South Korea’s chimaek (chicken + beer) culture is legendary! From crispy fried goodness to sticky-sweet glazes, here are 10 iconic spots every visitor needs to try:
1. Kyochon Chicken
📍 Locations: Nationwide
🔥 Why Famous: Honey-coated wings and soy-garlic drums perfected since 1991.
🍗 Must-Try: Honey Series (crispy skin + sweet glaze).
2. BHC Chicken
📍 Locations: Nationwide (Myeongdong branch most tourist-friendly)
🔥 Why Famous: Run by K-pop star Jun Ji-hyun! Explosively popular for Bburinkle seasoning (cheese powder + chili).
🍗 Must-Try: BBU:RINKLE Fried Chicken with pickled radishes.
3. Pelicana Chicken
📍 Locations: Nationwide
🔥 Why Famous: OG Korean fried chicken (since 1982!) with fiery “Hot Devil” sauce.
🍗 Must-Try: Sweet & Spicy combo – best with cold beer.
4. Goobne Chicken
📍 Locations: Hongdae, Gangnam, Itaewon
🔥 Why Famous: Oven-baked (not fried)! Healthier but still crazy flavorful.
🍗 Must-Try: Galbi King (soy-marinated ribs glaze).
5. BBQ Chicken
📍 Locations: Insadong, Myeongdong
🔥 Why Famous: Golden Olive oil frying – extra crunchy, less greasy.
🍗 Must-Try: Secret Sauce (honey + garlic + chili).
6. Puradak Chicken
📍 Locations: Gangnam, Jamsil
🔥 Why Famous: Black packaging + black sesame seeds on crackly skin. Very Instagrammable.
🍗 Must-Try: Black Label (soy sauce glaze + sesame).
7. Gamsung Chicken & Beer
📍 Locations: Itaewon, Hongdae
🔥 Why Famous: Trendy vibe + creative flavors like Corn Cream Cheese.
🍗 Must-Try: Dynamite Spicy with cheesy corn dip.
8. Cheogajip (처갓집)
📍 Locations: Sinchon, Jongno
🔥 Why Famous: Budget-friendly + iconic “Red Sauce” (spicy, sweet, tangy).
🍗 Must-Try: Yangnyeom Chicken (classic Korean sauce).
9. NeNe Chicken
📍 Locations: Myeongdong, Dongdaemun
🔥 Why Famous: From Running Man star Yoo Jae-suk! Snow Cheese topping is addictive.
🍗 Must-Try: Snowing Cheese or Sweet & Spicy.
10. Two Two Chicken
📍 Locations: Itaewon, Hongdae
🔥 Why Famous: 24-hour spots near clubs! Garlic lovers’ paradise.
🍗 Must-Try: Garlic Soy Chicken – juicy with punchy garlic.
Pro Tips for Foreigners:
- Pair with Korean beer (Cass, Hite) or Soju (grapefruit flavor is beginner-friendly).
- Use delivery apps like Baedal Minjok if you can’t visit physically!
- Spice levels: “Mild” is still bold; “Hot” is FIRE 🔥.
Hungry yet? Dive into Korea’s ultimate comfort food – each bite is crunch, flavor, and joy! 🍻🍗