Hwan’s Table of KoreaWise presents a guide to the Tosokchon Samgyetang menu at a restaurant nestled in a hanok alley next to Gyeongbokgung Palace. The restaurant’s traditional architecture creates a distinct atmosphere in the center of Seoul. I’ve visited it several times over the years, and this post compiles all my experiences and observations.
This post provides a detailed overview of the menu, the restaurant’s features, and practical information for visitors.
1. Exploring the Tosokchon Samgyetang Menu: A Deep Story in Every Bowl
While the restaurant’s name indicates a focus on samgyetang, its menu includes a variety of other chicken dishes and specialties. During my many visits, I have made an effort to try almost every menu item to understand the range of flavors offered.
Exploring the Signature: Tosokchon Samgyetang on the Menu (₩20,000)
The Distinctive, Nutty Broth of the Tosokchon Samgyetang Menu
The primary characteristic of Tosokchon Samgyetang is its unique broth. In contrast to the clear and light broth found in most samgyetang, this broth is milky white and has a thick, rich consistency.
To create this broth, the restaurant adds ground nuts such as pine nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and black sesame seeds. This combination of ingredients results in a savory and rich flavor that distinctly coats the mouth and leaves a lasting nutty aftertaste.
The broth has a clean taste without a chicken odor. Instead, it offers deep, subtle flavors from Korean medicinal herbs, which makes it a very nutritious meal.
Tender Chicken and Essential Pairings
The young chicken is served hot in an earthenware pot. Because of an extended cooking period, the meat is incredibly tender and separates easily from the bone. Its texture is soft and moist.
The chicken’s cavity contains domestic ingredients, including 4-year-old ginseng, glutinous rice, local chestnuts, jujubes, ginkgo nuts, and garlic. The glutinous rice absorbs the broth, thus becoming a flavorful and hearty component of the dish.
A complementary ginseng liquor is also served with the meal. You can drink it before the meal to warm up or add it to the broth for a more intense ginseng flavor. Personally, I prefer to drink it at the end of the meal to refresh my palate.
In addition, the restaurant is well known for its delicious kimchi and kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi). The crisp and refreshing kkakdugi provides a sharp, tangy counterpoint to the thick, rich samgyetang broth. This contrast helps balance the rich flavors of the meal perfectly. The unique, thick broth is a specific taste that may not be for everyone; however, many find it highly addictive after trying it.
Wild Ginseng Cultured Root Samgyetang from the Tosokchon Samgyetang Menu (₩26,000)
This menu item is the basic samgyetang with the addition of wild ginseng cultured root. The ginseng root is served separately, allowing you to add it to the samgyetang yourself.
The addition of the ginseng provides a subtle aroma and a deep, earthy flavor that contributes to the health benefits of the meal.
Ogye Samgyetang: A Unique Tosokchon Samgyetang Menu Item (₩25,000)
This samgyetang uses Ogye chicken, a breed with black skin, meat, and bones. Historically, this dish was for royalty and was considered a premium health food with benefits such as purifying the blood.
The meat of the Ogye chicken is noticeably firmer and has a chewier texture than young chicken samgyetang. Therefore, this makes it a good option for those who prefer a more rustic flavor and firmer texture.
Wild Ginseng Cultured Root Ogye Samgyetang: The Premium Tosokchon Samgyetang Menu Pick (₩31,000)
This is the most expensive and health-focused dish on the menu. It combines the distinctly chewy texture of the Ogye chicken with the rich, earthy flavor of wild ginseng cultured root.
This is a good choice for when you want a very substantial, nutrient-rich meal.
Ottgyetang: Another Delicious Option from the Tosokchon Samgyetang Menu (₩20,000)
The Ottgyetang is a chicken stew cooked in a broth made from lac tree. It includes only a single jujube along with the chicken. The broth is a clear, amber color. It has a slightly bitter and savory taste, with a balancing sweetness from the jujube.
This dish is popular with men and is known for its warming properties. A warning: if you have a lac tree allergy, do not consume this dish.
Rotisserie Chicken from the Tosokchon Samgyetang Menu (₩19,000)
The Rotisserie Chicken is as popular as the samgyetang. It is my favorite side dish here. The cooking process removes excess oil, which makes the skin crispy and the meat moist and tender.
The chicken has a clean flavor without the gamey odor sometimes found in other rotisserie chickens. They serve it with sweet and spicy Korean-style fried chicken sauce, pickled radish, and a cabbage salad. I recommend ordering this with samgyetang when dining in a group.
Seafood Pancake (Haemul Pajeon) on the Tosokchon Samgyetang Menu (₩17,000)
The Seafood Pancake has a crispy exterior and a soft interior. They serve it with soy sauce for dipping. While it does not contain a large amount of seafood, it is a filling side dish that pairs well with samgyetang.
Enjoying warm samgyetang and a seafood pancake in the hanok is a pleasant dining experience, especially on a rainy day.
2. The Essence of Tosokchon: Rejuvenation Amidst Hanok Charm
Tosokchon Samgyetang offers a cultural experience in addition to its food. The hanok architecture, for instance, provides a special environment for visitors.
The Breath of Tradition from the Entrance
The restaurant is located approximately 200m north of Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 2, on a quiet alley. There, you will find the grand tiled roof of a hanok, which is the entrance to Tosokchon Samgyetang. The tiled roof, wooden doors, and neatly arranged courtyard create a traditional atmosphere. Furthermore, the smell of rotisserie chickens at the entrance is a notable feature.
A Maze-like Hanok Interior and Bustling Energy
Established in 1983, Tosokchon has a nearly 40-year history and is very large. Inside the hanok, you will find a maze-like arrangement of corridors and rooms. Seating options include traditional floor seating (jab-sik) and tables with chairs. You can choose your preference.
The atmosphere combines the traditional beauty of the hanok with an energetic environment. Since the restaurant is very popular, it is often busy, particularly during lunch hours or on Boknal (hot days in summer when samgyetang is traditionally eaten). While there may be a line, the restaurant’s large size and fast service keep wait times from being excessive. The staff is quick and friendly. This efficient service also helps keep the ingredients fresh and the food quality consistent.
Klook.com3. Tosokchon Samgyetang Menu: Basic Information & Directions
This section contains essential information for your visit to Tosokchon Samgyetang.
Basic Information
- Address: 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (번지: Chebu-dong 85-1)
- Operating Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last Order 9:00 PM)
Getting There
You can conveniently reach Tosokchon Samgyetang by public transportation.
By Subway:
- Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) Exit 2: Exit the station and walk straight for approximately 200m north. Then turn left into the alley after two blocks. The restaurant is there. This walk takes about 5 minutes.
- You can also reach Tosokchon by transferring to a bus from other subway lines (1, 2, or 5).
4. More About the Tosokchon Samgyetang Menu & Experience
Tosokchon Samgyetang has a history that provides a deeper context to its place in Korean culture.
A Place Touched by Presidents
Tosokchon Samgyetang is known as a “President’s Restaurant.” The late President Roh Moo-hyun, for instance, was a frequent customer and had samgyetang delivered to Cheong Wa Dae during his presidency. Due to its location near Cheong Wa Dae, foreign VIPs also visit the restaurant. This history is a testament to samgyetang’s status as a representative Korean health food.
A Must-Visit for Global Tourists
The restaurant is popular with both domestic and international tourists. Indeed, it is a common destination for travelers from Asia, particularly Japan and China. Inside the restaurant, detailed guides on how to eat samgyetang are available in English, Chinese, and Japanese. This international popularity demonstrates that the restaurant’s food and service are recognized globally.
Conclusion: Your Tosokchon Samgyetang Menu Journey Awaits
Tosokchon Samgyetang offers a Korean dining experience with a focus on tradition. Its signature nutty broth and hanok setting are notable features. The diverse menu provides many options beyond the standard samgyetang.
The service is efficient despite the crowds. For this reason, it is a recommended destination for those who want to try an authentic Korean health-boosting meal in a traditional environment.
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