[Nareu’s Delicious Food Journey] A Visit to “Tosokchon” Serving Samgyetang, a Popular Stamina Food for Summer!

Greetings from AREX. :)

In Korea, there are three dog days that are collectively called

“sambok (Chobok, Jungbok, and Malbok).”

Regarded as the hottest days of the year,

sambok allows people to predict and get a sense of what the weather will be like,

and these three dog days fall between July and August in 2019.

In Korea, we say, “Iyeolchiyeol,” which means to fight fire with fire.

This is the strategy that many Koreans use to beat the heat,

and an example would be to eat hot (“temperature hot”) food

or to go to a hot place to sweat it out!

On Chobok, which is the first of the three dog days,

we paid a visit to Tosokchon, a restaurant that offers

samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) for people to fight fire with fire!

The entrance can be seen past the stone wall along the alley,

and the barbecued chickens next to it will definitely grab your attention.

What’s notable is that

Tosokchon has been in business for more than 36 years.

Now that’s a long time!

Aren’t you curious as to how samgyetang tastes

at this restaurant featuring Korea’s traditional architectural style?

Once you step inside, there is a tree that will catch your eye,

and right next to it is insamju (ginseng liquor).

Perhaps, you could buy insamju as a souvenir or a gift for someone back home. :)

The interior exhibiting the elements of traditional architecture and décor

will make you feel as though you are inside an old hanok (traditional Korean house),

rather than a restaurant.

Past the long corridor,

you will reach a placewhere you can finally taste samgyetang,

a stamina-boosting dish that’s eaten on the dog days.  

This restaurant is usually packed with customers.

In line with the “traditional” look, you will have to sit on the floor to eat,

as there are no Western-style tables around.

This will make it an all the more interesting experience for foreign tourists. :)

There are ten main dishes featured on the menu. 

In the case of samgyetang, Tosokchon offers 4 to 6 different kinds,

so you will have no trouble finding something that suits your preferences.

 They offer kimchi and kkakdugi (diced radish kimchi) as free side dishes,

and customers who are of legal drinking age are provided some warm insamju.

 You will lose track of time as you look around you,

in admiration of the architecture and interior design,

and the samgyetang you’ve ordered will be served in no time.

Nuts are added to make it extra savory,

and the owner here insist on using

high-quality ingredients that are -- most often than not -- produced in Korea.

So you are guaranteed to enjoy higher quality and rich flavors here than anywhere else.

This is probably why Tosokchon is always crowded with customers.

Directions: Seoul Station (AREX) – Transfer at Gongdeok Station – Transfer at Jongno 3-ga Station –
 Get off at Gyeongbukgung Station – Walk 6 minutes from Exit #2

What do you think of Tosokchon?

Don’t you want to boost your energy and strength with some samgyetang there?

I’ll be back next time to take you on another delicious food journey.

Get more details about AREX from the AREX homepage.

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(https://www.arex.or.kr)

Great travels brought to you by AREX.​