As "Chobok," the first of the three hottest summer days (Sam bok), arrives on July 15, public attention is focusing on nourishing foods to beat the scorching heat. Beyond the traditional samgyetang, a variety of summer health menu items tailored to personal tastes and preferences are making their way onto the lunch recommendation lists of office workers pondering, "What should I have for lunch today?"

[Signature Chobok Dishes and Office District Trends] The most representative Chobok dish is undoubtedly "samgyetang." Combining chicken, ginseng, glutinous rice, and garlic, samgyetang is excellent for protecting the stomach, which can become cold from consuming too many cold foods in summer, and for replenishing energy through ingredients with warming properties. In particular, in office districts with high concentrations of workers, a trend has emerged of replacing it with dishes like "dakhanmari kalguksu" (chicken knife-cut noodle soup) or "samgyejuk" (ginseng chicken porridge) to reduce wait times while still enjoying a convenient nutritional boost.

[High-Protein Health Foods Using Seafood] Alongside meat-based options, nourishing dishes featuring seafood are also enjoying immense popularity. Grilled eel or eel rice bowls, synonymous with high-protein, low-fat foods, help quickly restore fatigued stamina, making them a favorite special lunch choice among office workers. Additionally, "galnak tang," a short rib soup generously packed with octopus and abalone, as well as "mulhoe," a spicy and refreshing cold raw fish soup, are also cited as ideal menu items for cooling off the heat and replenishing nutrients on the day of Chobok.

[Refreshing Summer Seasonal Foods] Meanwhile, for those who wish to avoid hot foods, a nourishing approach utilizing cool summer seasonal dishes presents itself as an alternative. Cold buckwheat noodle dishes like "pan momil" and "makguksu" have the effect of reducing body heat. Rich in protein and thick in texture, cold soybean noodle soup (kongguksu) offers a hearty sense of fullness and nutrition in just one bowl, making it a highly popular choice for those who prefer a lighter lunch.