What Is 보양식 (Boyangsik)?

Hello! When the weather gets hot or people feel especially tired, Koreans often eat foods such as 삼계탕 (samgyetang) or grilled eel to restore their energy.

Today, let’s learn the Korean word 보양식 (boyangsik) and how to explain it naturally in English.

1. What Does 보양식 Mean?

보양식 refers to nourishing food eaten to restore energy, build strength, or support the body during periods of fatigue, illness, or extreme weather.

There is no single English expression that captures its full cultural meaning. Depending on the context, it can be explained as:

• energy-boosting food

• nourishing food

• restorative food

• a nutritious dish

2. Energy-Boosting Food

Energy-boosting food emphasizes the idea of restoring energy and strength. It is a simple expression that helps foreigners understand the purpose of boyangsik.

삼계탕은 한국의 대표적인 보양식이에요.
Samgyetangeun Hangugui daepyojeogin boyangsigieyo.
Samgyetang is one of Korea’s best-known energy-boosting foods.

Samgyetang is a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, garlic, jujubes, and ginseng. Koreans traditionally eat it during the hottest days of summer.

Note!

보양식 is not exactly the same as comfort food.

Comfort food makes someone feel emotionally relaxed or nostalgic. Boyangsik, however, is eaten mainly to restore physical energy and support the body. In many Western cultures, chicken soup is commonly eaten when someone is sick. It can function as both a comforting meal and a nourishing, restorative food.

✨ Today’s Korean Words

보양식 (boyangsik): nourishing food eaten to restore energy and strength
삼계탕 (samgyetang): Korean ginseng chicken soup

What food do people eat to restore their energy in your country?

One Korean expression a day, make it yours!

하루에 한 표현을 내 것으로!