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Survive Sambok with bowls of hot soup

Besides a whole chicken, garlic, ginseng and jujube are essential to samgyetang.

As summer approaches, Koreans are busy checking their calendars.

Vacation dates? Not quite. Most Koreans are looking up the "Sambok" dates, the term for the three hottest days of the year, which typically fall between June and August of the lunar calendar.

Comparable to the English expression "the dog days of summer," the three Sambok Days are the most uncomfortable, sultry summer days.

During the "Chobok," or "First Dog Day;" "Jungbok," or "Middle Dog Day;" and "Malbok," or "Last Dog Day," Korea's average daytime temperatures exceed 33℃, and nighttime temperatures remain above 25℃.

Fight fire with fire

This year's Sambok Days fall on July 15, 25 and August 14. To endure the expected heat waves, Koreans will "fight fire with fire" by eating hot soup to fortify themselves against the hot weather.

One of the most popular soups for this purpose is "samgyetang," a dish featuring a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, dates, chestnuts, garlic, ginseng and other medicinal herbs. The nutrient-dense broth and tender meat are believed to invigorate the mind and body and reduce heat-related fatigue.

The science of soup

The cultural practice of eating soup during sweltering weather is supported by science.

The human body maintains its temperature through sweating, but if a person stays in the heat too long without consuming enough liquids, the body can't cool down properly. Eating hot soup helps by replenishing liquids and inducing sweat, effectively cooling the body and preventing heat-related illnesses.

Nutritional benefits of samgyetang

Samgyetang is highly nutritious because it contains a whole chicken. One serving provides 96 grams of protein, well over the daily recommended amount of 60 to 70 grams for an adult, according to a 2020 report by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. 

Additionally, ginseng, a key ingredient in samgyetang, contains saponins, believed to decrease blood lipids, lower cancer risks, and reduce blood glucose levels. The soup also provides essential nutrients such as vitamins B, C, and D, folate, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and amino acids.

To maximize samgyetang's benefits, consume the broth as many nutritious ingredients dissolve in the soup during cooking. If a whole serving is too much, consider ordering "bangyetang," a half-size portion.

Many samgyetang restaurants offer ginseng liquor as an aperitif, which warms the stomach, aids digestion and reduces the soup's greasy taste.

Samgyetang restaurants featured in Taste of Busan

Bae Jong-gwan Dongnae Samgyetang and ginseng liquor.

◎ Bae Jong-gwan Dongnae Samgyetang (배종관동래삼계탕)

This restaurant serves samgyetang with a generous heap of sliced green onions. It uses a secret beef bone broth with a 30-year-old tradition, boasting deeply nourishing flavors. Expect a long queue, as this place is popular among the locals.

。Address: 39 Dongnae-ro 116beon-gil, Dongnae-gu

。Hours: 11 a.m. to 8:40 p.m. Break time from 3 to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 4 to 5 p.m. on weekends. Last order at 7:40 p.m. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, although summer hours may vary.

。Price: ￦18,000 for Dongnae Samgyetang, ￦20,000 for Gungjung Yakgyetang

Useong Samgyetang.

◎ Useong Samgyetang (우성삼계탕)

Useong Samgyetang has specialized in samgyetang for over 40 years. The establishment is renowned for its thick, garlic-flavored broth. This longtime specialty restaurant is always bustling with regulars, and customers love the fried gizzards served for free with every meal.

。Address: 68 Gwangseo-ro 10beon-gil, Suyeong-gu

。Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

。Price: ￦18,000 for Samgyetang

Vocab Spotlight (단어 돋보기)

sultry: 무더운

fortify: 강화하다

stuffed: 채워진

glutinous rice: 찹쌀

date(fruit): 대추

chestnut: 밤

ginseng: 인삼

invigorate: 활력을 불어넣다

replenish: 보충하다

aperitif: 식전주