Best Korean Fried Chicken in Seoul for First-Time Visitors
Why Korean Fried Chicken Is Worth Trying in Seoul
Korean fried chicken is one of the easiest foods to try on a first trip to Seoul, but choosing where to eat can be less straightforward. Famous chains such as BBQ, Kyochon, and BHC are convenient and beginner-friendly, while long-running local spots offer a more traditional chicken-and-beer atmosphere.
The biggest differences are usually the coating, sauce, and overall experience. You can keep it classic with crisp original fried chicken, try sweet and savory soy garlic, order the iconic red yangnyeom sauce, or choose newer flavors such as honey and cheese seasoning. Many restaurants also offer banban (half-and-half), which is one of the easiest ways to try two styles in one order.
This guide compares six Korean fried chicken restaurants in Seoul, including convenient options in Myeongdong and Dongdaemun and more local choices in Sinsa and Hongdae. You will also find what to order at each restaurant, which option suits different travelers, and practical tips for ordering Korean fried chicken for the first time.
If fried chicken is only one stop on your Seoul food list, our guide to 15 must-try Korean foods in Seoul can help you decide what else to eat.
Table of Contents
Korean Fried Chicken in Seoul at a Glance
These six restaurants cover different sides of Seoul’s fried chicken scene, from convenient branches in major sightseeing areas to more local chicken-and-beer spots. Use this quick comparison to find the best match for your location and the type of Korean fried chicken you want to try.
| Restaurant | Area | Best For | Start With |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBQ Chicken Myeongdong Star | Myeongdong | Easiest first experience | Golden Olive Fried Chicken |
| Kyochon Chicken Dongdaemun 1 | Dongdaemun | Soy and honey flavors | Kyochon Original or Honey |
| BHC Chicken Myeongdong | Myeongdong | Trendy Korean chicken flavors | Bburinkle or Gold King |
| Hanchu | Sinsa / Garosu-gil | Local chimaek atmosphere | Fried Chicken + Deep-Fried Peppers |
| Kkanbu Chicken Myeongdong | Myeongdong | Casual dine-in and variety | Fried Chicken |
| Chicken in the Kitchen Hongdae | Hongdae | Hongdae chicken-and-beer experience | Original Fried Chicken + Onion Rings |
If you are not sure where to start, choosing a major Korean fried chicken chain such as BBQ, Kyochon, BHC, or Kkanbu is a perfectly good option. These brands are easy to find across Seoul and offer a reliable introduction to Korean fried chicken without requiring a special trip.
FFor this guide, we included a few more local options alongside easy-to-visit branches of major Korean fried chicken chains. The goal is not to rank one chicken restaurant above all others, but to help first-time visitors find a convenient and satisfying place to try Korean fried chicken in Seoul.
What Korean Fried Chicken Should You Order?
Korean fried chicken comes in many styles, but you do not need to understand the entire menu before ordering. For a first meal, the main choice is whether you want classic crispy chicken or chicken coated or seasoned with a stronger flavor.
Original Fried Chicken
Start here if you want the simplest version. Original fried chicken lets you focus on the crisp coating and the chicken itself without a heavy sauce.
Yangnyeom Chicken
Yangnyeom chicken is coated in a sweet and spicy red sauce and is one of the classic Korean fried chicken choices. Spice levels vary, so it may not be the best first pick if you are sensitive to heat.
Soy Chicken
Soy-based chicken is savory and slightly sweet, making it an easy choice for travelers who want plenty of flavor without relying on chili heat.
Honey Chicken
Honey chicken leans sweeter and is especially popular at some major Korean chicken chains. It is a good alternative if you prefer sweet-savory flavors.
Cheese-Seasoned Chicken
Powdered cheese flavors such as BHC’s Bburinkle represent the more modern side of Korean fried chicken. They can be fun to try, but the flavor is noticeably sweeter and richer than classic fried chicken.
Half-and-Half Chicken
For a first visit, half-and-half is often the most useful option when available. Try original with yangnyeom or soy-based chicken so you can compare two styles without ordering two full portions.
Best Korean Fried Chicken in Seoul: 6 Beginner-Friendly Picks
The six picks below include major Korean fried chicken chains and more local options across different parts of Seoul. Menus, opening hours, and dine-in availability can change by branch, so check the latest information before visiting.
1. BBQ Chicken Myeongdong Star
Best for: First-time visitors staying in Myeongdong
Area: Myeongdong
Start with: Golden Olive Fried Chicken or half-and-half chicken
Why Go
BBQ is one of Korea’s major fried chicken chains, and the Myeongdong Star branch is especially convenient if you are already sightseeing or shopping in central Seoul. It is close to Myeongdong’s main shopping streets, so there is little reason to make a separate trip just for dinner.
This makes it a practical choice for your first Korean fried chicken meal, particularly if you want a familiar restaurant setting before trying smaller local chicken spots later in your trip.
What to Order
Golden Olive Fried Chicken is the classic place to start. It is BBQ’s signature fried chicken and a good choice if you want to try the crispy original style before moving on to stronger sauces or seasonings.
If a half-and-half option is available, pairing original fried chicken with yangnyeom is another good first order. You get the contrast between crisp plain chicken and the sweet-spicy Korean sauce in the same meal.
What to Know Before You Go
The restaurant is on the second floor near Myeongdong’s main shopping area, so it is easy to combine with an afternoon or evening around Myeongdong.
Because this is a busy tourist area, the restaurant can become crowded around normal dinner hours. Check the latest opening hours and branch information on Naver Map before you go.
2. Kyochon Chicken Dongdaemun 1
Best for: Soy and honey flavors
Area: Dongdaemun
Start with: Kyochon Original or Honey Original
Why Go
Kyochon is one of Korea’s best-known fried chicken chains and is especially famous for chicken coated with soy-based and honey sauces. The Dongdaemun 1 branch is a convenient choice if you are already exploring Dongdaemun’s markets, shopping malls, or nearby attractions.
Unlike thicker, heavily seasoned styles of Korean fried chicken, Kyochon is a good option when you want a crisp coating with a more savory or sweet glaze. It also gives you a noticeably different experience from the classic plain fried chicken at BBQ.
What to Order
Kyochon Original is the best place to start if you prefer savory flavors. The chicken is coated with the brand’s signature sweet-and-salty garlic soy sauce, giving it plenty of flavor without the heat of a spicy yangnyeom sauce.
Honey Original is the better choice if you prefer something sweeter. If you are sharing, choosing both soy and honey flavors is an easy way to compare two of Kyochon’s most recognizable styles.
What to Know Before You Go
The Dongdaemun 1 branch is located near Dongdaemun Station, making it easy to add to a shopping or sightseeing day in the area. Kyochon’s official store information currently lists this branch as open 24 hours, but restaurant hours can change.
Check the latest opening hours and branch information before visiting.
3. BHC Chicken Myeongdong
Best for: Trendy Korean fried chicken flavors
Area: Myeongdong
Start with: Bburinkle or Gold King
Why Go
BHC is a good choice if you want to try the more modern and playful side of Korean fried chicken. While BBQ is an easy pick for classic fried chicken and Kyochon is known for glazed flavors, BHC stands out for bold seasonings and sweeter flavor combinations.
The Myeongdong branch is also convenient for travelers already spending time in central Seoul, making it easy to try without planning a separate trip.
What to Order
Bburinkle is BHC’s signature choice if you want something distinctly different from classic fried chicken. The crispy chicken is covered with a sweet cheese seasoning, giving it a rich, salty-sweet flavor that is especially recognizable in Korea.
Gold King is a better option if powdered cheese seasoning sounds too rich. It combines Korean soy sauce, honey, and garlic for a sweeter savory glaze and is an easier transition if you already enjoy soy-based chicken.
What to Know Before You Go
The Myeongdong branch is located in the main shopping area, so it works well as an easy dinner or late meal after sightseeing.
Bburinkle has a much stronger seasoning than plain fried chicken, so if you are sharing with someone who prefers simpler flavors, ordering it alongside a more familiar flavor can be a better choice.
4. Hanchu
Best for: A more local chimaek experience
Area: Sinsa / Garosu-gil
Start with: Fried Chicken + Deep-Fried Peppers
Why Go
Hanchu has been serving fried chicken in Seoul since 1989. Unlike the major fried chicken chains on this list, much of its appeal comes from its long-running local atmosphere as well as the food itself.
Rather than focusing on branded sauces or trendy seasonings, Hanchu is a place to sit down with fried chicken, a cold beer, and a few dishes to share. It is also easy to combine with an afternoon or evening around Garosu-gil, making it a good choice for first-time visitors who want a more traditional chimaek experience in Seoul.
What to Order
Start with the fried chicken, but consider adding the deep-fried peppers as well. The peppers are one of Hanchu’s best-known side dishes and make this stop more distinctive than simply ordering another plate of fried chicken at a chain restaurant.
If you drink alcohol, this is also a natural place to try chimaek — fried chicken with beer — rather than treating the chicken as a quick takeaway meal.
What to Know Before You Go
Hanchu is in the Sinsa area near Garosu-gil, although Apgujeong Station is the closest subway stop. It works especially well if you are already exploring Sinsa, Garosu-gil, or the nearby Apgujeong area.
The restaurant can become busy around dinner, and unlike the major chicken chains, Hanchu is worth choosing as much for its casual local atmosphere as for the chicken itself.
5. Kkanbu Chicken Myeongdong
Best for: An easy, casual chicken dinner in Myeongdong
Area: Myeongdong
Start with: Fried Chicken or Garlic Soy Chicken
Why Go
Kkanbu Chicken is another reliable Korean fried chicken chain and a practical option if you are already staying or sightseeing in Myeongdong. Rather than being a place you need to cross Seoul specifically to visit, its strength is that you can easily stop in for a casual chicken-and-beer meal while exploring the area.
The menu also offers plenty of variety, making Kkanbu a useful choice for groups with different preferences or for travelers who want something straightforward without chasing a particular viral menu.
What to Order
Classic fried chicken is the simplest place to start and works well if you want a familiar crispy style. Garlic soy chicken is another easy choice if you prefer a sweeter and more savory flavor.
If you are sharing, choosing two different flavors is a good way to try more of the menu without committing to only one style.
What to Know Before You Go
The Myeongdong branch is in the main tourist and shopping area, so it is easy to fit into an evening around Myeongdong without planning a separate trip.
As with other major Korean chicken chains, the exact menu and availability can vary by branch, so it is worth checking the latest information before visiting.
6. Chicken in the Kitchen Hongdae
Best for: A more distinctive fried chicken stop in Hongdae
Area: Hongdae
Start with: Original Fried Chicken + Onion Rings
Why Go
Chicken in the Kitchen started in Hongdae in 2011 and offers a different experience from the major Korean fried chicken chains on this list. Its casual atmosphere, fried chicken, cold beer, and rock-music identity fit naturally into an evening around Hongdae.
It is a good choice if you want somewhere with a little more local character while still staying in one of Seoul’s easiest neighborhoods for visitors to explore.
What to Order
Original fried chicken is a good place to start, especially if you want to compare it with the chain restaurants earlier in this guide. The large, crispy onion rings are also one of the restaurant’s recognizable side dishes and make a good addition when sharing.
If you are eating with two or more people, adding another flavored chicken or side dish is an easy way to make this stop feel more like a full chimaek meal.
What to Know Before You Go
The Hongdae main branch is tucked into the streets around the main Hongdae area, making it easy to combine with cafes, shopping, live music, or an evening out nearby.
This is a better choice for the Hongdae atmosphere and the overall meal than for travelers simply looking for the nearest familiar chicken chain, so it makes the most sense when Hongdae is already part of your itinerary.
Best Korean Fried Chicken by Seoul Neighborhood
You do not need to cross Seoul just to find good Korean fried chicken. Major chains have branches throughout the city, while some neighborhoods are better suited to a particular type of experience. If one of the restaurants above is far from your itinerary, choosing a convenient and well-reviewed chicken restaurant nearby is often the more practical option.
| Area | Good Choice | Best For | Pair It With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myeongdong | BBQ, BHC, or Kkanbu | An easy first chicken meal | Shopping, Namdaemun, Namsan |
| Hongdae | Chicken in the Kitchen or a nearby chicken spot | Chimaek and a lively evening | Cafes, shopping, nightlife |
| Dongdaemun | Kyochon or another nearby chain | Dinner after sightseeing | DDP and Dongdaemun shopping |
| Sinsa / Garosu-gil | Hanchu | A more local chimaek atmosphere | Garosu-gil and Apgujeong |
| Gangnam / COEX | A convenient nearby chain | A casual meal south of the Han River | COEX and Gangnam |
| Han River | Takeout from a nearby chicken restaurant | An outdoor chicken picnic | Riverside walks and sunset |
If you are not familiar with Korean navigation apps, see our guide to using Naver Map in Korea to learn how to check restaurant locations, current opening hours, recent reviews, and walking directions before you go.
If you are staying in Myeongdong and deciding between fried chicken and grilled meat, see our guide to the best Korean BBQ near Myeongdong Station.
How to Order Korean Fried Chicken in Seoul
Ordering Korean fried chicken is usually straightforward once you know a few common menu terms and how portions are typically served.
For a broader introduction to restaurant menus, kiosks, payment, and dining etiquette, see our first-timer’s guide to ordering food in Korea.
Useful Menu Words
- Fried chicken / huraideu: Original fried chicken without a heavy sauce
- Yangnyeom chicken: Chicken coated in a sweet and spicy red sauce
- Ganjang chicken: Soy sauce-based chicken
- Maneul chicken: Garlic-flavored chicken
- Banban: Half-and-half, usually two flavors in one order
- Sunsal: Boneless chicken
- Bone-in: Chicken served on the bone
- Chimaek: Chicken and beer
- Chicken-mu: Pickled radish commonly served with fried chicken
Bone-In or Boneless?
Bone-in chicken is common at Korean fried chicken restaurants and gives you the classic whole-chicken experience. Boneless chicken is easier to eat and can be more convenient when sharing, ordering takeout, or eating back at your hotel.
There is no wrong choice here, so choose based on convenience rather than worrying that one style is more authentic than the other.
How Much Should You Order?
A whole chicken is generally designed for sharing and often works well for two adults, especially if you are also ordering sides. Portions vary by restaurant, so solo travelers should look for smaller boneless portions, wings, half-size options, or individual menus when available.
If you are ordering several sides such as tteokbokki, fries, or cheese balls, one chicken can go further than you might expect.
Easy First Orders
If you are unsure what to choose, half-and-half is usually the easiest way to sample two flavors without ordering two full portions.
- Original + soy-based chicken: A mild and savory combination
- Original + yangnyeom: A classic mix of crispy and sweet-spicy chicken
- Original only: Best if you want to focus on the crispy coating
- Soy or honey chicken: Good choices if you prefer to avoid spicy flavors
If you are sensitive to heat, do not assume every red sauce is mild. Spice levels vary by restaurant, so original, soy, or honey flavors are usually easier starting points.
What Comes with Korean Fried Chicken?
Pickled radish is the most common accompaniment and helps balance the richness of fried chicken. Depending on the restaurant, you may also receive dipping sauces, salt, cabbage salad, or other small sides.
Side dishes and refills vary by restaurant, so do not assume everything on the table is unlimited.
Mistakes to Avoid When Eating Korean Fried Chicken in Seoul
Korean fried chicken is easy to enjoy, but a few small choices can make your first experience smoother.
Traveling Too Far for a Familiar Chain
Major brands such as BBQ, Kyochon, BHC, and Kkanbu have branches throughout Seoul. If your preferred chain is far from your itinerary, it is usually better to choose a convenient branch nearby rather than spend extra travel time reaching one specific location.
Ordering Too Much Food
A whole chicken is often enough for two people, especially when you add sides such as tteokbokki, fries, or cheese balls. Start with less than you think you need and add another dish only if necessary.
Choosing a Strong Flavor Without Knowing What to Expect
Yangnyeom can be spicy, while cheese-seasoned or heavily glazed chicken can be sweeter and richer than expected. If you are unsure, original, soy-based, or half-and-half chicken is usually an easier starting point.
Relying Only on Delivery
Chicken delivery is a major part of Korean food culture, but it is not always the easiest option for visitors without a Korean phone number, local payment method, or delivery app account. For a first experience, dine-in or takeaway is often simpler.
Visiting at Peak Dinner Time
Popular branches and local chimaek spots can become busy in the evening, especially on Fridays and weekends. If you prefer a quieter meal, arriving a little earlier than the main dinner rush can make things easier.
Assuming Every Branch Is the Same
Menus, opening hours, seating, and available flavors can vary between branches of the same chain. Check the latest information before visiting, especially if you are going for one particular menu item.
Two Korean Fried Chicken Experiences Worth Planning Around
Most visitors do not need to build an itinerary around one specific fried chicken restaurant. However, there are two chicken experiences that can be worth planning into your day if they already match the areas you want to explore.
Garosu-gil and Hanchu
If you are spending time around Garosu-gil, consider ending the day at Hanchu. The restaurant has been serving fried chicken since 1989 and offers a more local chimaek atmosphere than the major chains.
It works especially well as an evening stop after exploring Sinsa, Garosu-gil, or nearby Apgujeong rather than as a restaurant you need to cross Seoul specifically to visit.
Han River Chimaek
Eating fried chicken by the Han River is a different experience from dining at a chicken restaurant. Pick up chicken from a nearby restaurant and enjoy it at one of Seoul’s riverside parks, especially in pleasant weather.
Yeouido Hangang Park is one of the easiest options for first-time visitors, but the basic idea is simple: choose a riverside park that already fits your itinerary rather than traveling across the city just for chicken.
Final Thoughts
You do not need to find one famous restaurant to have a good Korean fried chicken experience in Seoul. Major chains such as BBQ, Kyochon, BHC, and Kkanbu are reliable options, especially when you want something convenient near your hotel or sightseeing route.
If you want something with more local character, Hanchu or Chicken in the Kitchen can be worth adding when you are already exploring their neighborhoods. And when the weather is good, taking fried chicken to the Han River offers a completely different way to enjoy one of Korea’s most popular casual meals.
For your first order, keep it simple and choose the style that sounds best to you. Original, soy-based, yangnyeom, or half-and-half are all easy places to start — and there is no need to overthink it.
FAQ
What Korean fried chicken should I order for the first time?
Original fried chicken is the easiest place to start, but half-and-half is even better if it is available. Try original with yangnyeom for a classic combination, or original with a soy-based flavor if you prefer something less spicy.
Is Korean fried chicken spicy?
Not always. Original fried chicken is usually mild, while soy-based and honey flavors are generally good choices for travelers who do not enjoy spicy food. Yangnyeom chicken is sweet and spicy, but the heat level can vary considerably between restaurants.
If avoiding spicy food is a priority throughout your trip, see our guide to non-spicy Korean restaurants in Seoul for more mild meal options.
What is half-and-half chicken in Korea?
Half-and-half, or banban, means splitting one chicken order between two flavors. Original with yangnyeom is a classic combination, while original with soy-based chicken is an easy option if you prefer milder flavors. Availability and flavor combinations vary by restaurant.
What does chimaek mean?
Chimaek is the Korean term for enjoying fried chicken with beer. The word combines “chicken” with maekju, the Korean word for beer. You can experience chimaek at a chicken restaurant, a casual local pub, or even with takeout chicken by the Han River.
Can I eat Korean fried chicken alone in Seoul?
Yes, although many chicken portions are designed for sharing. Solo travelers can look for smaller boneless portions, wings, half-size menus, or takeaway options when available. If the portions look large, ordering chicken without several extra side dishes is usually the simplest approach.
If you are traveling alone, our solo dining in Seoul guide has more restaurant ideas and ordering tips for one person.
Is Korean fried chicken delivery easy for tourists in Seoul?
Food delivery is possible for foreign visitors, and tourist-friendly delivery services are available in Korea. However, restaurant selection, delivery coverage, and payment options can vary, so dine-in or takeaway is still the simplest option if you do not want to set up a delivery service during your trip.
Where should I eat Korean fried chicken in Seoul?
There is no single neighborhood you need to visit just for fried chicken. Myeongdong is convenient for major chains, Hongdae works well for a lively evening, and Sinsa / Garosu-gil is a good area to combine with a more local stop such as Hanchu. In good weather, takeaway chicken by the Han River offers a completely different experience.
For most first-time visitors, choosing a good chicken restaurant that already fits your Seoul itinerary is better than traveling across the city for one specific branch.
How This Guide Was Checked
This guide was prepared and checked by H. Jung, the Korea-based editor of Seoul Plate. Restaurant locations, branch information, and recommended menu items were cross-checked using official restaurant websites, official tourism sources, and current map listings where available.
The restaurants were selected to give first-time visitors a practical mix of well-known Korean fried chicken chains, easy-to-visit branches in major sightseeing areas, and more local options such as Hanchu and Chicken in the Kitchen.
Menus, prices, opening hours, and branch availability can change, so travelers should confirm the latest information before visiting.
Last checked: August 2026
