[Ulsan Foodie Guide] Geumgangsan Samgyetang: The Best Chicken Soup in Town (And Why You Should Avoid Visiting on “Boknal”)

Korea

Please note that the information in this article is current as of August 2025. For the latest information, please check the official website.

Hello! This is ‘Somewhere Notes’, delivering real travel and gourmet info.

Today, I’m introducing a restaurant that is a local favorite in Ulsan’s Samsan-dong district: Geumgangsan Samgyetang (Geumgangsan Ginseng Chicken Soup).

If you ask locals where to get the best Samgyetang in Ulsan, many of them will point you here. It’s rich, delicious, and authentic.

However, I learned a disappointing realization during my last visit on “Malbok” (one of the hottest days of the year).
There is a specific day when you might actually “lose out” by visiting.

I’m here to share my honest review and a crucial tip for anyone planning to go, so you don’t make the same mistake I did!

Why Eat Hot Soup in the Summer?

First, a quick cultural note. You might wonder, “Why on earth would I eat boiling hot soup in the middle of a sweltering summer?”

Hot Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup) bubbling vigorously in a stone pot with a whole chicken.

In Korea, there is a concept called Yi-Yeol-Chi-Yeol (fighting heat with heat). We believe that eating nutrient-rich, hot food helps replenish stamina lost from sweating and beats the summer lethargy.

The peak days for this tradition are called “Boknal” (Chobok, Jungbok, and Malbok). On these days, Samgyetang restaurants across the country are extremely busy.

The Place to Be in Ulsan

The restaurant is located right in the center of Samsan-dong. You can’t miss the yellow sign that radiates a “traditional local restaurant” vibe.

Nighttime exterior of Geumgangsan Samgyetang in Ulsan featuring bright neon signs and large windows.

The menu is incredibly simple, which is always a sign of confidence:

  • Geumgangsan Samgyetang: 16,000 KRW
  • Geumgangsan Abalone Porridge: 16,000 KRW
  • Geumgangsan Chicken Bulgogi: 16,000 KRW
Stainless steel menu board at Geumgangsan Samgyetang listing prices for Samgyetang, Abalone Porridge, and Chicken Bulgogi (all 16,000 KRW).

Prices are straightforward, and they use domestic Korean ingredients for their chicken and rice.

The Catch: Why You Should Avoid “Boknal”

Here is the most important tip of this post.
One of the biggest reasons locals love this place is the complimentary small plate of”Chicken Bulgogi” they serve as a side dish when you order Samgyetang.
This spicy, sweet marinated chicken is absolutely delicious. (A full 500g portion costs 16,000 KRW if ordered separately!)

However…

I visited on Malbok, and to my surprise, the free Chicken Bulgogi service was suspended. 😭

Because the restaurant is so overwhelmingly busy on Boknal days, they simplify their operations and cut the free side dish service. Even though I visited late in the evening when it wasn’t too crowded, the rule still applied.

📅 Mark your calendars! (Dates to avoid in 2026)

If you are planning a trip next summer, avoid these dates if you want the free chicken bulgogi:

  • July 15, 2026 (1st Day / Chobok)
  • July 25, 2026 (2nd Day / Jungbok)
  • August 14, 2026 (3rd Day / Malbok)

So, if you want the full experience, do not visit on Boknal!

The Revenge Visit: See What I Mean!

I couldn’t leave it at that. I actually visited again on another day just to show you this!

Marinated spicy Chicken Bulgogi being cooked in a black pot on a tabletop gas stove.
Close-up of the fully cooked spicy Chicken Bulgogi served in a black pot at Geumgangsan Samgyetang.

This is the complimentary Chicken Bulgogi. It’s surprisingly generous for a free service, isn’t it?

⚠️ A quick note for parents:
The sauce is quite spicy, so it is likely too hot for small children.

The Verdict: Perfectly Seasoned on Arrival

Disappointment about the side dish aside, the Samgyetang itself was phenomenal.
The broth comes out bubbling vigorously in a stone pot.

Unlike many places where the broth is bland and requires you to add salt yourself, the soup here is rich, savory, and perfectly seasoned right from the start. You don’t need to add anything.

The chicken is tender enough to fall off the bone, and it’s stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, and jujube. It truly feels like a healthy energy boost in a bowl.

Samgyetang chicken broken apart to reveal glutinous rice, ginseng, and jujube inside.

Speaking of the meal, the standard side dishes are also excellent.

Table setting featuring cucumber kimchi, radish kimchi, and a bottle of ginseng wine (insamju).

The fresh cucumber kimchi and the complimentary Ginseng Wine (Insamju) are served year-round, making the perfect accompaniment to the rich soup.

Today’s Note

If you are in Ulsan and looking for authentic Samgyetang, Geumgangsan Samgyetang is the place to go. The rich broth alone makes it worth the visit.

Just remember one thing: Timing is key.

  • On “Boknal” days: Expect only Samgyetang(No free Chicken Bulgogi).
  • On regular days: Enjoy the Samgyetang PLUS the delicious free Chicken Bulgogi.

I highly recommend visiting on regular days to get the best value and experience. Enjoy your trip to Ulsan!

[Restaurant Info]
Geumgangsan Samgyetang (금강산삼계탕)
Address: 27, Beonyeong-ro 150beon-gil, Nam-gu, Ulsan
📍 View on Google Maps
📍 View on Naver Maps

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