Lotte Hotel Seoul Mugunghwa Presents Traditional Hangover Soup Hyojonggaeng

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Mugunghwa, the Korean restaurant at Lotte Hotel Seoul, announced that it will offer 'Hyojonggaeng (曉鍾羹)', a premium hangover soup enjoyed by yangban (noble class) during the Joseon Dynasty, until the 28th of next month.

Hyojonggaeng is recorded in historical documents as Korea's first delivery food, ordered by yangban during the Joseon Dynasty to cure hangovers. The soup, simmered overnight, was delivered by messengers in jars around the time the bell tolled to signal dawn at the yangban's homes. The name Hyojonggaeng originates from this practice, meaning 'soup drunk at dawn.'

The 'Hyojonggaeng' available at Mugunghwa is a modern interpretation based on traditional cooking methods recorded in the late Joseon-era literature 'Haedongjukji.' It features a hot broth made by simmering beef bone stock for several days, with added fresh flavors from ingredients like young napa cabbage and soybean sprouts. Instead of the traditional sea cucumber, chewy spiny lobster meat is used, along with healthful ingredients such as Cordyceps militaris, providing a hearty yet deeply savory taste. The soup is generously topped with Korean beef brisket, tendon, and abalone.

A representative from Lotte Hotel Mugunghwa said, "It is especially meaningful to present this traditional dish passed down since the Joseon Dynasty with Mugunghwa's unique culinary specialization," adding, "As the Korean restaurant boasting the longest tradition among Korea's luxury hotels, we will continue to develop menus that allow customers to experience diverse Korean food stories."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.