Traditional health foods such as samgyetang and eel, as well as new dishes like jjimdak and duck baekseok, are gaining popularity in the height of summer.
Catch Table released an analysis of search volumes on its platform from the 1st to the 15th, revealing the 'summer health food consumption trend' on the 18th. During this period, the search volume for samgyetang increased by 176% compared to the same period last month. Eel saw a 37% increase, while Peking duck rose by 23%.
In addition, an analysis of waiting counts at related restaurants during the same period found that chicken dishes increased by 10%, eel dishes by 12%, and duck dishes by 19%.
From July to August last year, chicken dishes also gained popularity among frequently sought-after 'summer foods.' During this period, chicken specialty restaurants accounted for 79% of health food store waiting percentages. Notably, during the dog days, the search volume for samgyetang surged more than three times the usual amount.
Last year's search volume for the keyword 'chicken' was five times higher than that for samgyetang. This indicates a steady increase in consumption of various chicken dishes such as chicken, jjimdak, dakgalbi, and Japanese-style grilled chicken (yakitori). Duck baekseok also appears to be gaining popularity, comparable to eel.
Eel also saw a 26% increase in waiting numbers during the same period. In the second week of August, which included last year's Chobok (August 14), the search volume for eel accounted for 42%, ranking first among health food keywords.
On last year's Chobok day (July 15), the demand for chicken dishes such as samgyetang and chicken was concentrated. In contrast, during the following weekend (July 19-21), reservations at eel restaurants increased.
A representative from Catch Table noted, 'In the past, traditional health foods primarily gained popularity during the dog days, but recently, unique health food menus like chicken and duck baekseok are also emerging.' They added, 'There's a trend to visit health food restaurants with family and friends, enjoying samgyetang with friends or colleagues on weekdays and eel grilled with family on holidays.'