In Korea, Chobok (초복) marks the beginning of the year’s hottest period, known as Boknal (복날). Based on the lunar calendar, these three days of summer — Chobok, Jungbok, and Malbok — are when the heat and humidity reach their peak.
Instead of turning to cold food, Koreans traditionally eat hot, nourishing dishes to fight off the exhaustion caused by extreme heat. This practice is called iyeol chiyeol (이열치열), meaning “fight heat with heat.”
The most iconic Chobok food is Samgyetang (삼계탕), a ginseng chicken soup made with a whole young chicken stuffed with garlic, jujube, sticky rice, and ginseng. It’s considered a stamina-boosting dish that restores energy and strengthens the immune system.
As a dietitian at a company cafeteria, I prepared a special Chobok meal for our team this year.
Here’s what was on the menu:
🍲 Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)
🍜 Golbaengi-somen – Spicy noodles mixed with chewy sea snails, thin wheat noodles (somen), shredded vegetables, and a sweet-spicy gochujang-based sauce. A tangy, refreshing favorite in the Korean summer!
🥕 Crisp veggie sticks – cucumber, carrot, and green chili served with ssamjang, a savory Korean dipping sauce made of fermented soybean paste and chili paste
🍚 Steamed Rice
🥬 Kkakdugi (Cubed radish kimchi)
🍅 Cherry Tomatoes
🍉 Sweet Watermelon
🍦 Ice Cream
Chobok isn’t just about food — it’s about recharging the body and connecting with tradition. It’s a flavorful reminder to take care of our health, even during the toughest days of summer.
📸 Here’s a photo of the special Chobok meal we served:
