On the hottest day of the summer in Korea, there is a cultural tradition to eat 삼계탕 (SamGaeTang) - a Korean version of chicken soup! This year, the hottest days of summer 2014 start on July 18 (초복 - ChoBok), July 28 (중복 - Joong Bok) and end on August 7 (말복 - Mal Bok). You will see lines of people out the door at every SamGaeTang restaurant on these days!
(Some used to eat 보신탕 (BoShinTang) - dog soup, but because of the taboo of eating dog, many people now eat the chicken soup instead.)
The concept of eating a hot temperature food on a hot day is called 이열치열 (e-yul chi-yul). If you eat something hot to make your inner body temperature rise, when you step outside into the heat, it's supposed to make it feel like it's cooler outside. I personally prefer eating it when it is freezing outside or when I am not feeling well, but either way, this is one of my favourite soup dishes!
What? Piping hot Korean chicken soup for 15 000won.
Who? All ages, casual dining. Most of the seating is on the floor, so if you have trouble with that, be warned.
When? Everyday, 10:00am-10:00pm.
Reservations? Yes, call up to 1 day ahead.
Parking? Yes, valet service and free parking for up to 1hour.
Cards Accepted? Yes
Where?
대한민국 서울 종로구 체부동 85-1. 85-1 Chebu-dong 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Call: (02) 737-7444
Directions: Go to KyungBok Station, Line 3, Exit 2. Walk up about 150 metres and then turn left at an alley way. You will see the restaurant (or the line) on your left. Parking is just past the restaurant and they also have an overflow parking lot across the main street.