Samgyetang, a world-renowned Korean staple infused with Asian herbal ingredients braised with a whole chicken and glutinous rice over medium heat until the meat reaches a perfect juiciness.
The result? A healthy, heart-warming soup served hot with beautifully braised chicken stuffed with aromatic rice, garlic, nuts, Korean dates, and ginseng roots inside.
If you’re looking for the best samgyetang restaurant on your next trip to Seoul, Tosokchon Samgyetang will fit the bill. With a stone’s throw away from Gyeongbokgung Palace, Tosokchon Samgyetang has been serving the locals and visitors alike for over three decades and still going strong.
Where Is Tosokchon Samgyetang Located?
Tosokchon Samgyetang is a short walk within three minutes from Exit 2 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway Line 3. You can stop here for lunch or dinner after a visit to the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Given such a huge reputation, don’t be surprised if the entrance is packed with an extensive line during lunchtime on any given sunny day. It takes about half an hour for the queue to clear up.
Just Steps Away from Tosokchon Samgyetang: Immerse Yourself in History and Culture at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul
The Dining Space
The dining house is set up in a traditional Korean building with low-ceiling, wooden beams, and a heated floor to keep you warm during the coolest months of the year. Kick back on the floor while the food is served on a square low table.
How To Order?
Tosokchon Samgyetang has its menu written in Korean, English, and Chinese. They even have a multilingual website where you can check out what’s there to eat before coming. Let me give you a breakdown:
- Tosokchon Ogolgye Samgyetang – Tosokchon Ginseng Korean Black Chicken (Silkie) Soup
- Tosokchon Samgyetang – Tosokchon Ginseng Chicken Soup
- Tosokchon Otgyetang – Tosokchon Chicken Soup with Korean Lacquer Tree (Sumac)
- Jeongigui Tongdak – Tosokchon Rotisserie Chicken
- Dakbaeksuk – Tosokchon Whole Chicken Soup
- Dakdoritang – Tosokchon Spicy Chicken Stew
- Haemul Pajeon – Seafood and Green Onion Pancake
Add-ins include:
- Sansam Baeyanggeun – Chopped Wild Ginseng Roots
- Baechu-kimchi – Cabbage Kimchi
- Kkakdugi – Radish Kimchi
Once your order is taken, the staff provides you with a number. The number is recorded with your payment details at the end of the day. Complete your payment by showing the right number at the check-out counter.
The Food
I went for the best-seller: Tosokchon Samgyetang (tosokchon ginseng chicken soup), the house signature.
Each serving comes with complimentary barley tea and ginseng wine which boasts a strong alcoholic taste. The best time to chuck down the wine IS right after each slurp of chicken soup to enhance the flavor profile.
I topped it up with an extra dish of Sansam Baeyanggeun (chopped wild ginseng roots) which is added directly into the steaming hot soup, stirred, and served.
Tear the whole chicken in half to reveal the glutinous rice inside. When the rice is steamed to perfection, it thickens the texture even more with a decadent and hearty flavor. Pair it with more chopped ginseng roots and you’ll end up with a heavenly delighted taste. I love it when the chicken meat is super tender which comes off the bone effortlessly when you take it off with the chopsticks.
Check out more food reviews in South Korea below:
- Chuncheonjip Dakgalbi Makguksu: The Best Korean Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry Near Sinchon Station
- Kyochon Chicken Hongdae: The Best Fried Chicken Chain In Seoul
- Man Jok Oh Hyang Jokbal: The Best Braised Pig’s Trotters In Seoul
Everything You Need to Know about Korea
Explore more of our adventures around Korea:
- Travel Guide: A Pocket South Korea Travel Guide
- Attractions: Nami Island, Gwangjang Market
- Food: Ultimate South Korea Food Guide
Simplify Your Korea Trip