Tosokchon Samgyetang — Restaurant in Seoul

Here I am looking for the best food in Seoul and highly rated places have turned out to be complete hits or misses. I once had a traditional soup dish and while I can appreciate the light and clean taste, it was just too flat for my palate. Having said that, I bought along some skepticism when coming into this establishment despite the outrageously stellar reviews. It was about 10 mins walk away from the Seoul landmark that is Gyeongbokgung Palace and you'll have no problem finding the place if you just follow the directions with your Naver app like I did. There was not any queue at the early dinner hours when we arrived and we were seated immediately. Like most eateries in Seoul, the menu was kept simple and eliminating any need for a confused laden ordering experience. We got the must haves which were the samgyetang of course. One with the normal chicken and the other one in traditional black chicken. A plate of seafood pancake was added for good measures. We were first given the side dishes and a tiny cup of their ginseng wine which I must say that I absolutely loved. The herbal and earthiness paired very well with the alcoholic sweetness. Not too long after, our mains came. Looking aesthetically pleasing in traditional pots with piping hot broth emitting an aromatic steam, I wondered if this is as good as the reviews I read. As it cooled down a little, I helped myself to a healthy spoonful of their ginseng chicken broth which of course, would be the soul of the dish itself. I was surprised to how rich and flavorful the broth turned out to be. The aroma of herbs and ginseng as well as the savoury chicken essence were beautifully present with every sip. The chicken was tender and readily falls off the bones. There were some glutinous rice in the chicken which added another level of fulfillment to your meal. I must say that among all the traditional or local cuisines I have had, this has got to be at the top of my list. Not forgetting the seafood pancake, it was filled with ingredients and the texture was just right as it was robust yet light to every bite. Overall this meal was definitely one of the highlights of my food...

Visited this famous hanok restaurant after doing research on Seoul's best samgyetang spots. The traditional setting near Gyeongbokgung Palace is lovely, and the service was efficient despite the crowds.

The Good: The atmosphere and interior furnishings were absolutely delightful - the traditional hanok architecture with wooden beams, ondol-style seating, and authentic Korean decor created a very pleasant and genuinely traditional feel. It's the kind of ambiance that makes you feel immersed in Korean culture.

The seafood pancake (haemul pajeon) was quite enjoyable - nice crispy texture with a good balance of flavors. The traditional atmosphere and quick service despite being busy were positives.

The Disappointing: The ginseng chicken soup, despite being their signature dish, was surprisingly bland. Even after adding generous amounts of the provided salt, pepper, and ginseng alcohol, the broth lacked depth and flavor. This was unexpected given the restaurant's reputation and the rich, nutty broth described in many reviews. Perhaps our bowl was an off day, but it required significant seasoning to make it palatable.

Important Policy Note: Each person must order a main dish - this is strictly enforced. While I had researched this beforehand, I noticed the staff didn't proactively explain this policy to other diners who seemed caught off guard. A heads-up from staff would have been helpful for those unfamiliar with the restaurant's rules.

The restaurant's fame is well-established, and many others seem to love it, so perhaps we caught them on an off day. The location is convenient if you're visiting Gyeongbokgung, and the authentic traditional interior alone makes it worth experiencing. The pancake is worth ordering as a side dish.

Would I return? Possibly, to give the samgyetang another chance, but there are likely other excellent samgyetang spots in Seoul with more...

During our trip to Korea, we had the pleasure of dining at Tosokchon Samgyetang, a restaurant highly recommended by locals—and we’re so glad we took their advice! This place specializes in Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), and it truly lives up to its reputation.

I ordered the Tosokchon Ogolgye Samgyetang, a rich and nourishing black chicken ginseng soup that was absolutely incredible. The broth was deeply flavorful, packed with medicinal herbs, tender chicken, and of course, premium ginseng—which is proudly featured throughout the restaurant. My sister had the Tosokchon Samgyetang, the classic version, which was just as delicious and comforting. The chicken was so tender it fell off the bone, and the rice stuffing inside absorbed all the wonderful flavors of the broth.

Our friend opted for the Haemul Pajeon, a seafood and green onion pancake, which was crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with fresh seafood. It paired perfectly with the meal.

The side dishes were just as fantastic—we especially loved the Baechu-kimchi (napa cabbage kimchi), Kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi), and Sansam Baeyanggeun (ginseng-infused root side dish). Each one added a unique balance of spice, tang, and depth to the meal.

Ambiance & Service

Despite the restaurant’s popularity, we were seated almost immediately, which was a pleasant surprise. The service was efficient and friendly, and the traditional Korean setting made the experience even more special. The interior exudes warmth and heritage, perfectly complementing the comforting nature of the food.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in Korea and looking for authentic, high-quality Samgyetang, Tosokchon Samgyetang is a must-visit. The ginseng-infused flavors, welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional service make this a restaurant worth returning to. I will definitely be back on my next trip!

Five stars...