What Is Boknal (Sambok)?

In Korea, the hottest days of summer are marked by three special dates known as Boknal—Chobok (the first), Jungbok (the middle), and Malbok (the last). These days follow the lunar calendar and usually fall between July and August. Traditionally, Koreans believe that eating hot, nutritious food on these days helps fight off the summer heat and boosts stamina. This is where Samgyetang, a ginseng chicken soup, comes in.

What Is Samgyetang?

Samgyetang is a traditional Korean soup made with a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, garlic, jujubes (Korean dates), and most importantly, ginseng. It’s simmered until the meat becomes tender and the broth is infused with herbal flavors. The dish is rich in nutrients and is considered the perfect stamina food for hot weather.

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Tips for Enjoying Samgyetang Like a Local

• 1. Salt on the side: Koreans typically serve Samgyetang without heavy seasoning. Diners season the broth to their own taste.

• 2. Dip the chicken in salt and pepper with sesame oil.

• 3. Pair it with kimchi—the sour spice balances the mild soup.

• 4. Drink the broth last for maximum comfort and hydration.

Why Do Koreans Eat Hot Soup in the Heat?

If you’ve ever wondered why Koreans eat hot soup like Samgyetang during the blazing summer heat, the answer lies in a unique traditional philosophy called “I-yeol-chi-yeol” —which literally means “fight heat with heat.”

According to Korean traditional medicine (hanbang), excessive exposure to hot weather causes your body to lose its natural balance, especially its internal “heat energy.” Surprisingly, sweating from hot food helps restore that balance, improve circulation, and stimulate appetite, which often declines in the summer.

Rather than cooling the body with cold drinks and chilled foods, Koreans believe in replenishing the body from within with warm, nourishing meals.

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Ingredients

• 1. 1 whole young chicken (game hen)

• 2. 1/4 cup glutinous rice (soaked)

• 3. 2–3 cloves of garlic

• 4. 2–3 jujubes (Korean red dates)

• 5. 1 piece of fresh or dried ginseng (optional substitute: ginseng tea bag)

• 6. Salt and pepper to taste

• 7. Optional: chestnuts, ginkgo nuts, green onion

Simple Recipe

1. 1. Wash the chicken and remove any internal organs.

2. 2. Stuff the soaked rice, garlic, jujubes, and ginseng into the chicken.

3. 3. Sew or tie the opening shut with a toothpick or cooking thread.

4. 4. Place the chicken in a large pot and cover with water.

5. 5. Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours.

6. 6. Season to taste and serve hot.

Why Ginseng in Summer? – Nature’s Cooling Root

Ginseng might be considered a warming herb in the West, but in Eastern medicine, it’s prized for its balancing properties—especially in hot weather.

In summer, the body expends energy rapidly through heat and sweat. 

Ginseng helps:

• 1. Boost immunity

• 2. Support fatigue recovery

• 3. Calm internal inflammation caused by heat

• 4. Strengthen the digestive system, which often weakens in hot, humid weather

That’s why ginseng-based foods like Samgyetang are consumed to recharge and protect the body in the middle of summer. It’s not just a tradition—it’s functional food.

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How to Try Samgyetang Abroad

Can’t visit Korea in the summer? No problem!

• 1. Many Korean supermarkets abroad carry Samgyetang pouches.

• 2. Some Korean restaurants serve it year-round.

• 3. Or try DIY kits with vacuum-sealed ingredients.

Just boil, enjoy, and taste a bit of Korea's summer in your own home.