PHOTOS: Koreans mark chobok, the first of three dog days of summer

SEOUL, July 15 (AJU PRESS) - Koreans marked chobok, the first of the three dog days of summer, on Monday. The Korea Meteorological Administration reported that temperatures across most regions nationwide soared above 30 degrees Celsius.

On this occasion, health food restaurants across the country are experiencing a surge in business as samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), grilled eel, and raw croaker are particularly in high demand. At some renowned eateries, reservation wait times have stretched beyond two hours.

The food industry is responding to this trend by launching a variety of ready-to-eat health food products. Convenience stores and large supermarkets are seeing rising popularity for easy-to-cook items like samgyetang kits and eel rice bowls. Additionally, fusion health food menus targeting younger generations are emerging.

People line up in front of a samgyetang restaurant in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on July 15, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo

This photo shows samgyetang in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on July 15, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo

Raw chickens are displayed at a supermarket in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on July 15, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo

A shopper browses groceries at a store in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on July 15, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo

Shoppers browse groceries at a store in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on July 15, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo

People cool off at Gwanghwamun Plaza in Jongno, central Seoul, on chobok, the first of the three dog days of summer, on July 15, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo

A child cools off at Gwanghwamun Plaza in Jongno, central Seoul, on chobok, the first of the three dog days of summer, on July 15, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo

A man cools off at Gwanghwamun Plaza in Jongno, central Seoul, on chobok, the first of the three dog days of summer, on July 15, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo

Kim Dong-woo dong@ajupress.com