Best Summer Eats in Korea

One of the best ways to beat the scorching summer in Korea is to have a chicken soup called Samgyetang. This nutritious chicken dish is packed with energy-boosting ingredients, making it a favorite to replenish strength and recover from fatigue during the hot season. Seoul is home to numerous Samgyetang restaurants, each with its unique twist. Let’s discover what Samgyetang is and explore some top spots!

Traditional Korean dish, Samgyetang is made with ginseng, jujubes, garlic, and glutinous rice stuffed in a whole chicken. It’s a popular health-boosting meal in Korea, especially during the summer when people seek to replenish their energy. While the ingredients may vary slightly by restaurant, ginseng is always included, giving the dish a subtle ginseng aroma. To enjoy Samgyetang, use a spoon or chopsticks to cut the chicken and eat it with the broth, chicken meat, and glutinous rice. Although it’s typically seasoned, you can add pepper or salt to suit your taste. Some restaurants also serve a traditional Korean ginseng liquor called ‘insamju’ with the dish, which can be enjoyed on its own or added to the soup.

Located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, this charming hanok (traditional Korean house) restaurant is a favorite for those trying Samgyetang for the first time. It’s especially popular among foreign visitors. The menu and instructions on how to eat Samgyetang are available in English, Chinese and Japanese, making it easy for you to order. You’ll receive a note with an order number, so simply hand in the note at the counter to pay. Samgyetang here is known for its rich flavor, thanks to generous amounts of ginseng and various nuts. The menu includes regular Samgyetang and a version with Ogol (black chicken). While the meat texture is almost the same, the broth of Ogol Samgyetang is thicker and richer. Each order comes with a complimentary shot of insamju (ginseng liquor). For a more potent health boost, try the menu with 'wild ginseng culture root,' known for its benefits like fatigue recovery and diabetes prevention.

Recommended by the Michelin Guide, this 'Nopo' (old shop) Samgyetang restaurant has a tradition dating back over 60 years since its establishment in 1960. When people think of 'Korean Samgyetang,' the image of chicken legs crossed in an X-shape and stuffed with glutinous rice and other ingredients comes to mind. This restaurant is said to be the origin of that style. What sets Goryeo Samgyetang apart from other places is its clear and clean broth. The dish is made using young chickens that are simmered for over 4 hours, resulting in incredibly tender meat. The subtle sweetness of jujubes, the aroma of fresh ginseng, and the perfect glutinous rice porridge fill you with a sense of satisfaction. Kimchi here is also known to be refreshing and delicious, so enjoy your Samgyetang with kimchi.

One of the top three Samgyetang restaurants in Seoul, along with Tosokchon Samgyetang and Goryeo Samgyetang. As famous as it is, it attracts many visitors, but with its main building and annex, you can get a table quick enough. They only serve one menu, Samgyetang, which arrives at your table bubbling hot almost immediately after you sit down. This Samgyetang is known for its thick and opaque broth, generously filled with perilla seed powder. The nutty flavor of perilla seeds complements the tender chicken perfectly. The spicy radish kimchi also pairs wonderfully with the dish. Also, you can self-serve cucumbers and other vegetables along with kimchi. This place is also famous for its delicious gochujang (Korean chili paste), so try dipping cucumbers or chicken in it for an added kick.

This Samgyetang restaurant has been run by three generations since 1973. It has gained additional fame due to visits from former Korean presidents and famous celebrities. The interior, which incorporates traditional Korean elements, enhances the dining experience. When you order, you’ll receive a wooden number plate, which you show at the counter when you pay. There are three types of Samgyetang at this restaurant: Pine Nut Samgyetang, with a rich and creamy flavor; Mugwort Samgyetang, with a strong mugwort aroma; and Mung Bean Samgyetang, which is light and savory. If you want to try a traditional flavor that everyone loves, go for the Pine Nut Samgyetang. Typically, glutinous rice is stuffed inside the chicken, but here it’s served separately. After eating about half the chicken, you can put the rice into the broth with the remaining chicken. Additional servings of the glutinous rice are available for free, so keep that in mind.

Located between Hapjeong and Hongdae stations, this restaurant is easily accessible. It has branches not only in Seoul but also in Gyeonggi and Incheon. It was featured in the Michelin Guide and various TV shows in the past. Also, there are two buildings, one across the street, so you won’t have to wait long to get a table. The menu includes a variety of Samgyetang options: the basic Samgyetang, Perilla Seed Samgyetang, Mung Bean Samgyetang, and Black Garlic Samgyetang. The broth is clear yet rich, with a deep flavor, thanks to the medicinal herbs used in its preparation. The domestic chicken, which has a longer growth period, offers a chewy texture.

Located near Yeouido Station, Panax is a popular spot among local office workers for its health-boosting Samgyetang. It’s also a great place to eat before or after visiting Yeouido Hangang River Park or The Hyundai Seoul. If you’ve tried traditional Samgyetang and are looking for something different, this is the place to go. Their popular dish is the ‘Black Rice Samgyetang.’ Instead of white glutinous rice, this Samgyetang uses black rice. The nutty flavor of the black rice pairs perfectly with Samgyetang, offering a less sticky but more flavorful texture compared to regular glutinous rice. The unique popping texture of black rice adds an extra layer of enjoyment. You can add salt or pepper for more flavors.

Enjoy Samgyetang in a clean and elegant restaurant with amazing side dishes. Known for its ‘Abalone Samgyetang,’ this restaurant has several branches across the Gangnam area. Don’t forget to take a picture with the small flag placed on top of the abalone before you dig in. The dish includes fresh abalone from Wando, famous for fresh seafood in Korea. The abalone is fresh, not fishy, and perfect for those who might be hesitant about seafood. It’s tender yet firm, complementing the chicken and broth. They also offer 'Nurungji Samgyetang,' which includes crispy scorched rice, adding a delightful texture to your meal. This dish is light, savory, and easy to enjoy.