Looking for Korean Chicken in Myeongdong?
Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s best-known shopping districts, but it is also a convenient place to look for Korean chicken after a day of sightseeing. From crispy fried chicken served with dipping sauces to oven-roasted chicken and traditional Korean rotisserie chicken, the neighborhood offers several ways to enjoy this popular food.
If you are visiting Korea for the first time, you may have heard of chimaek, a combination of Korean fried chicken and beer. It is a familiar social dining experience in Korea, often shared by friends, colleagues, and families.
However, not every chicken restaurant offers the same experience. Some focus on classic deep-fried chicken, others specialize in oven-roasted varieties, and traditional restaurants may serve whole roasted chicken or chicken soup.
This guide compares five chicken restaurants in and around Myeongdong, Seoul, to help you choose based on the type of chicken you want.
A quick note before you go: Restaurant locations, menus, prices, and opening hours can change. Check the latest listing before making a special trip, particularly if you plan to visit late at night.
1. Kkanbu Chicken Myeongdong: A Classic Korean Chicken-and-Beer Meal
Best for: Friends, families, and travelers who want a familiar Korean fried-chicken experience.
Location: 2F, IB Tower, 22 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.
Korean name: 깐부치킨 명동점
Kkanbu Chicken is a Korean chicken franchise offering several styles of fried chicken. Its Myeongdong branch is located on the second floor of IB Tower, making it an option to consider while exploring the shopping district.
The menu includes classic fried chicken and seasoned varieties, allowing diners to choose between a straightforward crispy style and more strongly flavored options.
What to Order
Garlic Soy Chicken
Garlic soy chicken is a useful choice if you want a savory sauce rather than a heavily spicy one. The combination of garlic and soy sauce is a familiar flavor profile in Korean chicken menus.
Original Fried Chicken
If this is your first Korean fried-chicken meal, original fried chicken is a good starting point. It lets you focus on the texture of the fried coating without the added sweetness or heat of a flavored sauce.
Menu availability and exact names may vary, so check the current menu before ordering.
What to Know Before Visiting
The branch is listed at 22 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, on the second floor of IB Tower. It is useful to save the Korean name, 깐부치킨 명동점, in your map app.
A chicken order is generally intended for sharing, although portion sizes and menu options vary.
If you are dining alone, check whether the restaurant offers a smaller portion or another suitable menu option before ordering.
Why consider it? Kkanbu is a practical option if you want to try familiar Korean fried-chicken flavors without searching far from Myeongdong’s main shopping streets.
2. Goobne Chicken Myeongdong: Oven-Roasted Chicken
Best for: Travelers who want an alternative to conventional deep-fried chicken.
Location: 3F, 7 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.
Korean name: 굽네치킨 명동점
Goobne is known for oven-roasted chicken. This makes it a useful alternative if you want to compare different Korean chicken styles during your trip.
Oven-roasted chicken is cooked differently from chicken submerged in hot oil. The resulting texture and flavor depend on the preparation method and the specific seasoning.
The menu includes plain roasted chicken and seasoned varieties, with options that can appeal to diners who prefer a spicy flavor.
What to Order
Gochu Basasak Chicken (고추바사삭)
Gochu Basasak is one of Goobne’s recognizable menu items. It is associated with a spicy, pepper-forward flavor, making it worth considering if you enjoy a little heat.
Original Oven-Roasted Chicken
If you want to focus on the chicken itself rather than a stronger seasoning, consider an original roasted option when available.
What to Know Before Visiting
The branch is listed on the third floor at 7 Myeongdong 8ga-gil.
Because it is upstairs, check the building entrance and access information if you are traveling with a stroller or have mobility requirements.
Opening hours can differ by day. Confirm the current schedule before visiting, especially around holidays.
Why consider it? Goobne offers a different cooking style from traditional fried-chicken restaurants, making it a useful comparison for visitors interested in Korean chicken beyond the familiar deep-fried variety.
3. BBQ Chicken Myeongdong: A Familiar Korean Fried-Chicken Franchise
Best for: First-time visitors who want to try a well-known Korean chicken brand.
Location: 11 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul; the listed branch occupies the second and third floors.
Korean name: BBQ치킨 명동점
BBQ is a major Korean fried-chicken franchise with a menu built around original fried chicken and several seasoned variations.
For travelers who are unfamiliar with Korean chicken, a large national franchise can be a straightforward place to start. The menu offers recognizable options, and the brand’s signature dishes are easier to identify than those of a restaurant with a highly specialized menu.
What to Order
Golden Olive Chicken (황금올리브치킨)
Golden Olive Chicken is one of BBQ’s signature menu items. It is a classic option to consider if you want Korean-style fried chicken without a sweet or spicy sauce dominating the flavor.
Yangnyeom Chicken (양념치킨)
Yangnyeom chicken is coated in a seasoned sauce that is commonly sweet, savory, and sometimes spicy.
If you want to experience a flavor associated with Korean fried chicken, this is worth considering. However, sweetness and heat vary by recipe, so check the current menu description if you have a strong preference.
What to Know Before Visiting
The Myeongdong branch is listed at 11 Myeongdong 10-gil.
Do not confuse this location with other BBQ branches in the neighborhood. When using a map app, check the street address to make sure you are navigating to the intended restaurant.
Menu prices can change, and drinks or side dishes may increase the final bill. Check the current menu before ordering.
Why consider it? BBQ is a reasonable choice for travelers who want to try a familiar Korean fried-chicken style in a central shopping area.
4. Yeongyang Center Myeongdong: Traditional Rotisserie Chicken and Samgyetang
Best for: Travelers who want traditional Korean chicken dishes rather than only fried chicken.
Address: 52 Myeongdong 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.
Korean name: 영양센터 명동본점
Not every chicken meal in Korea involves deep-frying or spicy sauce.
Yeongyang Center is known for electric rotisserie chicken, called jeongi-gui tongdak (전기구이 통닭), and samgyetang (삼계탕), a Korean ginseng chicken soup.
The restaurant provides a different perspective on Korean chicken cuisine. Instead of focusing only on crispy coatings and dipping sauces, it offers traditional dishes centered on roasted whole chicken and soup.
What to Order
Electric Rotisserie Chicken (전기구이 통닭)
Rotisserie chicken is cooked while rotating in a heated cooking unit. It is a good option if you want a whole-chicken dish without the conventional deep-fried coating.
Samgyetang (삼계탕)
Samgyetang is a traditional Korean chicken soup commonly prepared with a small chicken, rice, ginseng, and other ingredients.
It is particularly worth considering if you want a warming, soup-based meal rather than a plate of fried chicken.
What to Know Before Visiting
The Korea Tourism Organization lists Yeongyang Center at 52 Myeongdong 2-gil and identifies rotisserie chicken and samgyetang among its main dishes.
Opening hours and menu prices should still be checked before visiting, as restaurant information can change.
Why consider it? Yeongyang Center is a useful choice if you want to explore Korean chicken dishes beyond the familiar chicken-and-beer combination.
5. Chir Chir Myeongdong: Korean Fusion Chicken
Best for: Travelers who want to explore a different style of Korean chicken.
Address: 21 Myeongdong 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.
Korean name: 치르치르 명동점
Chir Chir is described in Korean tourism information as a Korean fusion-style chicken restaurant. Its menu is associated with fried boneless chicken and other chicken dishes.
Boneless chicken can be convenient for sharing, particularly if your group prefers not to deal with bones while eating or taking photographs.
The fusion approach also makes this restaurant a useful option if you have already tried a classic fried-chicken franchise and want to compare another style.
What to Order
Fried Boneless Chicken
Fried boneless chicken is the main dish highlighted in tourism information for this restaurant. It is a practical choice if you want a shareable chicken meal.
Before ordering, review the current menu to see which sauces and portion sizes are available.
What to Know Before Visiting
The address listed in tourism information is 21 Myeongdong 7-gil.
Some older listings may show different operating hours or other details. Confirm that the branch is currently open and check its latest schedule before making a special trip.
Why consider it? Chir Chir provides an alternative to traditional franchise-style fried chicken, particularly if you want to explore Korean fusion chicken dishes.
Which Myeongdong Chicken Restaurant Should You Choose?
The best choice depends on the kind of meal you want rather than the number of restaurants you can visit.
| If you want… | Consider… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Korean fried chicken | BBQ Chicken Myeongdong | A familiar franchise with original and seasoned chicken |
| Garlic soy chicken | Kkanbu Chicken Myeongdong | A savory alternative to plain fried chicken |
| Oven-roasted chicken | Goobne Chicken Myeongdong | A different cooking style from deep-frying |
| Traditional Korean chicken | Yeongyang Center | Rotisserie chicken and samgyetang |
| Fusion-style boneless chicken | Chir Chir Myeongdong | A different approach to Korean chicken dishes |
This comparison is intended to help you choose by food style. It is not a ranking based on a verified tasting test, and the restaurants should not be treated as equally suited to every traveler.
How Much Does Korean Fried Chicken Cost in Myeongdong?
The final cost depends on the restaurant, chicken style, portion size, side dishes, and drinks.
A full chicken order is often designed for sharing rather than as a small individual serving. If you are traveling alone, check the menu for smaller dishes or other options before ordering.
Rather than relying on prices quoted in older online articles, check the restaurant’s current menu or ordering screen.
Remember to account for possible extras such as:
- Additional sauces or side dishes
- Soft drinks or beer
- Rice or soup
- Larger portions or combination sets
If you are traveling on a budget, compare the menu prices before sitting down. This is particularly useful in Myeongdong, where several restaurants may appear similar from the street but offer different menus and portion sizes.
Tips for International Visitors
1. Save the Korean Restaurant Name
English names can be displayed differently across map services.
Saving the Korean name as well as the street address can make it easier to find the correct branch.
For example:
- 깐부치킨 명동점
- 굽네치킨 명동점
- BBQ치킨 명동점
- 영양센터 명동본점
- 치르치르 명동점
These names are useful search terms, but always confirm the exact branch before setting off.
2. Check Whether the Menu Is Suitable for Your Group
Korean chicken orders can be substantial, especially when intended for sharing.
If you are traveling with children, older family members, or someone who prefers less spicy food, check the menu before ordering.
Ask about boneless options or milder flavors if those would make the meal easier for your group.
3. Check Spice Levels
Korean menu descriptions do not always make the heat level obvious.
If you are sensitive to chili, check the description or ask the staff before ordering. A red sauce does not always indicate the same level of heat across different restaurants.
4. Confirm Current Opening Hours
Late-night hours are particularly important if you plan to eat after shopping or sightseeing.
Do not rely on an old blog post alone. Check the current map listing or contact the restaurant if your visit depends on it being open at a particular time.
5. Understand the Difference Between Fried and Roasted Chicken
Korean fried chicken is usually associated with a crispy coating, while oven-roasted and rotisserie chicken offer different textures and preparation methods.
If you have already eaten Korean fried chicken, choosing a roasted option can help you experience a broader range of Korean chicken dishes.
6. Check Ingredients if You Have Allergies
Chicken sauces and coatings may contain wheat, soy, dairy, sesame, or other ingredients.
If you have a food allergy, do not assume that a dish is safe based on its name or appearance. Ask the restaurant about ingredients and cross-contact, and avoid dishes when the information cannot be confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Myeongdong a good place to try Korean fried chicken?
Myeongdong has several chicken restaurants and major franchises within its shopping district. It is a convenient area to consider if you want to combine sightseeing, shopping, and a Korean chicken meal.
The best restaurant depends on your preferred cooking style, budget, and the current availability of each branch.
What is the difference between Korean fried chicken and regular fried chicken?
Korean fried chicken is often prepared with a crisp coating and may be served with sauces such as soy garlic or sweet-spicy yangnyeom.
Recipes vary by restaurant, so there is no single flavor or coating that represents every Korean chicken dish.
What does chimaek mean?
Chimaek combines chikin (chicken) and maekju (beer) in Korean. It refers to the popular combination of chicken and beer.
You can enjoy Korean chicken without alcohol, of course. Soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages may be available depending on the restaurant.
Is oven-roasted chicken the same as fried chicken?
No. Oven-roasted chicken is cooked using an oven-based method, while fried chicken is cooked in hot oil.
The texture, flavor, and amount of added oil can differ depending on the recipe and preparation method.
Can I find traditional Korean chicken dishes in Myeongdong?
Yes. In addition to fried-chicken franchises, Yeongyang Center is known for rotisserie chicken and samgyetang.
This makes it a useful option if you want to explore Korean chicken cuisine beyond fried chicken and beer.
Should I visit a restaurant because it is open late?
Only if its current hours suit your plans.
Late-night schedules can change, and online listings do not always update immediately. Confirm the hours before traveling, particularly if you plan to arrive close to closing time.
Explore More Korean Food Guides
If you are exploring Korean fried chicken beyond Myeongdong, read our guide to fried chicken within walking distance of Hongdae. It provides another neighborhood perspective for travelers who want to compare chicken options in Seoul.
For another popular food destination, our Dongdaemun Food Guide introduces food options in a different part of the city.
These guides can help you plan meals around your sightseeing route instead of traveling across Seoul for every restaurant.
Final Thoughts
Myeongdong offers more than one way to enjoy Korean chicken.
Kkanbu and BBQ are options to consider for familiar fried-chicken flavors, while Goobne provides an oven-roasted alternative. Yeongyang Center is known for traditional rotisserie chicken and samgyetang, and Chir Chir offers a fusion-style approach.
Rather than choosing a restaurant solely because it appears on a list, think about the experience you want: crispy fried chicken with a sauce, a roasted whole chicken, a warming chicken soup, or a shareable boneless dish.
Before setting off, confirm the current branch information, menu, and opening hours. With a little preparation, you can choose a chicken restaurant that fits your schedule and your appetite while exploring one of Seoul’s busiest shopping districts.
