What's the Difference Between Samgyetang and Baeksuk?

What comes to mind when you hear “chicken soup”? Many people likely imagine a steaming hot chicken dish simmered in broth. In Korea, there are two traditional chicken-based health foods that may look similar but have distinct charms: Samgyetang (蔘鷄湯) and Baeksuk (白熟).

Both dishes involve boiling a whole chicken, making them beloved nutritious meals. However, they differ clearly in ingredients and how they’re eaten. Today, let’s explore the differences between Samgyetang and Baeksuk—and when you might choose one over the other. 🤔

What is Baeksuk?

Baeksuk (白熟) literally means “white (白) cooked (熟)” in Chinese characters. It refers to meat or fish that is slowly simmered in water without seasoning. Though originally a general cooking method for various ingredients, today it mostly refers to “Dakbaeksuk” or chicken baeksuk.

The key to baeksuk lies in preserving the natural flavor of the chicken. Typically, a large chicken is simmered for a long time with garlic, jujube, astragalus root, onion, green onion, and other ingredients that reduce odors and enhance flavor. Once the chicken is tender, it’s usually served first and eaten dipped in salt or sesame oil. The rich leftover broth is then used to cook rice or soaked glutinous rice into chicken porridge (dakjuk).

Types of Chicken Baeksuk

• Dakbaeksuk: Uses a large or older chicken to produce a deep, rich flavor.

• Yeonggye Baeksuk (軟鷄白熟): Uses tender young chicken (yeonggye), resulting in soft texture and light taste.

What is Samgyetang?

Samgyetang (蔘鷄湯), as the name suggests, is a chicken (鷄) soup (湯) made with ginseng (蔘). It is considered a variation of baeksuk, particularly yeonggye baeksuk.

Samgyetang has a relatively short history. It is said to have originated during the Japanese colonial period when wealthy families added ginseng powder to chicken baeksuk or chicken broth. Later, in the 1960s, the popularization of refrigeration technology allowed for fresh ginseng storage, which led to the widespread version of samgyetang with whole ginseng boiled inside.

The defining characteristic of samgyetang is that a young chicken is stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, jujube, chestnut, garlic, and then simmered. All the ingredients cook together inside the chicken, infusing the broth with rich flavor and nutrients. It is usually served in a stone pot for one person, allowing it to stay hot until the end of the meal.

Samgyetang is especially popular during Korea’s hottest summer days known as “Boknal”, when it’s eaten to replenish energy. It has become more than a dish—it’s part of Korean culture.

Key Differences at a Glance

Category	Baeksuk (Dakbaeksuk)	Samgyetang
Main Ingredients	Chicken, garlic, jujube	Ginseng, chicken, glutinous rice, garlic, jujube
Primary Purpose	To enjoy the chicken’s natural flavor	Harmonious taste and nutrition from soup and stuffing
Chicken Size	Typically large chicken	Typically young chicken
Cooking Method	Simmer chicken with ingredients	Stuff chicken with rice, ginseng, etc., then boil
How It’s Eaten	Eat the meat first, then make porridge with broth	Eat meat, soup, and stuffing together (served individually)
Serving Dish	Large pot or plate	Individual stone pot

The biggest difference is the presence of ginseng. Without ginseng, it’s not considered samgyetang—but baeksuk can still be baeksuk even without ginseng.

But They Do Have Things in Common!

Despite their differences, these dishes share many similarities:

• Chicken as the main ingredient: Both are based on whole chicken.

• Well-known health foods: Long regarded as energizing and restorative meals.

• Warm broth dishes: Perfect for warming the body with hot, nourishing soup.

What’s Your Choice?

We’ve now looked closely at the differences between samgyetang and baeksuk. Has it become clearer which one you’d like?

• If you enjoy the pure flavor of chicken with a light and chewy texture, and want to finish your meal with a savory chicken porridge, go with baeksuk.

• If you’re craving a rich ginseng-flavored broth with chicken and glutinous rice all in one hearty dish, samgyetang is the perfect choice.

How about treating yourself to a warm and healthy chicken dish for dinner tonight? 🐔