Chimaek: A Journey Through Korea’s Favorite Combo
Korean fried chicken has made waves in recent years across the internet for various reasons. Some people think it’s crispier than popular American-style fried chicken. Some think the sauces make it more appetizing. Whatever it is, fried chicken in Korea is now a staple on everyone’s must-eat lists in South Korea and there are a lot of Korean fried chicken brands to choose from.
While you might look up “what to eat in Korea?” and expect to see things like kimchi, a plethora of rice dishes, and Korean bbq, you might not expect to see Korean fried chicken up there. Why is it so popular? How did Korea become a destination for fried chicken? And what is all this talk about chimaek (치맥)? There is so much to learn.
Chimaek is a popular meal in Korea and you better be ready to learn all about it:
- The history of Korean fried chicken
- What is chimaek (치맥)?
- How did the combination of chicken and beer come to be so popular in Korea?
- Best time to enjoy chimaek and when Koreans typically eat chimaek
- Did you know there is a Chimaek Day in Korea?
- Chimaek festivals and events in Korea
- Chimaek Icon: Korean actress Jeon Ji-hyun
- Popular side dishes with Korean fried chicken
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The history of Korean fried chicken
Before the Korean War, Koreans typically ate chicken in a boiled soup called baeksuk (백숙). It was only after the 1960s, with the growth of Korea’s poultry industry, that electrically grilled whole chicken (전기구이 통닭) gained popularity. In the 1970s, the mass production of cooking oil led to the rise of old-fashioned whole fried chicken (옛날 통닭), and the first chicken franchise, Lims Chicken, emerged. However, chicken and beer were expensive then and not widely consumed.
The 1980s saw a significant change with the arrival of KFC in Korea, introducing the crispy fried chicken we now love. This triggered a boom in chicken franchises. Brands like Pelicana Chicken, known for chili and sweet seasoned chicken (양념치킨), experienced substantial growth. Korean brands like BBQ, emphasizing crispy chicken, further solidified fried chicken in Korean culture.
Media portrayals, often seen in Korean dramas and movies, contributed to fried chicken’s popularity. Scenes of Koreans enjoying chimaek, coupled with the public’s love for it during sports events especially, turned it into a staple of Korean culinary culture. Chimaek has evolved beyond a meal; it is now a part of the Korean lifestyle.
What is chimaek (치맥)?
Chimaek (치맥) is formed with the ‘chi’ from ‘chicken’ (치킨) and the ‘maek’ from ‘maek-ju’ (beer 맥주), meaning beer, thus referring to a meal of chicken and beer. It is loved for its perfect pairing of the crispy, often spicy or sweetly seasoned fried chicken with the cool, refreshing taste of beer.
How did the combination of chicken and beer come to be so popular in Korea?
While chicken and beer are common pairings in many countries, the reason this combination became particularly popular in Korea is due to the characteristics of Korean beer. Korean beer is typically classified as an American lager, known for its light flavor and scent with strong carbonation. This feature of Korean beer doesn’t overpower the taste of chicken, and it effectively cuts through the greasiness of the fried chicken, making the two a perfect match.
Best time to enjoy chimaek and when Koreans typically eat chimaek
There are a number of times when you will notice Koreans eat more chimaek than other things. If you want to partake in all of the festival chicken and beer fun, here’s when you should get ready to dig in:
When watching sports games
Chicken and beer have long been a part of Korean culinary culture, but their popularity surged during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Watching sports games while enjoying chimaek in restaurants became a trend, turning chimaek spots into popular places to catch games. This phenomenon is reflected in the well-known Korean drama Crash Landing on You.
The scenes in the drama, where South and North Koreans gather to eat chicken while watching soccer, symbolize the potential for building connections and friendships across borders. Sports like soccer serve as a universal medium for sharing passion and emotion, while chimaek offers a shared pleasure that transcends cultural differences. These scenes convey a hopeful message of finding common human values and joy beyond political and social divisions. Chimaek also plays a significant role in helping the main characters understand and embrace each other’s cultures.
And it’s not just soccer matches. While you might expect to find hotdogs and popcorn like at your favorite American baseball stadium, in Korea, it’s a bit different. Expect to smell squid waft through the crowd and see people eating some delicious fried chicken and beer. All of the major baseball stadiums in Korea sell chicken and beer and you can catch a game from spring through fall in Korea.
A night out with friends
Chimaek is a popular choice for a relaxed night out and is also considered a type of anju (안주), a food enjoyed with alcohol. The combination of crunchy chicken and refreshing beer represents joyful moments when people come together.
In the portrayal of Yoon Se-ri and Ri Jeong-hyeok enjoying chimaek together, it symbolizes a moment to break down barriers between them and understand each other’s feelings.
A picnic
Picnicking along the Han River is a popular activity during warmer months, and it’s interesting how Koreans approach it. You can bring your own food, or you have the option to order directly to your picnic spot. Remarkably, delivery riders on bikes will locate you in the midst of the bustling crowd.
Head to popular Han River parks in the summer or go toward the Banpo Bridge to see the Rainbow Fountain show. A common choice for a picnic meal is Korean fried chicken, and some places even deliver beer, providing the complete chimaek experience.
In Korean, people often say, “Shall we go for Chimaek? (치맥 하러 갈래?)” rather than “Shall we eat Chimaek? (치맥 먹으러 갈래?)” This usage of the verb ‘to do’ instead of ‘to eat’ suggests that Chimaek is more than just a meal; it’s an activity deeply woven into Korean culture.
Did you know there is a Chimaek Day in Korea?
Yes, there are a lot of unofficial holidays in Korea and Chimaek day is one of them. Apparently started by Mexicana Chicken in 2015, Chimaek Day is on July 6th.
Chimaek festivals and events in Korea
Chimaek festivals and events are usually held around Korea in July and August. It’s all about indulging in crispy fried chicken and ice-cold beer.
Daegu Chimaek Festival (대구치맥페스티벌)
The Daegu Chicken Festival originated in Daegu City is the most well-known chimaek even in the country. Daegu has a robust poultry industry and high chicken production.
The event includes the unique ‘Chimaek 99 Cheers Time,’ where everyone cheers together. There are also performances and live EDM parties hosted by DJs.
- Address: 36 Gongwonsunhwan-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu (대구광역시 달서구 공원순환로 36)
- When: Usually end of August
Songdo Beer Festival (송도맥주축제)
Songdo Beer Festival aims to become one of the world’s best beer festivals equal to that of Germany’s Oktoberfest and China’s Qingdao International Beer Festival. In this festival, don’t be surprised to find themed parties with screens showing popular Korean dramas or K-pop concerts, adding to the festive ambiance and of course lots of good food like chicken.
- Address: 350 Central-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 연수구 센트럴로 350)
- When: Usually end of August
Suwon Chicken Street (수원 통닭골목)
Suwon, already renowned for its gal-bi-jjim (Braised Short Ribs 갈비찜) and whole fried chicken (통닭), gained even more popularity thanks to the Korean movie Extreme Job.
In the film, a group of police officers go undercover by running a chicken restaurant, unexpectedly creating chicken with gal-bi-jjim sauce that becomes a hit. The movie is filled with hilarious moments, especially when the characters, distracted by the delicious chicken, struggle to focus on their investigation. The mouth-watering chicken featured in the movie is now available for you to try in real life on Suwon Chicken Street!
- Address: 16 Jeongjo-ro 800beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si (경기 수원시 팔달구 정조로 800번길 16)
Chimaek Icon: Korean actress Jeon Ji-hyun
Jeon Ji-hyun, a trendsetter in South Korea, has had a significant impact on various aspects of culture. Her portrayal of a chimaek lover in “My Love from the Star” not only influenced consumer behavior but also made her character’s favorite food, chimaek, a desired experience for many fans.
In the drama, Chun Song-yi (Jeon Ji-hyun) is depicted as a chimaek enthusiast, a charming aspect that resonates with viewers. Scenes like her enjoying chimaek by the window on a snowy day vividly showcase Korean culture, tantalizing the taste buds of the audience. The drama’s massive success, both in South Korea and internationally, brought Jeon Ji-hyun’s chimaek moments to a global audience, turning her and the food combination into household names.
Post-drama, her association with chimaek led to her becoming the face of various chicken and beer brands, solidifying her as the icon of this popular food trend. The chimaek craze has only grown stronger since then!
Popular side dishes with Korean fried chicken
Fried chicken is fairly popular worldwide but one thing that sets Korean fried chicken apart, aside from the sauces and crispiness, are the side dishes Koreans eat with the meal.
Side dishes you should enjoy with Korean fried chicken:
- Chicken-mu: Similar to KFC’s coleslaw, Korea has chicken-mu, a fresh and sweet pickled radish that accompanies chicken. Most Korean chicken restaurants offer a complimentary pack of chicken-mu with chicken orders so you’ll find this even if you don’t order it on the side.
- Cheese-Balls (치즈볼): These are made by wrapping soft cream cheese or mozzarella in crispy fried dough, creating a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
- Sotteok-sotteok (소떡소떡): If you prefer a bit of spice with a hint of sweetness, Sotteok-sotteok is the perfect choice. This popular snack features small sausages and chewy rice cakes skewered together, grilled or fried, and glazed with a sweet and spicy sauce. The combination of sausages, chewy rice cakes, and sweet chili sauce provides a satisfying bite.
- Tteokbokki (떡볶이): Some enjoy pairing chicken with spicy rice cakes or Buldak Bokkeummyeon (불닭 볶음면), spicy chicken-flavored noodles. If that sounds too heavy, lighter options are available too.
The great thing about all of these side dishes is that they neutralize the oiliness of the fried chicken. This not only enhances the flavor of the chicken but also aids in digestion, making for a more enjoyable eating experience.
Chimaek is more than just a delicious food combination, it has become a meal that brings people together in Korea which you’ve probably seen in popular shows like Crash Landing on You and My Love from the Star. Have fun digging in.
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