Dog days of Summer in Korea _Bok Nal_ meal for summer in Korea_ Food Tour_kimchi_

 Continuous hot and humid weather has hit Korea since last month. A few days ago, many chickens were served as Samgye Tang (Chicken soup) in many restaurants and homes.

Samgyetang is one of the popular healthy foods you can eat throughout the seasons in Korea. Particularly in the summer season, the dish is sold in large numbers.

On this particular day, we call "Bok Nal" People use this term to describe a day when humans feel like they are being knocked down like dogs due to the oppressive humidity. "Nal" simply means a day.

 

In the olden days, when most people worked as farmers and had to spend their days toiling outdoors, they couldn't afford to be knocked down like a dog, as it would ruin their yearly efforts. Thus, Samgyetang emerged as an ideal gastronomic choice that promotes good health. 

 During the summertime, many far-eastern Asian countries experience the three hottest days, and the exact dates change yearly as they follow the lunar calendar. This year's first hottest day was on July 10th, and the second hottest day will be at the end of July, with the third hottest day in the middle of August. Chicken soup became one of the foods to eat at Bok Nal because of its nutritious factors. It contains ginseng, chestnuts, ginkgo fruits, and natural herbs that help boost your energy to fight the heat.

My sister's family arrived in Korea from Germany on July 12th. They had to adapt to the sudden weather changes, so we took them to a local restaurant where we ordered chicken noodle soup and other hot dishes.

Even without many side dishes, just having Kimchi alone, Samgye Tang can be a perfect meal.

So whenever you visit Korea and enjoy eating meat, have some Samgye Tang to replenish your energy before exploring the country.