Traditional and Healthy Summer Foods in Seoul & Gyeonggi Province

In a melting hot summer time, it's crucial to eat well to stay healthy. Check these Korean traditional food that will make you extra healthy!

The ancestors of modern-day Koreans ate various nutrient-rich foods during the hottest days of summer—especially on the first, second, and third days of the “three dog days”—to nourish themselves and stay healthy amid the sweltering heat. One of the representative dishes in this regard is samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), which is enjoyed by almost all Koreans during the summer.

In addition to samgyetang, there are other healthy summer foods rich in heritage that can be found in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province—traditional healthy foods eaten by the royal family and aristocrats can still be enjoyed in what was once Hanyang (the capital of the Joseon Dynasty). Stay healthy and energized this summer while overcoming the sweltering heat with healthy, nutrient-rich foods in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province!

1. Chogyetang (Chilled Chicken Soup)

Chogyetang is a dish that lets you enjoy whole chicken soup combined with rice and naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles). Chicken and noodles are put together in a cold soup seasoned with vinegar and mustard. During the Joseon Dynasty, chogyetang was a special dish that was a staple at court banquets.

Chogyetang is a dish that Chicken and noodles are put together in a cold soup seasoned with vinegar and mustard
ⓒGyeonggi Province

Preparation : Prepare a clean chicken, then boil it with green onion, ginger, and garlic. When the chicken is fully cooked, shred it into small pieces and season. The broth should be cooled and seasoned with soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and mustard. Shred the boiled chicken breast into small pieces. Cut the onion, cucumber, red cabbage, and paprika into thin strips of the same length, and mix them together before eating. You can also serve this together with boiled buckwheat noodles.

2. Yongbongtang (Chicken and Carp Soup)

Yongbongtang is made by boiling carp in chicken stock, then adding chicken and shiitake mushrooms. It is a representative dish traditionally eaten by those who wanted to enjoy great longevity by consuming carp, which symbolizes “yong” (dragon), and chicken, which symbolizes “bong” (phoenix).” In fact, the carp is praised as the king of freshwater fish in The Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine.

Preparation: Prepare a clean chicken and carp, then cut up shiitake mushrooms, jujubes, chestnuts, and other ingredients. Boil eggs and cut into thin slices. Pour water into a pot, and when it starts to boil, add the chicken, shiitake mushrooms, chestnuts, jujubes, and a whole bulb of garlic. Bring it to a simmer, and when the chicken is fully cooked, take it out and remove the bones. Shred the chicken meat and season it with green onion, garlic, sesame oil, and pepper. Put the pieces of carp in the chicken broth and boil it again. When the flavor of the carp emerges, put the seasoned chicken on top of it and enjoy.

3. Ssogari Maeuntang (Spicy Leopard Mandarin Fish Stew)

Leopard mandarin fish from the Namhangang River and Hantangang River is particularly famous. Ssogari maeuntang (spicy leopard mandarin fish stew), which has become a representative healthy summer food in Gyeonggi Province, is deemed by many to be the best of freshwater fish soups for its spicy and taste. It is also famous for not having a peculiar fish odor. However, you should remember that catching leopard mandarin fish during the spawning season is prohibited. Ssogari maeuntang is an especially healthy summer dish as it is rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus.

Freshwater fish can be great ingredients for many dishes such as maeuntang in Korea
ⓒGyeonggi Province

Preparation: Put prepared leopard mandarin fish and vegetables (such as radish, zucchini, carrot, water parsley, green chili pepper, and green onion) into a pot. Add red pepper paste and red pepper powder to enjoy the spicy richness.