KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN

Ddobagi Chicken

Just the place for second dinners, this low-key chimaek — chicken and maekju (beer) — joint offers small plates of crispy bites to pair with ice-cold beers. There are several flavours, but don’t miss the bone-in, soy-glazed wings. Enjoy them within the no-frills interior, or order a box or two for a picnic at the nearby Han River. 27 Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu

Mirak Chicken

Garlic chicken — fried chicken smothered in garlic sauce and served on sizzling cast-iron pans — is the speciality here, but long-time customers go for the thicker-cut, non-garlic version that’s been salted to perfection. Alternatively, opt for a side of ‘whole garlic topping’ (fried cloves of garlic) instead of going all in. 17-1 Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu

Hanchu

This restaurant is known in Gangnam party circles as the place to begin the night; it has plenty of space for large groups and the ambience is always lively. The chicken served here is on the drier side, and it pairs beautifully with the stuffed fried peppers and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). 68 Nonhyeon-ro 175-gil, Gangnam-gu