In Korean gastronomy, the concept of Yak Sik Dong Won (약식동원), meaning 'food is medicine,' is a deeply rooted philosophy. This belief emphasizes that a balanced diet is fundamental to preventing disease and that food should be the first line of defense against sickness. When feeling under the weather, Koreans draw on centuries of culinary wisdom to prepare dishes specifically designed to restore the body.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Juk (Rice Porridge)
One of the most common answers to what do Koreans have when sick is a warm bowl of juk (죽), or rice porridge. Much like chicken noodle soup in Western cultures, juk is a mild, easy-to-digest staple that is perfect for those with a weak appetite or upset stomach. It is made by slow-boiling rice in water or broth until it achieves a soft, creamy texture. Its simplicity makes it easy on the digestive system, while different ingredients can be added to enhance its nutritional value.
Popular Juk variations:
- Jeonbokjuk (전복죽): A luxurious and highly nutritious version made with abalone, prized for its restorative properties.
- Dakjuk (닭죽): A chicken and rice porridge that provides protein and energy, similar to chicken soup.
- Hobakjuk (호박죽): A sweet pumpkin porridge, often eaten during cold weather.
Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)
For a more robust remedy, especially when fighting a persistent cold or needing a major energy boost, Koreans turn to samgyetang (삼계탕). This ginseng chicken soup is a revered dish, traditionally eaten during the hottest days of summer to 'fight fire with fire' (i-yeol-chi-yeol) and replenish lost energy. The soup features a small, young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, garlic, and jujube (Korean red dates), and then slowly simmered to create a nutrient-dense broth. The ginseng is believed to strengthen the immune system and increase stamina.
Soothing Teas and Drinks
When a cold, cough, or sore throat strikes, several traditional Korean teas are brewed for comfort and relief. These warm beverages provide soothing properties and help hydrate the body.
Korean healing teas:
- Yuja-cha (유자차): A hot, fragrant tea made from a marmalade of the yuja (or yuzu) citrus fruit. Rich in vitamin C, it is a popular remedy for colds and is both sweet and a little bitter.
- Kkul-cha (꿀차): Simple honey tea, known for its ability to soothe a sore throat. It can be infused with other beneficial ingredients like ginger or ginseng.
- Baesuk (배숙): A warm, spiced drink made by poaching or steaming Korean pear with ginger, honey, and peppercorns. It is highly effective for relieving coughs and sore throats.
- Sujeonggwa (수정과): A sweet punch with ginger and cinnamon, believed to aid digestion and help prevent colds.
Nourishing Soups for Specific Ailments
Beyond the staples, other soups are called upon for their unique restorative qualities.
- Kongnamul-guk (콩나물국): A simple, savory soybean sprout soup. It is often used to recover from hangovers, but is also a common remedy for colds due to its high vitamin C content.
- Miyeok-guk (미역국): Seaweed soup, made with miyeok (brown seaweed), is a nutrient-rich broth traditionally given to new mothers for recovery. Its high concentration of minerals, such as calcium, iodine, and iron, makes it a powerful restorative food.
Comparison of Korean Sick Foods for Different Symptoms
| Symptom | Korean Dish | Primary Ingredients | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upset Stomach, Loss of Appetite | Juk (Rice Porridge) | Rice, broth, optional abalone or chicken | Easy digestion, mild, provides energy |
| Cold, Fatigue, Low Energy | Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup) | Whole chicken, ginseng, garlic, glutinous rice, jujube | High protein, boosts stamina, warms the body |
| Sore Throat, Cough | Baesuk (Korean Pear Drink) | Pear, ginger, honey, peppercorns | Soothing, anti-inflammatory, eases cough |
| Dehydration | Mul-kimchi (Water Kimchi) | Radish, cabbage, salty brine | Hydrating, replenishes electrolytes, probiotic |
| General Cold, Immune Boost | Yuja-cha (Yuzu Citrus Tea) | Yuja marmalade, hot water | High in vitamin C, antioxidant, immune support |
The Role of Fermented Foods
Even the national dish, kimchi (김치), plays a role in health and recovery. As a fermented food, kimchi is packed with probiotics, which can help support a healthy immune system and gut flora. While fiery kimchi might be too harsh for some stomachs, milder, less-spicy varieties or even water kimchi (mul-kimchi) can be beneficial. The probiotics in kimchi have been linked to a variety of health benefits, including boosting immune function.
Conclusion
For Koreans, what to eat when sick is a matter of tradition, comfort, and restorative nutrition. From the simple, gentle properties of juk to the powerful immune-boosting ingredients in samgyetang, these traditional remedies are designed to help the body heal and regain its balance. Hydrating and vitamin-rich teas like yuja-cha and baesuk provide relief for cold symptoms, while fermented foods like kimchi support overall gut health. This holistic approach, rooted in the philosophy of Yak Sik Dong Won, highlights the deep connection between food and well-being in Korean culture, providing a wealth of comforting and effective options for anyone feeling under the weather. For more on the benefits of these foods, you can read articles exploring Korean culinary cures, such as the one featured by NPR.
