Where to Eat Korean Fried Chicken in Seoul: Cheongnyangni Tongdak Alley

 

Hi there, this is Sunny – your travel buddy for discovering the real Korea!

If you're visiting Korea and searching for authentic Korean fried chicken, there's no better place than Cheongnyangni Tongdak Alley. Located near Cheongnyangni Station — Seoul's starting point for a trip to Gangwon Province — this hidden gem is full of local flavors and traditional vibes. Let’s take a closer look!

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📌 Table of Contents

1. About Cheongnyangni Tongdak Alley

2. Location & Google Map

3. What to Eat

4. Nearby Traditional Markets

5. Summary Table

6. Sunny’s Tips! 🌞

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1. About Cheongnyangni Tongdak Alley

Cheongnyangni Tongdak Alley is a small street packed with old-style fried chicken restaurants. Known for serving whole deep-fried chicken (called tongdak in Korean), it’s a nostalgic and delicious destination beloved by locals. These spots aren’t fancy, but that’s what makes them special — most are run by long-time owners serving simple, crunchy, and flavorful chicken.

It’s also a great introduction to Korea’s traditional market culture, offering a glimpse into how locals shop, eat, and connect.

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2. Location & Google Map

The alley is just a short walk from Cheongnyangni Station, which connects Seoul with many destinations in Gangwon-do such as Chuncheon, Sokcho, and Gangneung. That makes it a perfect stop before a regional adventure.

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3. What to Eat

Here, you’ll find whole chickens deep-fried to golden perfection, seasoned lightly or topped with Korea’s iconic sweet and spicy sauces. It’s the kind of meal best enjoyed with a cold beer — what locals call "chimaek" (chicken + maekju = beer).
Most restaurants are small and cozy, offering a retro atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. English might not be widely spoken, but a friendly smile and pointing at a picture menu usually works!

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4. Nearby Traditional Markets

Cheongnyangni Tongdak Alley is part of a much larger traditional market district that includes:

• A local produce market with fresh fruits and vegetables

• Kyungdong Market, famous for its dried seafood, ginseng, and herbal medicine

Together, they create one of the most vibrant and culturally rich shopping areas in Seoul — perfect for exploring Korean food culture beyond restaurants.

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5. Summary Table

  

    
Category
    
Details
  
  

    
Location
    
Cheongnyangni, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
  
  

    
Main Feature
    
Traditional market alley known for Korean-style fried chicken
  
  

    
Nearby Attractions
    
Gyeongdong Market, Cheongnyangni Station
  
  

    
Recommended For
    
Travelers seeking authentic Korean street food experiences
  
  

    
Tip
    
Start your journey to Gangwon-do from Cheongnyangni Station
Enjoy Korean fried chicken like a local
  

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6. Sunny’s Tips! 🌞

If you're looking to eat like a local and explore a less touristy side of Seoul, Cheongnyangni Tongdak Alley is the place to be. Whether you're starting a trip to the east coast of Korea or just curious about where Koreans enjoy their fried chicken, this spot offers both flavor and cultural depth.