How to Survive Korea's Scorching Summer: A Guide to Traditional Summer Health Foods

  


When Korea's intense summer heat and humidity set in, locals swear by the traditional principle of Iyeol-chiyeol(以熱治熱), or "fighting heat with heat." It may sound strange to eat a steaming-hot meal when temperatures are soaring, but after working up a sweat over a piping-hot bowl of soup, you'll be surprised at how refreshed and energized you feel.


This centuries-old tradition centers around boyangsik(보양식), nourishing dishes believed to restore your energy and help your body cope with the summer heat. If you're planning a trip to Korea this summer—or simply want to explore authentic Korean food culture—here are some traditional dishes you won't want to miss.

 



1. Samgyetang (Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup)


The Ultimate Summer Stamina Booster

If you ask any Korean what they eat to beat the summer heat, Samgyetang will almost certainly be the first dish they mention.It features a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, garlic, jujubes, Korean ginseng (insam), and astragalus root, then slowly simmered until the meat falls off the boneand the broth becomes rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful.

 

What to Expect

First-time visitors are often surprised to see a whole chicken served in a bubbling stone pot. But one spoonful of the rich, savory broth is all it takes to understand why Koreans love this dish. The earthy aroma of ginseng warms you from the inside out. In Korea, Samgyetang is traditionally enjoyed during Sambok, the three hottest days of summer. Expect long lines outside popular Samgyetang restaurants throughout the day!

 



2. Chogye-guksu & Chogye-naengmyeon (Cold Chicken Noodle Dishes)

 

A Tangy and Refreshing Summer Favorite

When 35°C heat makes the idea of a hot soup unbearable, Chogye-guksu is the perfect refreshing choice. The name comes from traditional Korean words for vinegar (cho) and mustard (gye), and the dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

 

Why You'll Love It

It features chewy noodles topped with plenty of shredded chicken and served in a chilled, deeply flavorful chicken broth. Locals often mix in mustard and vinegar to suit their taste. The sharp mustard kick instantly awakens your senses, while the tangy flavor brings back your appetite on a hot, humid afternoon. It is a beloved lunchtime favorite among office workers and travelers alike.

 

 


3. Patbingsu (Traditional Korean Shaved Ice Dessert)

 

The Ultimate Sweet Escape

No summer trip to Korea is complete without trying Patbingsu, one of Korea's most beloved seasonal desserts. It starts with a mountain of delicate, snow-like shaved ice topped with sweetened red beans, chewy rice cakes, a dusting of roasted soybean powder, and a generous drizzle of condensed milk.

 

While modern cafés love to pile on fresh mango chunks or melon pieces, the classic red bean version remains a timeless favorite. There is nothing more refreshing than enjoying a bowl of icy bingsu when you are melting in the summer heat on the streets of Seoul or Busan.

 

 


Ready to Eat Like a Local?

 

Korea’s summer food culture is rooted in the wisdom of following nature’s rhythms and nourishing the body as the seasons change. Whether you decide to sweat it out with a steaming bowl of Samgyetang, cool off with tangy Chogye-guksu, or reward yourself with a sweet bowl of Patbingsu, these dishes offer a true taste of everyday life in Korea.

 

Add these to your foodie bucket list and get ready to beat the summer heat!

 

 

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