Korean Fried Chicken Guide: Must-Try Brands and Popular Spots for Tourists
When it comes to Korean street food, Korean fried chicken is undoubtedly at the top of the list! Its crispy coating, juicy and tender meat, and variety of flavorful sauces have won the hearts of travelers from all around the world. If you're planning a trip to Korea, make sure to add “trying Korean fried chicken” to your food bucket list. This article will guide you through the most popular fried chicken brands in Korea, recommended flavors, and helpful ordering tips, so you can fully enjoy the irresistible charm of authentic Korean fried chicken!
🍗 Why Is Korean Fried Chicken Worth Trying?
Korean fried chicken stands out from Western-style fried chicken with its signature “double frying” technique. This method results in an extra-crispy exterior without being greasy. Another key feature is the sauce—often considered the soul of K-Chicken. Popular options like sweet and spicy sauce, honey mustard, and garlic sauce add rich, layered flavors. Korean fried chicken is more than just a dish; it has become a cultural food experience that’s uniquely Korean.
🏆 Popular Korean Fried Chicken Brands
Here are some of the most popular fried chicken chains in Korea that are loved by both locals and tourists. Not only are their flavors top-notch, but many locations also offer English menus and delivery services—making them especially convenient for international visitors.
1. BHC (비에이치씨)
Signature Flavor: Bburinkle (뿌링클) – Fried chicken sprinkled with cheese-flavored powder, combining sweet and savory in a unique and addictive way. It’s especially popular among younger foodies.
Why we recommend it: Creative flavor with unique dipping sauce, perfect for visitors trying Korean fried chicken for the first time.
Extra tip: Try it with the “Bburinkle Cheese Ball”—crispy on the outside, molten cheese inside.
Popular store location: 21 Myeongdong 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul / 서울 중구 명동7길 21
How to get there: Take Subway Line 2 to Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station, Exit 5. Walk 167 meters.
2. Kyochon Chicken（교촌치킨）
Signature flavor: Honey Garlic series.
Why we recommend it: Backed by over 30 years of secret sauce craftsmanship, the taste is light, non-greasy, and absolutely delicious.
Best for: Tourists who prefer less oily and mildly seasoned chicken.
Popular branch address: 2F, 294 Jongno (Changsin-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul – Kyochon Chicken
How to get there: 42 meters from Exit 6 of Dongdaemun Station (Line 1 or 4).
3. Goobne Chicken (굽네치킨)
Signature Flavor: Volcano – extra spicy oven-roasted chicken series.
Why it’s recommended: Goobne focuses on oven-roasted chicken instead of traditional deep-frying, making it a great option for health-conscious travelers.
Taste profile: Tender, juicy, and paired with a signature spicy sauce that delivers a satisfying kick!
Popular Location: 1F, 326 Jongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul / 서울 종로구 종로 326 1층
How to get there: 150m walk from Exit 7 of Dongmyo Station (Line 1 or Line 6)
4. Nene Chicken (네네치킨)
Signature Flavor: Oriental Fried Chicken topped with finely shredded green onions
Why it's recommended: Offers a variety of flavors with rich sauces — perfect for visitors who enjoy sweet and spicy or onion-based tastes.
Popular Location: 1st Floor, Pagoda Building, 12 Supyo-ro 26-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul / 서울 종로구 수표로26길 12 파고다빌딩 1층
How to get there: 106m walk from Exit 5 of Jongno 3-ga Station (Lines 1, 3, and 5)
5.Pelicana (페리카나)
Signature flavors: Original fried chicken, classic sweet and spicy sauce chicken.
Recommended Reason: One of the first Korean brands to introduce seasoned fried chicken, offering an authentic flavor.
Fun Fact: Pelicana claims to be among the pioneers who developed Korea’s iconic seasoned fried chicken (양념치킨), combining chili paste, garlic, onion, and other ingredients to create a sauce tailored to Korean tastes. This innovation laid the foundation for the now-popular “Banban Chicken (반반무마니),” a half-and-half mix of original and seasoned chicken. In other words, Pelicana is one of the first-generation brands that popularized fried chicken in Korea.
Popular Branch Address: 434-1 Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul / 서울 종로구 삼일대로 434-1
How to Get There: 143m walk from Exit 5 of Jongno 3-ga Station (Lines 1, 3, and 5)
Final Thoughts: When in Korea, don’t miss out on authentic Korean fried chicken!
Korean fried chicken isn’t just a snack—it’s a beloved part of everyday life in Korea. Whether it’s for a lively group dinner, a quiet late-night snack, or a relaxing beer pairing, a serving of crispy, juicy chicken can instantly warm your heart and enhance your travel experience. So next time you're in Korea, don’t just think about kimchi and BBQ—plan a “fried chicken night” and savor the flavor of Korean hospitality with every bite!
