Kyochon Chicken Hongdae — Restaurant in Seoul

Given that there was rather decent reccomendation from reviews, we arrived with high expectations but to be letdown unfortunately.

The menu only had english titles for each of the items, with the rest of its description in korean. Hence, it was rather useless for us to find out what flavours they were. For avoidance of doubt, google translator was used but it gave only a rough description which was not really useful. We approached the staffs for help but they were too busy and even when they attended to us, they had trouble explaining in english. For example, we wanted the combination 'mix' of chicken but staff say it was 'not available' so we ended up ordering a chicken with single flavour. After checking around, turned out it was available just that he meant chicken parts cannot be mix -.-

The receipt happened to be placed under the pail to dispose chicken. While looking for it, the staff picked my phone up (which was placed on the table) while 'searching' for it. It was rather shocking as no permission was sought and no apology was given when he realised the receipt was not under it. This led us to question if their staffs were trained in basic service etique.

We were not informed of a long wait up front. Ended up waiting for an hour to have our food served to us.

During dining, one of the staff dropped a couple of utentils on the floor, while clearing the table next to us, and it almost hit our feet. No apologies given too.

Personally felt this place is a tourist trap as i did not see any locals patronising there. Food was...

Kyochon Chicken in Hongdae, Seoul, is a popular fried chicken chain known for its double-fried method, which gives the chicken its signature crispy texture.

The chicken is often served with a variety of sauces, with their soy garlic and spicy flavors being some of the most popular.

The Hongdae location is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, especially given its proximity to the vibrant nightlife and artsy atmosphere of the Hongdae district.

Hongdae is a youthful, bustling neighborhood in Seoul, famous for its street performances, indie music scene, and art galleries. It’s also home to Hongik University, which gives the area a lively, student-driven vibe.

You’ll find many trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants here, making it a great place to experience Korean culture and meet locals.

Before visiting Kyochon Chicken, it’s good to know that the restaurant can get quite crowded, especially during peak hours. If you're not used to spicy food, be mindful that some of their dishes can pack quite a punch.

The area around Kyochon in Hongdae is also a great spot for shopping, with plenty of boutiques and street vendors selling everything from fashion to unique Korean souvenirs.

If you’re planning to explore the surrounding area after your meal, Hongdae’s nightlife is worth experiencing, with clubs, live music venues, and a vibrant street art scene. It’s also well connected to the rest of Seoul via the Hongik University subway station, making it easy to get to other parts...

The Kyojun Chicken here is completely different from what I’ve had in Malaysia. The outer layer is incredibly crispy, while the inside remains juicy and tender. We ordered two flavors: the original honey and the spicy version.

Personally, I preferred the original honey flavor because it didn’t have too much sauce coating the crispy skin, which kept the texture perfectly crunchy. As for the spicy flavor, since I can’t handle too much heat, it was a bit too spicy for me, but those who enjoy spicy food might love it.

The Must-Try: Their Signature Beer

We also ordered their signature beer, and I have to say—it’s absolutely worth trying. The beer has a beautiful malt aroma, and in the final aftertaste, there’s a subtle sweetness that lingers on your palate. Pairing their beer with fried chicken is simply perfection.

Important Note for Foreign Visitors

There was a small unexpected situation during our visit. Perhaps because we are foreigners, we were asked to present our passports when ordering beer to verify our age. So if you’re visiting from another country, remember to bring your passport in case they request it when ordering alcohol.

Overall, crispy, juicy fried chicken + great beer = an unbeatable combo. Definitely...