85-1 Chebu-dong, Jongno-gu
tel. 02/737-7444
HOURS: Daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
COST: Entrées ₩10,000-25,000
SUBWAY: Gyeongbokgung (Line 3)
This rustic restaurant has been serving up samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) for decades, amassing a reputation that’s seen it frequented by everyone from pop stars to presidents.
As in other samgyetang shops, Tosokchon’s version consists of an entire small chicken in a bubbling pot of soup, stuffed with glutinous rice and ginseng, but it’s distinguished by a rich broth made from over 30 ingredients, including many Chinese medicinal herbs.
Locals swear by this dish in the summertime, when it’s believed to restore a heat-drained body, but for those who can contend with occasional crowds and somewhat curt service it’s likely to prove therapeutic any time of year.