Samwon Haecheontang in Oksu: Summer Stamina Soup
For some reason, it doesn't feel that hot this year. I guess it's because it's still early summer. But I've suffered more than once by letting my guard down before the weather suddenly turns sweltering. To prepare for the intense heat, you definitely need to eat boyangsik (stamina-boosting food). Today, I came to Oksu-dong (a neighborhood in Seoul) to eat a slightly special stamina dish that isn't easy to find on a regular basis.
Located right by the road but not in the most accessible spot, Samwon Oksu Haecheontang is a restaurant that sells haecheontang, a dish that's hard to find in Seoul. Haecheontang literally means "sea and sky" (海天). It's a soup made by combining creatures that live in the sea and creatures that fly in the sky. It's easiest to think of it as eating samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) and yeonpotang (octopus soup) together.
At Samwon Oksu Haecheontang, they add octopus to the chicken soup and brew the broth with Manila clams and abalone. Since a whole chicken goes in, the broth is a bit heavier than a standard octopus soup. It tastes like something that strongly calls for a drink, and my only regret is that I couldn't have one since I went in the middle of the day.
I wonder how much eating like this actually helps you endure the summer, but if I can use the excuse of old traditions to enjoy such a great meal, I think I can keep hypnotizing myself by saying, "If I eat this, I won't be hot~ I won't be hot~."
I was so caught up in eating this delicious food and chatting that I couldn't take many photos—I only managed to snap one.
Looking at the map, it's fascinating that there are two good seafood-related restaurants in Oksu-dong. What connection does Oksu-dong have with seafood? It makes me curious for no reason.