Hanam Korean restaurant for warm soups: Baekheukdam

On a rainy day, I stopped by Baekheukdam (백흑담) in Hanam because I was craving a warm soup. It is a Korean restaurant specializing in samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), galbitang (beef short rib soup), and haesintang (seafood and chicken soup), at 93 Misadong-ro, 1st floor, Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea (경기 하남시 미사동로 93 1층).

What are Baekheukdam’s exterior and interior like?

The first thing I saw in the rain was a brick-finished building. Under the large black sign was lettering advertising samgyetang, galbitang, and haesintang.

The interior felt open thanks to its high ceiling and large windows. Moss terrariums and bonsai were lined up by the windows, while black leather chairs and dark-toned tables were neatly arranged.

What does the name Baekheukdam mean?

An explanation displayed in the restaurant introduced baek as a clean, light flavor that removes what is unnecessary to bring out the ingredients’ natural taste and aroma. Heuk referred to the rich flavor of deeply simmered broth and the care put into it. I found it memorable that the name holds these two directions of flavor.

How do you order, and how much are the menu items?

I ordered at a kiosk. The menu was divided into perilla seed dishes, herbal dishes, specialty dishes, add-ons, and alcohol, traditional liquor, and drinks. That day, I chose Baekheukdam black sesame samgyetang, Baekheukdam perilla seed samgyetang, and black ongsimi (rice dumplings).

• Baekheukdam black sesame samgyetang: ₩22,000
• Baekheukdam perilla seed samgyetang: ₩21,000
• Black ongsimi: ₩12,000

Beside the samgyetang was a notice explaining the pinking phenomenon, in which some chicken bones or meat may show a reddish color after cooking.

What did the galbitang and black sesame ongsimi taste like?

The galbitang that arrived first was topped with jujubes, chestnuts, large ribs, and green onion. A spoonful of the clear, hot broth felt soothing. The meat also came away from the bones easily, so it was convenient to eat.

The black sesame ongsimi came next, with small rice dumplings floating in a milky broth and a generous layer of black sesame powder on top. I liked its nutty flavor enough to finish the broth too.

The side dishes, including kkakdugi, napa cabbage kimchi, danmuji, and seasoned dried radish strips, were mild rather than strongly seasoned and went well with the soups. I had a bowl of white rice with them for a satisfying meal.

Would it be suitable for a meal with parents or friends?

With its orderly interior and modern atmosphere, I thought it would be a comfortable place to bring parents for a meal or to stop by casually with friends. It is the kind of place I would think of when craving a warm soup on a rainy day.