Baekje Samgyetang 백제삼계탕

300m from Myeong-dong Station. A long-established samgyetang restaurant near Myeongdong Station with decades of history. The house rule is using chickens butchered fresh each morning, which results in remarkably tender breast meat with no gaminess whatsoever. The broth is clear and refreshing with a light baseline seasoning, making it enjoyable without adding extra salt. The chicken is stuffed tight with glutinous rice that dissolves into the broth as a comforting porridge finish. Each order comes with a complimentary glass of insam-ju (ginseng liquor), which can be swapped for a small bowl of glutinous rice for non-drinkers. The house-made kkakdugi and kimchi, both personally prepared by the owner, along with the ginseng liquor, pair remarkably well with the soup and keep drawing the hand back for more. Premium options include black-bone chicken samgyetang and mountain-cultivated ginseng root upgrades, and a distinctive side of dakbal pyeonyuk (sliced chicken feet) is also available. The second-floor dining room has ample tables but somewhat tight spacing, and the clientele skews heavily international, particularly Chinese tourists. Weekday evenings are relaxed enough for solo diners, while lunch draws a steady crowd of local office workers.