Summer in Korea is in full force, bringing with it muggy weather and bouts of heavy rain that last until the middle of July. As temperatures rise, people try to escape the heat by heading to the beach, the swimming pool, or air-conditioned cafes and malls. In Korea, however, staying healthy and cool during the summer is all about what you eat. Many Koreans try to beat the heat and counteract summer fatigue by eating cold dishes and healthy foods that are known for their restorative powers. Keep reading to find out exactly which foods to eat to restore your strength and refresh your spirit, Korean style!
Soup for the soul: Samgyetang (chicken ginseng soup)
The hottest days in Korea are from early July to mid August. This period is called ‘sambok deowi,’ or ‘the heat of sambok.’ ‘Sambok’ refers to the hottest days in Korea according to the lunar calendar and is further broken down into: Chobok (초복), the beginning period, Jungbok (중복), the middle, and Malbok (말복), the tail end of the summertime heat.
There are two main schools of thought in Korea when it comes to summer foods. Many Koreans eat cool dishes (ice noodles, etc.) to try to cool off, but there are also many people that eat hot foods full of nutrition to combat fatigue. This idea of ‘Yi Yeol Chi Yeol’ (fighting heat with heat) is derived from the principles of Korean Oriental Medicine. Originally, the term was used to refer to a medical treatment for curing colds in which a feverish patient’s body was kept as warm as possible in order to release the heat from the body. In the spirit of ‘Yi Yeol Chi Yeol,’ fight heat with heat and rejuvenate yourself this summer by indulging in a big steaming bowl of Samgyetang.
Since Samgyetang is literally packed with nutrition, it is widely known for its restorative properties. The dish is prepared by taking a young chicken, removing its innards, and stuffing it with garlic, rice, jujube, ginger, licorice root, and other herbs. The ingredients are then boiled together and served up in a delicious broth. Some restaurants even offer variations of the traditional Samgyetang, allowing you to add different ingredients according to your personal tastes. For a delicious and nutritious combination, try the Abalone Samgyetang, typically priced somewhere between 10,000 and 13,000 won.
Fusion-style Samgyetang has been gaining in popularity with more and more restaurants cashing in on the trend. At fusion-style Samgyetang restaurants, you’ll be able to find add-ins ranging from abalone and wild ginseng to perilla seed powder or even green tea. Fusion Samgyetang is more expensive than regular Samgyetang and can cost anywhere from 15,000 to 30,000 won, depending on the ingredients. If you don’t mind paying a little more, fusion-style Samgyetang is a great way to reenergize and experience a new take on a classic Korean dish.
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Korea Samgyetang (고려 삼계탕)
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Article and Photos: KTO
