What Food Do Koreans Eat When They're Sick? Exploring Traditional Remedies

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

With the ingrained philosophy that food and medicine are one and the same (sik-eui-dong-won), the question of what food do Koreans eat when they're sick is answered with restorative and comforting dishes. Traditional Korean remedies focus on warm, nutritious, and easily digestible meals to aid the body's recovery process.

Quick Summary

When feeling unwell, Koreans rely on a variety of comforting, nutritious dishes designed to promote healing and restore energy. Common choices include rice porridge (juk), ginseng chicken soup (samgyetang), and soothing herbal teas.

Key Points

Sik-eui-dong-won: Koreans follow a philosophy that food and medicine are linked, using traditional recipes for healing.
Juk (Porridge): A mild, easily digestible rice porridge, it is the go-to food for upset stomachs or low appetite.
Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup): A high-potency, energy-boosting soup with ginseng and chicken, eaten for strength and robust recovery.
Herbal Teas: Warm drinks like Yuja Cha (citrus tea) and Saenggang Cha (ginger tea) are used to soothe sore throats and warm the body.
Nutrient-Rich Soups: Miyeokguk (seaweed soup) and Bugeotguk (dried pollack soup) offer rich minerals and proteins to aid recuperation.
Warmth and Digestibility: The focus of Korean sick food is on warmth and easy digestion to nourish the body without strain.

The Philosophy of Food as Medicine in Korean Culture

In Korea, the tradition of using food for healing is a long-standing practice. The concept of Sik-eui-dong-won (식의동원), meaning "food and medicine share a common origin," guides many culinary choices, especially during times of illness. Instead of relying solely on modern medicine, many Koreans turn to time-tested recipes featuring nutrient-rich, warm, and easily digestible ingredients to nourish the body back to health. The goal is to strengthen the immune system and restore internal balance naturally.

Classic Korean Comfort Foods for Sickness

Juk (Korean Porridge)

One of the most classic and widely consumed Korean foods for illness is juk (죽), a rice porridge. Its soft, moist texture makes it incredibly easy to digest, which is essential when a person's appetite and digestive system are compromised. Juk is often prepared with care by a family member, a testament to its status as a foundational Korean sick food. There are numerous variations of juk, each with its own restorative properties:

Dak Juk (Chicken Porridge): Made with shredded chicken, rice, and vegetables, providing much-needed protein and warmth.
Jeonbok Juk (Abalone Porridge): Considered a premium healing food, abalone is rich in vitamins and amino acids to aid recovery from fatigue.
Yache Juk (Vegetable Porridge): A simple, light option made with a variety of finely diced vegetables, perfect for a sensitive stomach.

Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)

For more serious ailments or for a powerful energy boost, samgyetang (삼계탕) is the ultimate restorative meal. This soup features a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, garlic, and jujubes (Korean dates). It is slowly simmered for hours until the meat is tender and the broth is rich and opaque. Traditionally consumed during the hottest days of summer, the practice is known as I-yeol-chi-yeol (이열치열), or "fighting fire with fire," as the hot soup helps to regulate body temperature. It is also highly effective for warding off winter colds.

Miyeokguk (Seaweed Soup)

Miyeokguk (미역국) is a nutrient-dense seaweed soup that is more than just a celebratory birthday meal. It is known for its ability to warm and heal the body, and mothers traditionally consume it after giving birth to aid recovery. The mineral-rich seaweed is great for replenishing lost nutrients and is considered a symbol of good health and strength.

Bugeotguk (Dried Pollock Soup)

Another popular remedy, especially for hangovers but also for general sickness, is bugeotguk (북엇국). This mildly flavored, clear soup is made with dried pollack and is rich in amino acids that protect and help the liver recover. It is often prepared with radishes and garnished with green onions and eggs, making it both flavorful and nourishing.

Soothing Herbal Teas and Drinks

In addition to solid foods, Koreans have a variety of warm beverages that are used to alleviate symptoms:

Yuja Cha (Yuzu Citrus Tea): Made by mixing yuzu marmalade with hot water, this tea is rich in vitamin C and excellent for soothing a sore throat and fighting common colds.
Saenggang Cha (Ginger Tea): Brewed from fresh ginger, this tea helps to warm the body and reduce inflammation, providing relief when feeling chilly or congested.
Baesuk (Steamed Pear Drink): A traditional remedy for coughs and sore throats, this gentle, sweet drink involves steaming a cored pear with ginger, jujubes, and honey.

Comparison of Popular Korean Sick Foods


Feature	Juk (Rice Porridge)	Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)
Primary Goal	Gentle on the stomach; easy to digest and absorb nutrients.	High-potency restorative and energy-boosting meal.
Main Ingredients	Rice, water, and various additions like chicken, abalone, or vegetables.	Whole chicken, glutinous rice, ginseng, jujubes, garlic.
Ideal For	Nausea, low appetite, sensitive stomach, and early stages of illness.	Severe fatigue, need for strength and warmth, or robust recovery.
Texture	Soft, creamy, and smooth.	Rich broth with tender meat and rice.
Flavor Profile	Mild and savory, allowing for subtle flavor additions.	Deep, savory, and herbaceous due to the ginseng and garlic.

The Restorative Power of Korean Cuisine

The selection of food is a crucial part of the healing process in Korean tradition. Each dish is chosen not just for its taste but for its specific medicinal properties and its ability to comfort and restore the body. From the gentle, digestible qualities of juk to the robust, fortifying nature of samgyetang, these foods provide a holistic approach to recovery. For those looking to experience the healing power of Korean cuisine, preparing these dishes at home can be a comforting and effective way to nourish the body back to health.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Meal

Korean sick food is not merely sustenance; it's an act of care and a reflection of a deep-seated cultural belief in the healing properties of food. The emphasis on warm, nutritious, and easily digestible ingredients ensures the body receives the support it needs during illness. Whether it's a bowl of simple juk or a powerful pot of samgyetang, these traditional remedies offer a compassionate and effective path to wellness.

Visit Korea's guide to healthy foods

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common Korean sick food is juk (죽), a rice porridge. It's easy to digest and can be made with various ingredients like chicken, abalone, or vegetables, depending on the person's needs.

Samgyetang is often eaten during the hottest summer days based on the 'fighting fire with fire' philosophy (I-yeol-chi-yeol). It's believed that the hot, nutritious soup helps regulate internal body temperature and restore lost energy.

While some find spicy food clears their sinuses, most traditional Korean sick foods are mild. Spicy, stimulating foods are generally avoided in favor of soothing, easily digestible options like juk or clear soups to avoid irritating the stomach.

Yes, many traditional Korean sick foods are home remedies and can be prepared easily. Juk, herbal teas, and even samgyetang have straightforward recipes with ingredients that can be found in most Asian grocery stores.

Miyeokguk (미역국) is rich in minerals and nutrients. It's often consumed by mothers after childbirth but is also considered a restorative food for anyone feeling under the weather, symbolizing good health and replenishment.

Yuja Cha (유자차), or yuzu citrus tea, is a very popular Korean drink for colds. It is high in vitamin C and works as a soothing remedy for sore throats and congestion.

Yes, the act of preparing juk is often a sign of care and love, with a family member or loved one taking the time to slowly simmer the porridge. This tradition emphasizes the emotional comfort provided by these healing foods.