Why Korea’s Chicken Culture Reigns Supreme
Move over, K-pop! Korea’s real national obsession is fried chicken (치맥). With over 20,000 chicken joints nationwide, choosing a brand can overwhelm foreigners. Unlike Western fried chicken, Korean versions feature paper-thin crisps, addictive sauces, and beer pairings. Here’s your survival guide:
🍗 1. BBQ Chicken
Signature Style: Olive-oil fried chicken (“Golden Olive”)
Must-Try: Honey Garlic (sticky-sweet glaze) & Secret Piquant (spicy kick)
Price: ₩18,000–22,000 (half-chicken)
Unique Fact: Uses antioxidant-rich olive oil—claims “healthier” crunch.
Best For: Flavor explorers who hate greasy aftertaste.
[Image: Crispy golden chicken drizzled with glossy honey-garlic sauce]
🌶️ 2. BHC Chicken
Signature Style: Extra-crunchy batter (invented by My Love from the Star actress)
Must-Try: BBU:RINKLE (spicy dusted with cheese powder) + Tteokbokki balls
Price: ₩20,000–25,000 (half-chicken)
Unique Fact: Sells “beer sleeves” to keep drinks icy cold with your meal.
Best For: Drama fans and cheese addicts.
[Image: Vibrant red chicken coated in cheese powder, served with side dishes]
🍯 3. Kyochon Chicken
Signature Style: Small-batch wings fried twice for feather-light crisp
Must-Try: Soy Garlic (savory-sweet) & Red Pepper (fiery but balanced)
Price: ₩19,000–23,000 (10 wings)
Unique Fact: 72-hour marination promise for deeper flavor penetration.
Best For: Wing purists and garlic lovers.
[Image: Glossy soy-garlic wings piled high with sesame seeds]
🥵 4. Pelicana Chicken
Signature Style: OG Korean fried chicken (est. 1982!) with iconic sweet-spicy sauce
Must-Try: Hot Devil (mouth-numbing spice) + Sweet & Sour combo
Price: ₩17,000–21,000 (half-chicken)
Unique Fact: Originator of “Yangnyeom Chicken” (sauce-coated fried chicken).
Best For: Heat-seekers and nostalgia chasers.
[Image: Shiny red sauce-coated chicken with pickled radishes]
🥦 5. Goobne Chicken
Signature Style: Oven-baked (no frying!) for guilt-free indulgence
Must-Try: Galic Kings (garlic butter glaze) & Volcano (cheese-covered spicy)
Price: ₩22,000–26,000 (half-chicken)
Unique Fact: “Goobne” means “oven-roasted” in Korean—crispy without oil.
Best For: Health-conscious travelers or post-hangover recovery.
[Image: Oven-baked chicken with visible grill marks and melted cheese topping]
🍻 The Ultimate Comparison Table
| Brand | Style | Best Flavor | Price (₩) | Foreigner-Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBQ | Olive-oil fried | Honey Garlic | 18k–22k | ✅ English menus |
| BHC | Super-crunchy | BBU:RINKLE (cheese) | 20k–25k | ⚠️ Few locations |
| Kyochon | Double-fried | Soy Garlic Wings | 19k–23k | ✅ Global branches |
| Pelicana | Saucy classic | Hot Devil | 17k–21k | ✅ Tourist hotspots |
| Goobne | Oven-baked | Volcano | 22k–26k | ✅ Vegetarian options |
Pro Tips for Foreigners:
- Order Like a Local: Always add “치맥” (chimaek = chicken + beer). Try Korean draft beer (Cass/Max) or soju mixers.
- Sides Matter: Pickled radish cubes (“무”) cut through grease. Mayo-dipped fries are also iconic.
- Delivery Magic: Use apps like Yogiyo or Baemin—most brands deliver until 2AM!
Final Verdict:
Crave crunch? BHC. Want saucy? Pelicana. Feeling fancy? BBQ. Korea’s chicken scene offers something for every palate—just remember: napkins are mandatory!
[Hero Image: Collage of 5 chicken boxes with logos against Seoul nightlife]
[Closing Image: “Chimaek” spread—chicken, beer, radish—on a neon-lit rooftop]
> Hungry? Major brands operate near subway stations. Look for LED-lit signs with cartoon chickens! 🐔✨