The Gwanghwamun area in Seoul is recognized as a prominent office district, attracting many office workers and offering restaurants that cater to their preferences. Among the dining options in the Gwanghwamun area, there are several restaurants with a long history. One such establishment is ‘Goryeo Samgyetang,’ visited this time, acknowledged not only for its longstanding history but also recognized by the Michelin Guide.
“In 1960, Korea’s First Samgyetang Specialty Restaurant, Goryeo Samgyetang”
Established in 1960, Goryeo Samgyetang holds the distinction of being Korea’s first Samgyetang specialty restaurant, and it has been passed down through two generations. The interior seamlessly combines tradition and modern sensibilities, leaving a clean and inviting impression. Besides the regular Samgyetang, the restaurant’s Samgyetang using black chicken is also a popular menu item. Samgyetang made with ginseng and abalone is considered a healthy option. All Samgyetang dishes are prepared and served in a hot stone pot, allowing patrons to enjoy the warmth throughout their meal.
“Diverse Samgyetang Offerings at Goryeo Samgyetang”
True to its title as the first Samgyetang specialty restaurant in Korea, Goryeo Samgyetang offers a variety of Samgyetang dishes on its menu. While many patrons may opt for the basic Samgyetang, the starting price for this dish is 19,000 won.
When you order Samgyetang, the first thing served is ginseng liquor. You can choose to consume the provided ginseng liquor as an aperitif, or if ginseng liquor feels too strong, it’s also acceptable to add it to the Samgyetang.
The Samgyetang at Goryeo Samgyetang gives the impression of being freshly made upon ordering. Served in a hot stone pot, it provides a sense of warmth. Unlike reheating pre-made broth with chicken, Goryeo Samgyetang seems to cook and present the dish from scratch.
“A Restaurant of Moderate Size”
While the restaurant is not overly spacious, it’s not particularly small either. It can accommodate around 50 people simultaneously, offering a moderate-sized dining experience. In comparison to the nearby “Tosokchon Samgyetang,” which is notably larger, Goryeo Samgyetang is more approachable in scale.
“Accessible via Gwanghwamun Square”
The restaurant is connected to Gwanghwamun Square. While you can spot the restaurant from the alley next to Gwanghwamun Square, finding the entrance might be challenging due to blocked roads caused by parking. The easiest way to locate the entrance is to go through Gwanghwamun Square. After passing Starbucks, you’ll find a narrow path leading to Goryeo Samgyetang.
“A Michelin Guide-Recognized Restaurant”
Goryeo Samgyetang has earned a place in the Michelin Guide. Since its initial inclusion in 2017, the restaurant has consistently been selected in the Michelin Guide, a testament to its recognized flavors.
“Seoul Gwanghwamun, Goryeo Samgyetang”
- Address: 5-1 Sejong-daero 23-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Phone: 02-737-1888
- Operating Hours: (Mon-Fri) 10:30 – 21:00, (Sat-Sun) 10:30 – 20:30