialist samgyetang restaurants opened in Seoul in the 1960s that the dish caught on, becoming nationally popular through the 1970s. So the dish you are eating is a relatively modern Seoul creation with very old ingredients.
How to Eat Samgyetang
- Taste the broth first, then season to your liking with the salt and pepper on the table.
- Open the chicken and eat the glutinous rice from inside, dipping it into the broth.
- You can eat the ginseng root and jujube too (the ginseng is pleasantly bitter).
- Use the small side plate for bones as you work through the chicken.
- Want a kick? Add a little of the chili paste that often comes as a side.
Where to Try Samgyetang in Seoul
One of the best things about samgyetang is how easy it is to find. There are so many samgyetang restaurants in Korea that you can spot one in almost any Seoul neighborhood: Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung, Myeongdong, Jongno and beyond, and most have English menus. You don’t need to hunt for a famous name; walking into a good-looking local spot usually works out well.
If you’d like to pick one, Tosokchon Samgyetang, in the Seochon area right next to Gyeongbokgung Palace, is the classic choice. It became famous as a favorite of the late former President Roh Moo-hyun, and to this day there are long lines at lunch and on weekends. Set in a renovated hanok (traditional house), it serves a rich, hearty bowl, and it pairs naturally with a Gyeongbokgung visit, well worth trying once. Go outside peak hours if you can, to avoid the wait.
Tosokchon Samgyetang: 5, Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (about a 5-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 2).
Good to Know
- Samgyetang is served one whole chicken per person in a hot stone bowl.
- Prices are usually around 17,000–20,000 won per bowl (varies by restaurant, check when you go).
- Expect a wait at popular places during lunch.
- It is not a vegetarian-friendly dish (it is built around a whole chicken).
FAQ
What does samgyetang taste like?
Mild, clean and savory: a light chicken broth with garlic and a gentle ginseng aroma. It is not spicy; you add salt to taste.
Why do Koreans eat samgyetang in summer?
To restore energy during boknal, the hottest days of summer, following the idea of iyeolchiyeol, fighting heat with heat.
Is samgyetang spicy?
No. The broth is mild by default. You season it yourself with salt and pepper, and can add chili paste if you want heat.
Where can I eat samgyetang in Seoul?
Almost anywhere. Samgyetang restaurants are found across the city. A well-known option is Tosokchon Samgyetang near Gyeongbokgung Palace.
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Written by WY, a Seoul-based local sharing honest, first-hand guides to Korea. Nothing here is sponsored; I go and pay my own way. More about me →