Seoul’s Kyungdong Market Fried Chicken: Namwon Tongdak

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The Ultimate Nostalgia Bite: Namwon Tongdak at Kyungdong Market

In true “Chicken Republic” style, Korea boasts endless types of fried chicken, but for me? The market-style whole fried chicken I grew up with always hits different.

One of the best spots to get that old-school chicken fix? The famous Namwon Tongdak in the fried chicken alley of Cheongnyangni’s Kyungdong Market. Let me tell you—it was love at first bite!

Why Namwon Tongdak 남원통닭?

First off, a little fun fact: I visited Namwon Tongdak right before it appeared on Sung Si-kyung’s Eat’s OK 성시경의 먹을텐데. Now, thanks to the YouTube show, there’s a line longer than my patience—but hey, I got in before the hype!

The Vibes: From the Doorway, You Know It’s Good

I went to their main store, not the annex featured on TV. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by that unmistakable smell of “hidden gem” greatness. Photos of its TV appearances proudly line the walls, and the fact that all ingredients are locally sourced? Chef’s kiss.

The Setup: Classic with a Twist

Your table gets set with a spread that screams old-school comfort. But there’s a unique surprise: white kimchi! It’s not too salty, refreshingly tangy, and pairs beautifully with the chicken.

Then there’s the soy sauce with chili and onion—a genius move that takes fried chicken to the next level. Feeling greasy? No worries; the tangy radish and light kimchi cleanse your palate like a pro.

The Star of the Show: Fried Chicken

I ordered their classic fried chicken and threw in some fried rice cakes because… why not? Spoiler: even if you don’t order the rice cakes, you’ll get some by default. Next time, I’ll save the extra order.

The chicken arrives golden, crispy, and so beautifully fried you can practically hear the crunch just looking at it. The batter is perfectly seasoned, and the chicken itself? Juicy and flavorful to the bone—you don’t even need the salt on the side!

Portion Check & Hidden Gems

The portions are massive—three of us couldn’t even finish it all. Bonus points for the fried shishito peppers (kkwarigochu)—a slightly spicy and crispy treat that balances out the chicken’s richness.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back

Namwon Tongdak’s fried chicken isn’t just food; it’s a time machine. It takes you back to the simple, nostalgic flavors of your childhood. If you’re ever craving that old-fashioned market-style chicken that hits the soul, this is the place to go.

Details to Plan Your Visit

Address: 39 Hongneung-ro 1-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
Phone: +82-2-968-9841
Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM

So, if you’re in Seoul and want a bite of retro fried chicken goodness, make a beeline for Namwon Tongdak. Just be ready for that post-TV-show crowd! 😉