Korean Fried Chicken: A Complete Guide To Ordering Chimaek Like A Local

Korean fried chicken has earned its own name among food fans worldwide for a reason. It's not just a fried dish; it's a skill, a culture, and a key part of nightlife. There are more chicken shops in Korea than convenience stores, with about 80,000 to 90,000 operating nationwide. To put it in perspective, that's more than the total number of McDonald's outlets globally.

This guide is a compilation of my personal experiences eating, ordering, and comparing Korean fried chicken to help travelers enjoy it to the fullest. You'll learn about the different styles, which chains to visit, how to order without speaking Korean, and the chimaek culture all in one place.

Why Korean Fried Chicken is Special

The fundamental difference between Korean fried chicken and others is one thing: double frying.

It's fried once, taken out, and then fried again at a higher oil temperature. This process removes moisture, making the skin thin and crisp like a glassy coating. There's no thick, greasy batter typical of regular fried chicken. Instead, a thin starch coating creates the crispiness, while the chicken inside stays moist. This is why it doesn't get soggy even after some time.

The batter itself is different too. Western fried chicken uses a thick flour batter, but Korean chicken uses a thin starch coating. Plus, Korean chicken is cut into smaller pieces, increasing the surface area and allowing you to enjoy more of the crispy parts.

Then there's the sauce. The sweet and spicy sauce of yangnyeom chicken, the savory soy glaze of ganjang chicken, and the fragrant green onion oil of padak. Korean chicken adds a layer of sauce on top of the perfection of the fry itself. This is why Korean chicken is recognized worldwide.

TIP: When ordering chicken, you can ask for "banban" — half fried, half yangnyeom. If it's your first time trying Korean chicken, compare the two flavors with banban. Most places offer it, and there's usually no price difference.

Complete Guide to Korean Chicken Styles

The menu can be overwhelming at first glance. Here's a breakdown of the main styles.

Style	Korean	Taste Profile	Recommended For
Original Fried	후라이드	Pure crispy fried taste without seasoning	First-timers, those who prefer clean flavors
Sweet & Spicy Yangnyeom	양념치킨	Rich red sauce with gochujang and sugar, sweet and spicy	Sauce lovers, those okay with spicy
Soy Garlic	간장치킨	Soy and garlic glaze, savory and addictive	Non-spicy eaters, umami lovers
Green Onion Chicken	파닭	Chicken topped with sliced green onions, green onion oil and soy dressing	Fans of fresh aromas
Cheese Chicken	치즈치킨	Served with melted cheese or cheese topping, creamy and savory	Families with kids, cheese lovers
Puringkle Style	뿌링클	Cheese powder-coated style (BHC's signature), savory and mild	Fans of powder coatings

Fried (Original Fried)

This is the basic. Fried with just a thin starch coating, no sauce, showcasing the skill. You can see how thin and crispy the skin is and how juicy the inside remains. If it's your first time trying Korean chicken, you must try the fried version. It's about tasting the fundamentals without any additions. Sprinkle a little salt or eat it with the accompanying pickled radish for extra flavor.

Yangnyeom Chicken

Yangnyeom spicy glazed Korean fried chicken ©한국관광공사 포토코리아-한국관광공사 김지호

It's no exaggeration to call this the symbol of Korean chicken. Since its debut in the 1980s, it has become half of Korean chicken culture. A rich red sauce made with gochujang, sugar, and garlic coats the crispy chicken. It's a sweet yet spicy flavor unique to Korea. Note that yangnyeom chicken gets soggy faster than fried chicken, so eat it as soon as you get it. It's still tasty when cold, but nothing beats fresh.

Soy Garlic Chicken

Highly recommended for those who can't handle spicy food. A rich glaze made with soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of sugar coats the chicken. Its savory and nutty flavor is incredibly addictive. Kyochon Chicken is the representative chain for this style, and I've met several foreign travelers who became fans of Korean chicken because of Kyochon's soy garlic chicken. Soy garlic chicken pairs better with soju than beer.

Padak

Chicken topped with a generous amount of thinly sliced green onions. It comes with green onion oil and soy dressing, and the fragrant green onions balance out the greasy taste of the chicken, making it very refreshing. At first, you might think, "So much green onion?" but once you try it, you'll understand. Padak is especially delicious in the summer. Pair it with a cold beer to forget the heat.

Cheese Chicken

This style pairs chicken with melted cheese. Depending on the store, you might dip it in cheese sauce, have melted cheese on top, or have cheese powder sprinkled over it. It's particularly popular with families traveling with children. It's an option even kids who can't eat spicy food can enjoy comfortably.

Must-Know Major Chicken Chains

There are more chicken shops in Korea than convenience stores. As of 2024, about 80,000 to 90,000 chicken shops operate nationwide. Here are some major chains that travelers can easily find.

BBQ Chicken

One of the largest franchises in Korea. It's known for frying with olive oil, and it has the most outlets nationwide, making it easy to find anywhere. Its signature menu is Golden Olive Chicken, which has a unique soft aroma from the olive oil, different from regular chicken. BBQ is present in over 50 countries, including the US, China, and Southeast Asia, but the original taste is in Korea. Prices are slightly higher, but the quality is consistently praised.

TIP: BBQ often offers an English app interface and many locations have English menus. It's relatively easy to order even if you don't speak Korean. You can check the English menu on the official app.

BHC Chicken

Gained explosive popularity with its Puringkle style. Puringkle, a cheese powder-coated style, changed the Korean chicken trend quickly after its launch in 2014. It also offers unique menus like Machoking (spicy flavor). It's popular among the younger crowd and can be easily found around Hongdae or university areas. BHC has a high number of reviews on delivery apps, making it easy to find.

Kyochon Chicken

A premium chicken chain that has expanded overseas. Known as the originator of soy garlic chicken, it started in Gumi in 1991 and has become a global brand. While it has outlets in the US, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc., Kyochon Chicken in Korea is distinctly different. It's slightly more expensive than other chains, but the deep flavor of the soy glaze is hard to compare. It's well-known among foreign travelers, making it a great choice for first-time Korean chicken experiences.

Pelicana

One of Korea's first franchise chicken brands, founded in 1982. It's a brand that has been part of the history of yangnyeom chicken and often maintains the vibe of an old neighborhood chicken shop. It's a good choice when you want traditional taste over trendiness. Pelicana's yangnyeom chicken is slightly richer and sweeter than other chains.

Norang Tongdak

A chain gaining popularity recently with its retro-style interior and old-fashioned chicken. Known for its retro vibe yellow signs, it frequently appears on social media. The menu is simple, making it easy to order, and it focuses on the basics with its original style chicken. Half of the "Korean vibe chicken" photos on Instagram feature Norang Tongdak in the background.

Chimaek Culture: The World of Chicken + Beer

Chimaek culture — Korean fried chicken with beer ©한국관광공사 포토코리아-한국관광공사 프레임스튜디오

Chimaek is a portmanteau of chicken (chicken) and maekju (beer). This combination is not just a food pairing; it's a part of Korean nightlife culture.

Whether it's colleagues gathering after work, friends watching a soccer game, or couples enjoying a late-night snack, chimaek is always at the center. Especially during the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, when the entire nation cheered with chicken and beer on the streets, chimaek culture became even more solidified. Since then, chimaek has become a symbol of "togetherness" for Koreans.

Light lagers like Cass or Terra are usually the beer of choice. They perfectly complement the greasy taste of chicken. Some prefer somaek (soju + beer), but if it's your first time in Korea, I recommend starting with chimaek.

TIP: You can get chicken delivered to Seoul's Han River parks (Yeouido, Jamwon, Banpo, etc.). Enjoying chimaek on a mat by the Han River is an unmissable experience in Korea. Enter "Han River Park ○○ District" as the address in the delivery app. If you go after 6 PM on weekends, you'll see hundreds of people enjoying chimaek the same way.

Soju and Chicken

Surprisingly, soju and chicken also pair well. The sweet sauce of yangnyeom chicken and the bitter taste of soju create a unique harmony. Koreans sometimes call this combination "chiso" (chicken + soju). Soju usually costs 5,000 to 7,000 won per bottle and is available at most chicken shops. Since soju has a higher alcohol content than beer (usually 16-25%), take it slow if it's your first time.

Where To Eat: A Situational Guide

There are three ways to enjoy Korean chicken: dine-in, delivery, and convenience store. Each offers a completely different experience.

Hongdae & University Areas

The best areas to eat chicken in Seoul are undoubtedly around universities. Hongdae (near Hongik University), Sinchon, Konkuk University, and Ewha University are packed with chicken shops and stay open late. The parking lot alley in Hongdae is a place where you can directly experience the chimaek culture with outdoor tables filled from the evening. If you're traveling alone, look for a small chicken shop with counter seating. Enjoying half a chicken and a beer alone is one of the romantic aspects of traveling in Korea.

You can easily find chicken in provincial cities too. In Busan's Seomyeon, Daegu's Dongseong-ro, and Gwangju's Chungjang-ro, you'll find both major chains and local chicken shops. Honestly, there's no neighborhood in Korea where you can't find a chicken shop. Every alley smells like chicken.

Neighborhood Chicken Shops

Besides major chains, there are neighborhood chicken shops that have been around for decades. Their signs may be old, and the interiors modest, but sometimes the chicken from these places is even tastier. If you see a long line of locals at a chicken shop, don't hesitate to go in. You can check ratings and reviews by searching "chicken" on Google Maps or Naver Maps. If it has a rating of 4.0 or higher with over 100 reviews, it's a reliable place.

Convenience Store Chicken

Convenience stores like GS25, CU, and 7-Eleven also sell chicken. Some are cooked on the spot, while others are pre-cooked. Prices are cheap (around 3,000 to 8,000 won) and available 24/7. The quality isn't as high as professional chicken shops, but it's handy for late-night or early-morning cravings. GS25's "Snowing Cheese Chicken" and CU's grilled chicken are popular among travelers. Pair it with convenience store beer for a cost-effective chimaek.

Korean Chicken Price Information

The price of Korean chicken varies depending on the brand and menu you choose. Refer to the table below.

Type	Price Range (KRW)	Notes
Whole Chicken (Regular Chain)	18,000~22,000	Based on fried and yangnyeom chicken
Whole Chicken (Premium Chain)	22,000~27,000	BBQ, Kyochon, etc.
Half Chicken	10,000~14,000	Available at some stores only
Banban (Two Flavors)	18,000~23,000	Fried + yangnyeom combination
Boneless Chicken	18,000~24,000	For those who prefer boneless
Convenience Store Chicken (Pieces)	3,000~8,000	Sold in 1-2 piece units

If you order delivery, expect an additional delivery fee of about 2,000 to 4,000 won. Some apps have a minimum order amount, so check beforehand. Overall, expect to pay between 15,000 and 25,000 won for a whole chicken. It's the perfect amount for two people, and with a bottle of beer, you can enjoy a satisfying meal for 20,000 to 30,000 won total.

Note that Korean chicken prices have generally increased between 2023 and 2024 due to rising raw material costs. Some premium chains can charge up to 27,000 to 30,000 won for a whole chicken. However, considering the taste and quality, it's still a reasonable price range.

How to Order Chicken Without Speaking Korean

You can enjoy chicken even if you don't speak a word of Korean. There are two ways.

Ordering Through Delivery Apps

Baemin (Baedal Minjok) and Coupang Eats are Korea's representative delivery apps. Both apps support English interfaces and allow registration of credit cards and foreign payment methods. You can order by browsing photos and menu names, significantly lowering the language barrier.

Install "Baemin" or "Coupang Eats" from the app store.
Create an account and enter your delivery address (accommodation address).
Select "Chicken" from the category.
Choose from the menu by looking at the photos and pay.
The average delivery time is 30-40 minutes.
You'll receive a notification when the delivery person arrives. Receive it at your door.

TIP: You can set the Baemin app language to English. Go to settings from the main screen's bottom menu to change the language. Coupang Eats already supports foreign payment method registration, making it relatively easy for foreigners to use. If your accommodation is an Airbnb, ask your host for the address in Korean.

Ordering Directly at the Store

When visiting a store, many menus have photos. Point to the photo and say "ee-geo ha-na" (this one). Or type the menu name on your smartphone and show it.

Useful phrases for ordering:

Fried → "hoo-rye-eed" (they'll understand even if you pronounce it similarly)
Yangnyeom Chicken → "yang-nyeom chi-kin"
Soy Garlic Chicken → "gan-jang chi-kin"
Half and half, please → "ban-ban ju-se-yo"
Boneless, please → "soon-sal ju-se-yo" (boneless)
One bottle of beer, please → "maek-ju han byeong ju-se-yo"
To-go, please → "po-jang hae ju-se-yo" (takeout)

Most chicken shop staff are familiar with foreign customers. Even if your pronunciation isn't perfect, you can order successfully using gestures and the menu. Turning on the Google Translate camera translation feature on your smartphone to scan the menu for instant English translation is also a handy tip.

Things to Know When Eating Chicken

Here are some things to know to avoid being caught off guard when eating Korean chicken for the first time.

Pickled Radish and Pickles: The yellow pickled radish (cubed) that comes with chicken is a standard service. It might seem odd at first, but it helps cut the greasiness of the chicken. Be sure to try it together. Without it, the chicken can feel heavy.
Mayonnaise Sauce: Some places offer mayonnaise or cheese sauce. It's for dipping.
Bone-in vs. Boneless: If the menu says "순살" (soon-sal), it's boneless chicken. The regular menu is bone-in by default. Boneless is slightly more expensive but easier to eat.
Waiting Time: Chicken is cooked to order, so expect a 15-20 minute wait. If you're in a hurry, convenience store chicken is faster.
Size Options: If you're alone, request half a chicken or a boneless set. A whole chicken is usually for two people.
Late-Night Snack: The core of Korean chicken culture is late-night snacks. Ordering chicken at 11 PM and drinking until 1 AM is one of the most common scenes in Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Korean chicken spicy?

Fried and soy garlic chicken are not spicy. Yangnyeom chicken is sweet with a slight kick, but by Korean standards, it's not very spicy. If you can't handle any spice, choose fried or soy garlic chicken. Some places can make it spicier if you ask, "maebge hae ju-se-yo" (make it spicy).

How much is a whole chicken? Is it for one person?

In Korea, "one chicken" means the whole chicken. It's usually enough for two people. It might be too much for one person, so if you're alone, it's better to choose half a chicken or a boneless set. Some places don't sell half chickens, so check in advance.

Can I find Halal chicken?

Some restaurants in Itaewon offer Halal-certified chicken. Most regular chicken chains do not have Halal certification. There are several Halal restaurants around Itaewon Central Mosque, so keep that in mind. Halal eateries are concentrated towards Exit 3 of Itaewon Station.

Can I order in English on delivery apps?

Baemin can be switched to an English interface. Coupang Eats also supports foreign payment method registration. Both apps have photos, so choosing a menu isn't difficult even if you don't know Korean. However, address input is in Korean format, so it's good to have your accommodation address noted in Korean in advance.

What time do chicken shops close?

Most chicken shops are open until 11 PM to 1 AM. Many places deliver until 2-3 AM. In Korea, where late-night snack culture is developed, chicken is a major late-night food. You can filter for open stores on delivery apps.

Are there vegan or vegetarian options?

It's difficult to find vegan options at regular chicken chains. Recently, some trendy restaurants have started offering plant-based chicken, but it's not yet common. You can find alternatives at vegan restaurants in Hongdae or Itaewon.

Can I use a credit card at chicken shops?

Most chicken chains and stores accept credit cards and foreign cards. Some small neighborhood chicken shops may only accept cash, so it's safe to carry a small amount of cash. You can pay with foreign cards on delivery apps.

What are good side dishes to order with chicken?

Popular side dishes include fries, coleslaw, and corn salad. Some places offer set menus with tteokbokki or sundae. For drinks, choose between beer, cola, or cider. If it's your first visit to Korea, start with the classic chimaek — chicken with beer.

I always tell those planning a trip to Korea: don't just pass by the chicken alley. That moment when you sit at a table late in the evening, holding a piece of chicken and taking a sip of beer, will be one of the memorable scenes from your trip to Korea.