Tosokchon (토속촌): An Unassuming Treasure Trove of Flavor
For over 30 years, tourists, locals, and even South Korean presidents have flocked to this restaurant for their famous samgyetang, a traditional Korean soup prized for its numerous medicinal benefits. Besides being highly nutritious, samgyetang is also a delicious meal that can be enjoyed year-round.
The word “Samgyetang” is derived by combining three words: ginseng (“insam”, 인삼), chicken (“gye”, 계), and soup (“tang”, 탕). While it sounds simple, samgyetang is actually unsuspecting treasure trove of flavor and health benefits.
Ginseng is a popular medicinal herb that acts as a powerful antioxidant. It also boosts metabolism, the immune system, energy levels, and even brain function. On the other hand, the chicken and its broth are rich with essential fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins, which help the body build and repair.
As if things couldn’t get better, the chicken is usually stuffed with sticky rice (“chapssal”, 찹쌀) that has soaked up all the rich, earthy flavors of the various ingredients. Other common ingredients in samgyetang include garlic, ginger, and red dates, all of which help cleanse the body by improving blood circulation.
At the start of the meal, the table is filled with various sides and condiments to accompany the samgyetang, including a small shot of Insamju (인삼주), or Ginseng Liquor. The Insamju can be enjoyed at anytime during the meal. Some people like to add the ginseng liquor to samgyetang for a lightly boozy and fragrant aroma.
Tosokchon’s samgyetang was enlightening. The young chicken was so tender given that it had likely been simmering for several hours. The ginseng flavors permeated deep through the meat and into the sticky rice within the chicken. Annie and I may have had a slight hangover before coming here but a few sips of the broth successfully revived our bodies. The soup was rich and flavorful but not oily or fatty.
Without a doubt, this was the best samgyetang of my life (so far). It’s clear that Tosokchon perfected its samgyetang recipe to nourish and rebalance the body. The next time I visit Seoul, I know I’ll visit Tosokchon again.
Cuisine: Korean
Average Price per Person: $15-20 USD / 18,000-24,000 WON
Address:
Recommended:
Samgyetang (18,000 WON)
Ogolgye Samgyetang (24,000 WON) - The particular breed of chicken used is Silky or Chinese Silk Chicken, which has black skin. In eastern cultures, this chicken is known for its supposed curative properties.
The outer walls of Tosokchon are designed with traditional Korean architecture called Hanok. I don’t think there are any signs in English but you can try to look for this street corner. The Korean name of the restaurant is 토속촌.
The interior has old-world style with some modern enhancements.
Dining Instructions. To help foreigners, the menu describes everything that has been laid out of the table and how to best enjoy the sides and the samgyetang.
Samgyetang. Please take a moment to admire the best samgyetang of my life. The chicken was so tender that it already started to fall apart as soon as Annie picked it up.
[18,000 WON]