Baengnyeon Tojong Samgyetang 백년토종삼계탕

A samgyetang specialist in Gahoe-dong near Bukchon Hanok Village in Jongno, Seoul, recognized in the Michelin Guide from 2017 to 2019. The restaurant uses native Korean chicken (tojong-dak), producing a milky, concentrated broth where the chicken flavor comes through clearly rather than being masked by ginseng. The bird is packed with glutinous rice, ginseng root, jujubes, and garlic, and the long-simmered meat is tender enough to pull apart with a single motion of the chopsticks. Seasoning with salt and pepper at the table brings the broth into sharper focus, and bowls tend to empty quickly. The deulkkae (perilla seed) samgyetang is a worthy variation, and courses with abalone are available for a more premium experience. Banchan including kkakdugi, kimchi, and whole pickled garlic cloves complement the soup well, with the garlic pickle receiving particular praise. The dining room is spacious with ample seating, but tables fill quickly after noon even on weekdays, and group tourists make up a significant portion of the clientele. Parking accommodates only four to five cars, so public transit is the more practical option. The restaurant serves equally well as summer stamina food and as a warming winter meal, and stands as one of Bukchon's representative Korean dining destinations.