Page "Korean cuisine" Paragraph 20

Chicken has played an important role as a protein in Korean history, evidenced by a number of myths.

One myth tells of the birth of Kim Alji, founder of the Kim family of Gyeongju being announced by the cry of a white chicken.

As the birth of a clan's founder is always announced by an animal with preternatural qualities, this myth speaks to the importance of chicken in Korean culture.

Chicken is often served roasted or braised with vegetables or in soups.

All parts of the chicken are used in Korean cuisine, including the gizzard, liver, and feet.

Young chickens are braised with ginseng and other ingredients in medicinal soups eaten during the summer months to combat heat called samgyetang.

The feet of the chicken, called dakbal ( 닭발 ), are often roasted and covered with hot and spicy gochujang-based sauce and served as an anju, or side dish, to accompany alcoholic beverages, especially soju.