This guide explains what samgyetang is and why Koreans eat it in summer.
We also examine price, taste, and common foreign reactions to help you decide if it’s worth trying during your trip to Korea.
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| Samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup) served with kimchi and traditional side dishes. ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-전형준 |
I once took a friend visiting from overseas to a well-known samgyetang restaurant near where I live. Normally, when friends visit Korea, I take them for galbi or samgyeopsal first. Samgyetang isn’t usually at the top of the list.
But when the steaming stone bowl arrived, my friend paused. The whole chicken sitting in the broth, steam rising from the pot, looked more impressive in person than in photos. When I explained that sticky rice was stuffed inside the chicken, the reaction was immediate: “It’s bigger than I expected.”
That moment made me rethink samgyetang. It may not be the most talked-about Korean dish among tourists, but it can leave a stronger impression than expected.
So in this article, I’ll explain what samgyetang is, how it’s perceived overseas, and what travelers are actually curious about. If you’re planning a trip to Korea, this may help you decide whether to include it in your itinerary.
Why Do Koreans Eat Boiling Hot Samgyetang in the Middle of Summer? (Understanding Boknal Tradition)
Samgyetang is made with a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, garlic, and jujubes. The broth is clear rather than spicy or heavily seasoned.
In Korea, samgyetang is closely associated with Boknal, the hottest days of summer. The idea is often explained through “iyeolchiyeol” — fighting heat with heat. Eating hot soup is believed to help replenish energy lost during extreme summer weather.
For many foreign visitors, this logic feels confusing. “Why eat boiling hot soup in summer?” is a common question in online discussions. In cultures where summer food usually means cold drinks and chilled dishes, the idea does not immediately make sense.
Menus often include the word “boyang” (restorative food), and some restaurants display posters explaining the health benefits of samgyetang. Because of this, it carries a strong health-food image rather than being seen simply as comfort food.
Is Samgyetang Too Bland for First-Time Visitors to Korea? What Does It Really Taste Like?
Because ginseng is included, samgyetang is often described as energizing or restorative. Expectations can build around that image.
However, if you expect bold seasoning or intense spice, you may find it surprisingly mild. In overseas forums, repeated comments describe it as “clean but not very flavorful” or “simpler than expected.” Some even compare it to “hospital food,” while others mention a noticeable “herbal medicine smell.”
The broth is intentionally light and not heavily salted. Most restaurants provide salt and pepper on the table. It’s common to taste the soup first and then adjust the seasoning yourself.
Before adding too much salt, it’s worth trying the soup with the side dishes. Samgyetang is usually served with kimchi and pickled vegetables. The sharper side dishes balance the mild broth.
Korean meals are structured around the combination of rice, soup, and side dishes. Judging the soup alone may not reflect how it is meant to be eaten.
The intensity of the ginseng aroma also varies by restaurant. Some keep it subtle, while others allow the herbal scent to stand out more clearly.
Is Samgyetang Expensive in Seoul? How Much Does It Cost Compared to Other Korean Meals?
In Seoul, a bowl of samgyetang typically costs between 15,000 and 20,000 KRW.
Considering that a standard Korean meal often falls between 8,000 and 12,000 KRW, samgyetang sits on the higher end of everyday dining. For first-time visitors, it may feel expensive for what appears to be “just chicken soup.”
Well-known restaurants can also have long waiting times during lunch hours. Some online reviews mention waiting nearly an hour and then feeling that the dish didn’t justify the hype. Expectations naturally rise when you wait longer.
If your schedule is tight, visiting around 11 a.m. or after 1 p.m. may reduce waiting time. Adjusting your timing can make the experience feel less pressured.
Why Is Samgyetang Served as a Whole Chicken? Is It Difficult for Tourists to Eat?
Unlike fried chicken served in pieces, samgyetang comes with an entire chicken in the bowl.
Sticky rice is stuffed inside, and you’ll need to separate the meat from the bones as you eat. For some first-time visitors, this feels unfamiliar. Questions like “Is this meant to be shared?” or “Is it too much for one person?” often appear in travel forums.
Some restaurants also serve a small glass of ginseng liquor on the side, which can be poured into the soup. While this is part of traditional presentation, it may feel unusual if you’re not expecting it.
There are no strong sauces or dipping condiments involved. If you prefer bold, heavily seasoned dishes, the simplicity may feel underwhelming. If you prefer lighter meals, it may feel balanced.
Is Samgyetang Worth Trying During a Summer Trip to Korea?
If you’re visiting Korea in summer, trying samgyetang can offer insight into how locals approach seasonal food traditions.
That said, it may not be the most exciting choice if you’re looking for intense flavors. The price is higher than many other Korean meals, and long waits at famous restaurants can affect the overall experience.
If you want a relatively stable, protein-focused meal that isn’t spicy, samgyetang can be a reasonable option. Whether it becomes a highlight of your trip depends largely on your expectations.
You don’t have to prioritize it — but if you’re curious about Korean summer food culture, it may be worth considering.
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