Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang near Bukchon Hanok Village serves comforting Korean ginseng chicken soup, perfect after a day of exploring Seoul in autumn.
After spending the day walking around Seoul, looking for autumn foliage and exploring the charming streets near Bukchon Hanok Village, I was ready for a proper meal. My choice for dinner was Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang (백년토종삼계탕), a Korean restaurant known for its traditional ginseng chicken soup.
There's something about ending a long day of walking with a hot bowl of soup, especially when the weather starts getting cooler. I ordered samgyetang, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed: warm, comforting, and filling.
If you're exploring Bukchon, Samcheong-dong, or the surrounding historic neighborhoods, this is a restaurant to consider when you need a hearty meal before calling it a day.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- About Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang
- What I Ordered: Samgyetang
- A Cozy Stop After a Day of Exploring
- How to Get There
- Tips for Visiting
QUICK FACTS:
| Featured restaurant | Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang (백년토종삼계탕) |
| Address | 41 Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul |
| Opening hours | Official branch website lists 10:30 AM–8:00 PM; last order 7:30 PM |
| Nearest subway | Anguk Station, Line 3 |
| Cuisine | Traditional Korean |
| Specialty | Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) |
| Official website | Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang Bukchon Branch |
Opening hours, prices, and menu availability may change. Confirm the latest information before visiting.
About Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang (백년토종삼계탕)
Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang specializes in samgyetang, a traditional Korean dish made with a whole young chicken simmered in broth with ginseng and other ingredients. It's a well-known comfort food in Korea, often enjoyed as a nourishing meal throughout the year.
Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang has also gained recognition beyond its comforting bowls of ginseng chicken soup. The restaurant has been featured in the MICHELIN Guide, helping put it on the radar of food-loving travelers looking for traditional Korean cuisine.
It’s also known for attracting celebrities and well-known personalities in Korea, with signed memorabilia displayed inside, a fun detail to look out for when dining here. With its long-standing reputation and classic samgyetang, it’s a popular stop for anyone wanting to experience a beloved Korean comfort food while exploring Bukchon.
The Bukchon branch is conveniently located along Bukchon-ro, making it a practical dining stop if you're exploring the neighborhood's traditional houses, museums, galleries, and nearby cultural attractions.
The restaurant focuses on classic ginseng chicken soup, with other Korean chicken dishes also available. It's a good option if you're looking for something warm and substantial after hours of walking around Seoul.
You can find the restaurant's details on their official website.
What I Ordered: Samgyetang (삼계탕)
What Is Samgyetang?
Samgyetang (삼계탕) is a traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup made with a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, garlic, jujubes, and ginseng, then simmered until tender. It’s known for its nourishing broth and is especially popular during Korea’s summer boknal days, when people eat it to replenish their energy. But honestly, it’s just as satisfying on a chilly autumn evening after a long day of walking.
Samgyetang is traditionally prepared by simmering chicken with ingredients such as ginseng, garlic, and glutinous rice. The chicken is often stuffed with rice, allowing the flavors to come together as it cooks. It's a simple dish, but one that feels hearty and comforting.
I went with the classic samgyetang, and it was just what I wanted after a full day of exploring Seoul. My meal came in a black stone-style bowl filled with clear broth and a tender chicken, accompanied by small side dishes. The soup arrived piping hot, making it especially satisfying after spending so much time outdoors.
I also liked that the meal came with Korean side dishes, which added variety to the table. The combination of hot soup, tender chicken, and the accompanying banchan made for a filling dinner without needing to order an elaborate spread.
After walking around all day in search of autumn spots, I appreciated having a meal that was both comforting and satisfying. Sometimes, that's all you need after a long day of sightseeing.
A Cozy Stop After a Day of Exploring
One of the best things about exploring Seoul on foot is discovering places to eat along the way. Bukchon and the surrounding neighborhoods are lovely for walking, but the hills, narrow lanes, and hours spent looking for the best autumn views can definitely leave you tired.
Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang was a convenient place to sit down, slow down, and enjoy a proper meal.
The restaurant has a casual dining setup, with wooden tables and chairs, warm lighting, and menus that include photos of the dishes. These are helpful details for tourists who may not be familiar with every item on a Korean menu.
If you're visiting during autumn, when you might spend hours walking between Bukchon Hanok Village, Samcheong-dong, and other nearby attractions, a hot bowl of samgyetang makes a welcome dinner stop.
After hours of walking around Bukchon and looking for autumn foliage spots, a warm bowl of samgyetang felt like exactly what I needed. Ginseng has long been used in traditional Korean medicine and is believed to help with energy and fatigue, making it a fitting ingredient in a restorative meal after a full day of exploring. Paired with the hot broth and tender chicken, it was a comforting way to recharge before heading back out into Seoul.
You don't need to be visiting in the colder months to enjoy it, either. Samgyetang is eaten year-round in Korea, so it's an option whenever you're craving a traditional Korean meal.
Bonus: they have a cute and fluffy cat!!
HOW TO GET THERE
Here's some practical information if you're visiting for the first time.
Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang
Address: 41 Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Google Maps)
By subway
- Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station.
- From the station, walk toward Bukchon-ro and follow Google Maps to the restaurant.
- If you're already exploring Bukchon Hanok Village or Samcheong-dong, you can also walk over from your sightseeing route.
The restaurant is in the Jongno-gu area, near popular cultural and historic attractions, so it's easy to pair with a day of exploring this part of Seoul.
Nearby places to include in your itinerary
- Bukchon Hanok Village – traditional Korean houses and scenic neighborhood streets.
- Samcheong-dong – cafes, galleries, and shops.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace – one of Seoul's best-known historic landmarks.
If you're planning to visit Bukchon, remember that parts of the neighborhood are residential and have visitor restrictions. Check the current visiting hours and follow local signs before exploring.
TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS
1. Check the latest opening hours.
Restaurant hours can change, so verify them before making the trip.
2. Look at the menu before ordering.
The restaurant displays menu photos, which can be useful if you're unfamiliar with Korean dishes.
3. Come hungry.
Samgyetang is a substantial meal, with chicken, broth, and rice.
4. Plan it after sightseeing.
It's a convenient option after exploring Bukchon, Samcheong-dong, or the nearby cultural attractions.
5. Bring a translation app.
It can help with menu questions and communicating dietary requirements.
6. Keep some flexibility in your schedule.
If you're visiting several attractions in one day, allow time for walking between them and for a proper meal.
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My Take
Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang was a comforting dinner stop after a whole day of walking around Seoul and looking for autumn spots. I ordered samgyetang, and the hot broth, tender chicken, and side dishes made for a warm and filling meal.
I always enjoy finding places to eat that fit naturally into a day of exploring rather than making a separate trip just for food. If you're spending time around Bukchon Hanok Village and want something more substantial than a cafe stop, this restaurant is worth considering.
For me, a good travel day isn't only about the places I visit. It's also about sitting down for a comforting meal at the end of it, resting my feet, and getting ready for whatever the next day brings.
Looking for more aesthetic spots during your Seoul Autumn trip? Check out my previous posts:
- Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul: How to Get There, Visitor Tips & Things to Know
- N Seoul Tower in Autumn: Namsan Park Hiking Trail, Sunset Views & Golden Foliage
- Staff Picks (스태픽스): An Afternoon at an Aesthetic Cafe in Seochon, Seoul
- Nakwon Station Cafe in Ikseon-dong, Seoul review: Coffee, Desserts & Golden Hour
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