Samgyetang: Traditional Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup for Health and Warmth

 



Samgyetang – Korea’s Warm and Healing Chicken Soup


In Korea, people eat hot soup even in the hottest summer.

One of the most famous dishes is Samgyetang –

a whole chicken stuffed with rice and herbs, boiled until soft.

It’s not just food.

It’s a healing tradition, passed down for generations.

Samgyetang is a beloved Korean dish, not only for its rich taste but also for its health-boosting benefits. It is often enjoyed to strengthen the immune system and improve stamina.

Let’s learn what Samgyetang is, why it’s special, 

and how to make it!



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What Is Samgyetang?


“Sam” means ginseng,

“Gye” means chicken,

“Tang” means soup.

So, Samgyetang = Ginseng Chicken Soup.


A young whole chicken is filled with:


sweet rice (glutinous rice)


ginseng


jujube (Korean date)


garlic

Then it’s boiled slowly in water until the meat becomes very soft.




---


Why Do Koreans Eat Hot Soup in Summer?


In Korea, there’s a tradition called “I-yeol-chi-yeol” –

“fight heat with heat.”


When people sweat in summer, they lose energy.

Samgyetang helps recharge the body,

bringing warmth and balance from the inside out.



---


What’s Inside Samgyetang?


1 small chicken


Glutinous rice


Ginseng


Garlic


Jujube (Korean red date)


Ginger


Salt, black pepper



It’s not spicy – just clean, gentle, and deeply nourishing.



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What Foreigners Say


> “I was shocked to see a whole chicken in one bowl – but it was so soft and delicious!” – Nora, Germany

“I usually don’t like herbal flavors, but this was very mild and comforting.” – Max, UK

“It made me sweat, but I felt stronger after eating.” – Rafael, Brazil




Samgyetang may be new for some,

but it’s a very unique healing food you won’t find anywhere else.



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Where to Try It in Korea


Samgyetang specialty restaurants (especially in Seoul’s old towns)


Traditional Korean restaurants in tourist areas


Department store food courts


On special summer days like Chobok, Jungbok, and Malbok, people line up to eat it!




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Easy Samgyetang Recipe at Home


Ingredients


1 small chicken (about 600–800g)


1/4 cup glutinous rice (soaked in water)


2 garlic cloves, 2 jujubes, 1 piece of ginseng


1.5–2 liters water


Salt and black pepper



Instructions


1. Stuff the chicken with rice, garlic, ginseng, and jujube



2. Place in a pot, add water, and boil for at least 1 hour



3. When the meat is tender and broth is rich, it’s ready



4. Add salt and pepper to taste before eating




Tip: Tear the meat and mix with rice and broth.

It warms your whole body!



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Final Thoughts


Samgyetang is more than just soup.

It’s a dish full of Korean wisdom – to stay healthy through every season.

It’s gentle, natural, and made with love and time.


Try a bowl when you visit Korea –

your body (and heart) will thank you.


#Samgyetang #GinsengChickenSoup #KoreanHealingFood #HotSoupInSummer #TraditionalKoreanFood #EatLikeAKorean #KoreanWellnessFood #KoreanComfortDish #VisitKorea2025 #HealthyKoreanFood #HowToEatSamgyetang #KoreanSoupMagic


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