While Korea is certainly a country that enjoys drinking, maintaining a productive day after a night out is equally important. This is why "hangover cure" culture is so widespread – Koreans consume certain foods before drinking to prevent hangovers and eat specific dishes the next day to soothe their stomachs.
The process of recovering from alcohol's effects is called "haejang" in Korean. You can find restaurants specializing in "haejang-guk" (hangover soup) virtually anywhere in Korea. From traditional hangover soups that have stood the test of time to modern hangover drinks readily available at convenience stores, Korea's hangover culture continues to evolve. Let's explore this fascinating world together!
1. Uniquely Korean Hangover Soups
Haejang is more than just a cure—it’s a ritual. Depending on the region and personal preference, hangover soups vary widely, but they all share a common goal: soothing the stomach, replenishing nutrients, and helping the body recover. Here are some of Korea’s most popular hangover soups and why they work:
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Bugeo-haejang-guk (Dried Pollack Soup): Made with dried pollack, radish, bean sprouts, and tofu. The taurine and protein in dried pollack effectively help liver function recovery and hangover relief, while its mild flavor is gentle on upset stomachs.
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Kongnamul-haejang-guk (Bean Sprout Soup): One of Korea’s most popular hangover soups, this spicy broth is packed with asparagine acid from bean sprouts, which helps break down alcohol and rehydrate the body. The heat from the broth also promotes circulation and liver detoxification.
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Sogogi-haejang-guk (Beef Hangover Soup): The protein and iron in beef quickly restore energy depleted by drinking. Vegetables like radish and bean sprouts provide balanced nutrition and help fill the stomach.
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Gomtang/Seolleongtang (Ox Bone Soup): Slow-simmered for hours, this milky-white broth is collagen-rich, providing comfort to an irritated stomach while restoring hydration. Its deep, savory flavor makes it a favorite for those seeking warmth and nourishment.
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Dwaeji-gukbap (Pork Soup): A signature hangover dish from the Gyeongsang Province, especially Busan. The rich broth from pork bones and meat protects the stomach, while abundant protein effectively restores energy.
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Sundae-gukbap (Blood Sausage Soup): Soup made with beef intestines and blood sausage. Popular in Seoul and central regions, it's rich in iron which helps blood circulation for faster recovery.
2. Hangover Remedies at Convenience Stores
These days, various hangover remedies can be found in convenience stores and pharmacies across Korea. There's such a variety that they often have dedicated sections near checkout counters, mainly available as drinks, pills, or jellies.
Hangover remedies are commonly taken before or after drinking, and sharing them with friends has become a social norm. It reflects a common sentiment in Korean drinking culture: enjoy the night together, but ensure everyone wakes up feeling their best.
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Hangover Drinks: Beverages containing ingredients like hovenia dulcis extract (from the oriental raisin tree) that is believed to aid recovery. Popular brands include "Condition" and "Morning Care."
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Pills/Tablets: Compact and easy to carry, these are a favorite among younger people who want a hassle-free option before or after drinking. A well-known brand is "Sangkwaehwan," a traditional herbal medicine in pill form.
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Jelly Forms: For those who prefer something sweet, fruit-flavored jelly hangover cures are a trendy alternative. Brands like "Condition" and "Sangkwaehwan" offer jellies infused with detoxifying ingredients in flavors like mango and apple.
3. Hangover Prevention While Drinking
Koreans also make efforts to prevent hangovers even while drinking. Eggs are known to help break down alcohol while protecting the stomach lining from damage. At some generous bars, customers might be served fried eggs as a complimentary service when they arrive – one for each person.
Many people drink plenty of water while consuming soju. Some might take a sip of water after each shot of soju, considering hydration crucial. (In Korea, good quality water is available for free at restaurants.)
Various soup dishes are enjoyed as drinking side dishes. When drinking soju, people often order soup-based side dishes, and menu items like "hangover ramen" are readily available. This way, the hangover recovery process kickstarts right at the drinking table.
4. Other Methods
Beyond these approaches, Koreans have diverse personal hangover remedies:
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Cold Broth Dishes: Some recover with cold soup dishes like naengmyeon (cold noodles)
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Sports Drinks: Beverages that replenish fluids and electrolytes lost through alcohol consumption faster than water (Pocari Sweat, Powerade)
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Traditional Folk Remedies: Oriental Raisin Tree water (heot-gae-su) documented in 17th century medical texts and honey water, which have long been Korea's representative traditional hangover remedies
- Unexpected Foods: Some people swear by greasy foods like pizza and burgers, while others believe spicy dishes help “sweat out” a hangover.