Jiho Hanbang Samgyetang Samseong — Restaurant in Seoul

We were craving a warm, traditional samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup) for lunch and found Jiho Hanbang Samgyetang in Samseong. The cozy, no-fuss interior and the aroma of simmering broth made us feel instantly at home.

We ordered the classic Geongang Hanbang Samgyetang (herbal ginseng chicken soup). A whole young chicken arrived, stuffed with sweet rice, ginseng, jujubes, and medicinal herbs, served in a steaming, rich broth. The first spoonful was exactly what we needed—nutritious, subtly herbal, and comforting without overwhelming seasoning. The chicken meat was fall-off-the-bone tender, and the subtle sweetness of the rice balanced the deep flavors beautifully.

We also received a small cup of ginseng wine, which added a traditional touch and helped elevate the experience. The banchan (side dishes) were fresh and light—crisply pickled kimchi, which paired well with the soup.

Service was friendly and efficient, even though English was limited. They provided an English menu, which made ordering easy. The setting felt relaxed and welcoming, perfect for a restorative meal.

Overall, our visit to Jiho Hanbang Samgyetang was delightful. The soup was hearty yet gentle, the ambiance comforting, and the service warm. If you’re in Seoul and want to experience traditional Korean comfort food done well, this spot...

Hidden in an alley but quite easy to find. Came in for lunch on Sunday and wasn’t crowded. They offered a variety of Samgyetang (e.g. adding munk beans) but I prefer the standard version. The soup is thick, rich and flavourful. The ginseng taste is not overpowering. In the soup there is an added sachet of herbs which I wasn’t sure what it was. The glutinous rice within the chicken is really thick and doesn’t come apart despite being soaked in the soup later. Highly...

Came in for a late lunch today and found the restaurant nearly empty, which was quite pleasant. We were promptly seated, and it took us a bit of time to navigate the menu.

Luckily, our waiter was incredibly helpful and recommended the basic ginseng chicken soup, which turned out to be a fantastic choice. The flavors were spot on, and it was a delightful experience overall. Will definitely be back to explore more of their offerings! 🍲

17,000Wom for 1 bowl...