Why Korean Porridge (Juk) Is the Ultimate Comfort Food After a Hospital Stay

K-Culture & Travel | 2025-12-23 18:30:09
[mediK / HEALTH IN NEWS] In many Korean dramas, the moment a character is discharged from the hospital, they often crave one thing above all: a steaming bowl of juk (Korean rice porridge, 죽). To outsiders, it might seem like simple rice gruel, but in Korea, juk has been a cornerstone of restorative eating for centuries—a thoughtful blend of science, tradition, and affection.

One of the most beloved varieties is jeonbokjuk (abalone porridge, 전복죽), prized for its tender abalone and rich, nourishing broth. Long considered a tonic food, abalone has been used in Korean cuisine for vitality and recovery.

1. The Cultural Roots of Juk

At the heart of this tradition lies the ancient principle of yakshik dongwon (약식동원)—"food and medicine share the same origin." In Korean traditional medicine, nourishing meals are seen as powerful healers in their own right. When someone is frail or recovering, families carefully select premium ingredients, break them down for easy digestion, and simmer them slowly into juk. This isn't just eating; it's an act of caregiving.

In dramas like It's Okay, That's Love (괜찮아, 사랑이야), a bowl of juk quietly conveys "I'm worried about you." The scene of someone laboring over a pot for a loved one who is ill captures one of the warmest expressions of affection in Korean culture.
2. The Proven Benefits for Recovery

Juk is gentle on the stomach because the rice is cooked long enough in ample water to become partially predigested, delivering energy without taxing a weakened digestive system.

Different varieties offer targeted nutrition. Chicken juk, for instance, can provide a substantial portion of daily protein needs in a single serving, making it ideal after surgery or during convalescence. Walnut porridge stands out for its dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart health. Egg porridge brings high-quality protein along with vitamins like A and folate, plus zinc for immune support.

For specific ailments: Ginseng-chicken juk boosts immunity when energy is low from a cold. Deodeok (bellflower root) porridge helps soothe coughs and inflammation thanks to its saponins. Plain white juk protects the intestinal lining during bouts of diarrhea, while abalone porridge offers high-protein, low-irritant nourishment for general recovery.

One of the most popular varieties of juk in Korea is jeonbokjuk (abalone porridge, 전복죽). Abalone has long been regarded as a premier tonic ingredient, widely used for restoring vitality and energy. (Image provided by ClipArtKorea)
One of the most popular varieties of juk in Korea is jeonbokjuk (abalone porridge, 전복죽). Abalone has long been regarded as a premier tonic ingredient, widely used for restoring vitality and energy. (Image provided by ClipArtKorea)


3. A Practical Guide for Visitors

Option 1: Chain Restaurants (Highly Recommended)

  • Bonjuk (본죽) has hundreds of locations across Seoul and beyond. Menus often include English translations and photos, and card payments are standard.
  • Prices range from about 8,000 to 15,000 won (roughly $6–11). A simple "Menu, please" and pointing usually does the trick.

Option 2: Convenience Stores (CU, GS25, etc.)

  • Look for ready-to-heat cups of juk near the instant rice section. Pop one in the microwave for a quick meal.
  • Prices: 3,000–5,000 won ($2–4). Asking "Microwave?" often gets you pointed in the right direction.
A Few Tips

Broths can be salty, so those watching sodium should sip cautiously. Pair juk with side dishes for balanced fiber. And though it's temptingly easy to eat, moderation keeps it comforting rather than heavy.

Bonus: A Simple Home Recipe

  • For basic chicken juk (serves 2–3, about 30 minutes): Rinse 1 cup rice, then boil with 6–7 cups water or chicken stock. Add shredded cooked chicken breast. Simmer on low, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes until creamy. Season lightly with salt and a drizzle of sesame oil.


Oh Ha Eun medi·K TEAM press@themedik.kr
Copyright © 2020 mediK. All rights reserved.

K-Culture&Travel

image
K-Culture & Travel
Why Do Koreans Grill Pork Belly on Heavy Fine Dust Days?
On hazy days in Seoul, when the air turns thick with fine dust carried in from distant deserts and industrial zones, many Koreans head straight for the grill. It's a ritual as comforting as it is quirky: sizzling strips of samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly, 삼겹살), wrapped in lettuce leaves with garlic, kimchi, and a splash of sesame oil. The belief persists that this beloved cut of pork somehow counters the pollution clinging to the lungs. Sales of pork belly have long spiked during severe air quality alerts, a pattern observed for years whenever the skies grow heavy.1. The Roots of a Persiste
image
K-Culture & Travel
An Hour from Seoul, History and Fairy Tales Share the Same Incheon Hillside
Just an hour from the neon pulse of Seoul, in the port city of Incheon’s Jung-gu district, two worlds sit side by side on the same hillside, as if history and fairy tale decided to become neighbors.On one flank, the red-brick banks and customs houses of the late-nineteenth-century treaty port still stand, their windows framing the same harbor view they did when Incheon was Joseon Korea’s reluctant doorway to the world. On the other, narrow alleys explode with color—murals of Dorothy’s ruby slippers, Snow White’s apple, Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole. This is the Open Port Cultural Di
image
K-Culture & Travel
How to Ride Seoul’s Subways Like a Local: T-money, Etiquette, and Rush-Hour Hacks
South Korea’s subway system is a marvel of precision, cleanliness, and efficiency—one of the world’s best urban transit networks. From Seoul’s sprawling web to the interconnected lines in Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju, the trains are an indispensable lifeline for travelers. Yet for foreigners, everything from buying a fare card to observing unspoken etiquette can feel daunting. This guide distills insider tips so you can ride like a Seoulite.1. Getting Your Transport CardThe workhorse is the T-money card.You can pick one up at any convenience store, subway station, or Incheon International Air
image
K-Culture & Travel
Why the National Museum of Korea Should Top Every Seoul Itinerary
If you only have time for one museum in Seoul, make it the National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관). Tucked beside the sprawling Yongsan Family Park in the heart of the capital, this serene, low-slung complex—its reflecting pools and graceful roofs echoing the palaces of old—holds the finest single collection of Korean art and artifacts anywhere on earth.Why it belongs on every itinerarySix permanent galleries trace the arc of Korean civilization from the Paleolithic to the present day, displaying some 12,000 objects in a layout that feels almost cinematic. You walk through time: past the d

Headlines

Doctors & Hospitals