Dakgalbi is the Chuncheon Specialty You'll Love

Originating from the city of Chuncheon, a city an hour east of Seoul, in the 1960s, dakgalbi (닭갈비) has a fascinating story rooted in post-war resilience and creativity. Over time, it evolved from a humble, budget-friendly meal known as “commoners’ galbi” into one of Korea’s most iconic comfort foods.

This sweet and spicy chicken stir fry is now loved all around the country and even if you’re just visiting, you should find a restaurant that serves up this delicious meal. Or, if you’re headed out to Nami Island or Cheongpyeong Temple, stop by a local restaurant for this must eat dish.

Dakgalbi (닭갈비), spicy stir fry chicken, Chuncheon, Korea; Korean food

Dakgalbi is one of those dishes that will have you coming back for more and more. It’s delicious and definitely something you must eat in Korea:

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The Origins of Dakgalbi

Dakgalbi, also known as Chuncheon dakgalbi (춘천닭갈비), a delicious Korean stir-fried chicken dish, originated in Chuncheon, Korea, during the 1960s as a budget-friendly anju—a dish meant to pair perfectly with alcohol.

Its humble beginnings are intertwined with the region’s resilience following the Korean War, which began with coordinated attacks on June 25, 1950, devastating cities like Chuncheon.

By the time the war was over, Chuncheon, similar to much of the country, was devastated. The people were poor and chicken farms became their livelihood. A replacement for gui, or grilled meats, dakgalbi spread to other parts of Chuncheon when the livestock industry was thriving.

By the 1970s, dakgalbi had become a hit among soldiers and students, earning it the nickname “commoners’ galbi” (seomin galbi, 서민갈비). Served in generous portions at a low price, it became a symbol of comfort and community.

Fun Fact: Galbi means ribs and usually refers to braised or grilled short ribs. Dakgalbi doesn’t use chicken ribs though. So, why the name? It got the nickname in the post-war era when chicken was being used as a substitute for pork ribs.

What Is Dakgalbi & How To Eat It

Served in a large cast-iron pan at the center of your table, marinated chunks of chicken, chewy rice cakes (tteok), sweet potatoes, cabbage, and perilla leaves are tossed in creating a dish that will have your mouth watering in no time.

Don’t ask for rice though you might wonder where it is. Rice is typically served after you’ve eaten the bulk of the food in the pan. You’ll see.

As the ingredients cook, you’ll notice a sequence: the cabbage and rice cakes soften first, followed by the tender chicken, while the sweet potatoes take their time to reach perfect caramelized sweetness. The flavors build as you go, making every bite better than the last.

Where to eat dakgalbi in Chuncheon: Head to Myeongdong in Chuncheon to find a 150-meter long alley that is just dakgalbi restaurant after dakgalbi restuarant.

Chuncheon Myeongdong Dakgalbi Street (춘천 명동 닭갈비 골목)
Address: 9-1 Geumgang-ro 62beon-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 춘천시 금강로62번길 9-1)
Take a Chuncheon Taxi Tour: If you don’t have a car, book a taxi tour so you can get everywhere you need to see in Chuncheon and get the good food too.

But don’t stop when you think the meal is over! Leave a bit of food in the pan and call over the staff—they’ll add rice to the pan, creating a golden, crispy stir-fried rice dish that ensures no flavor is wasted.

For a twist on tradition, try bone-in chicken for a slightly cheaper option, though most opt for the boneless version for convenience. You can also explore variations like sutbuldakgalbi (숯불닭갈비), a smoky chargrilled version, or indulge in the most popular version these days cheese dakgalbi (치즈닭갈비), where gooey melted cheese takes the dish to the next level.

Chuncheon Makguksu & Dakgalbi Festival (춘천 막국수닭갈비축제)

If you want to experience everything you can to do with dakgalbi where it came from, check out this fun festival in October. Chuncheon is actually known for two things, dakgalbi and makguksu, a buckwheat noodle dish served in a cold kimchi broth and topped with seaweed or vegetables. Together, the dakgalbi and makguksu are a yin and yang match made in heaven.

During this festival, the area is full of booths selling buckwheat noodles and spicy stir-fried chicken. The festival offers plenty of ways to experience these two local foods.

Address: 245 Sports town-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 춘천시 중도동)
Join a tour: Book a tour on kkday to head out to this fun festival and some nearby flower and foliage spots.

Where To Eat Dakgalbi In Seoul

So you can’t make it out of Seoul? No worries, there are dakgalbi restaurants all around.

Shin Migyeong Hongdae Dakgalbi (신미경홍대닭갈비): When we lived in the Hongdae area, this was our go-to spot for a delicious meal of dakgalbi.

Address: 31-10 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 와우산로21길 31-10)
Hours: Every day: 11:00am ~ 10:40pm

Ryu Mok Min (류몽민): We ate here recently and if you want a fun fire show with you meal, this is the spot to go. Get the cheese dakgalbi and just see what happens.

Address: 11 Hakdong-ro 25-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울 강남구 학동로25길 11)
Hours: Every day: 11:30am ~ 10:00pm

The Greatest Chuncheon Dakgalbi (최강달인 춘천닭갈비): If you’re shopping in Myeongdong and want to have a bite, this is the spot for you.

Address: 23-3 Myeongdong 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울 중구 명동4길 23-3)
Hours: Every day: 11:00am ~ 12:00am

Yoogane (유가네닭갈비): This brand of dakgalbi is all over the place so if you can’t find a local family-owned place, this is always the next best thing. Tried and true. Just search Yoogane on your favorite Korean GPS app.

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