Chimaek
Korean soul food born from the harmony of chicken & beer
Chimaek, a combination of ‘chicken’ (Chi) and ‘beer’ (Maek), is more than just a food pairing – it represents a unique modern Korean dining and leisure culture that has become a cultural phenomenon.
In Korea, chimaek means much more than just a delicious meal. From chatting with friends, watching sports games, and company dinners to picnics along the Han River – it offers special flavors and memories that can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime. The harmony between crispy, juicy chicken and cold beer has become the signature pleasure of Korea’s night culture.
Intro
Introduction to Chimaek
What is Chimaek?
Chimaek means more than just enjoying chicken and beer together. In Korea, chimaek has become an essential part of joyful gatherings with friends, a sweet retreat after work, and a must-have companion for watching sports games.
Particularly, chimaek, which people enjoyed while cheering in the streets during the 2002 World Cup, has now evolved into one of Korea’s representative nightlife cultures.
Korean chicken boasts crispy and savory breading with juicy meat inside, and when paired with cold draft beer, it creates an absolutely perfect combination. This harmony of flavors is a unique taste that’s hard to find anywhere else in the world.
Birth and Development of Chimaek Culture
In the late 1970s, the history of chimaek began with the start of chicken franchises in Korea. The chicken culture, which started from traditional whole chicken shops, became franchised throughout the 1980s, and by the 1990s, various flavors and cooking methods were developed.
Particularly after the late 1990s IMF financial crisis, as more people started chicken businesses with their retirement funds, the chicken market saw explosive growth. From this point, chicken evolved from simple fast food into a new culture called ‘chimaek,’ enjoyed together with beer.
K-Chimaek Gaining Global Attention
Thanks to the Korean Wave, chimaek is now receiving worldwide attention. Especially after the scenes of enjoying chimaek were aired in the drama ‘My Love from the Star,’ there was a surge in tourists seeking Korean-style chimaek, particularly from China and other Asian countries.
Currently, Korean chimaek has established itself as a representative K-food culture, and the annual ‘Chimaek Festival’ in Daegu attracts tourists from around the world. At this festival, visitors can not only taste various types of chicken and beer but also enjoy diverse cultural events like K-pop performances.
Chimaek Prices
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Whole chicken | 18,000-22,000 won (approximately $13-16) |
| Draft beer 500ml | 4,000-5,000 won (approximately $3-4) |
Enjoy
How to Enjoy Korean Chimaek Culture
How to Order Chimaek
In Korea, you can enjoy chimaek either by dining in or ordering delivery. Koreans typically enjoy chimaek with friends after work or on weekend evenings, and interestingly, it becomes especially popular on rainy days.
When ordering at a restaurant, simply say “One chicken and one draft beer, please” (Chi-kin han ma-ri ha-go saeng-maek-ju han jan-i-yo). Most chicken restaurants provide pickled radish (chicken-mu, a special radish pickle served with chicken) and chicken sauce as complimentary side dishes, and additional sauce is available upon request.
Delivery is easily accessible through apps like Baemin. Simply select your preferred restaurant, choose your menu and payment method, and hot chicken will be delivered within 40-50 minutes.
How Koreans Enjoy Chimaek
Chimaek is more than just eating – it’s a social activity. Usually, 2-4 people gather to share a chicken while chatting and sharing their daily lives. The harmony between crispy chicken and cold beer makes the conversation even more enjoyable.
Chimaek is essential during sports events like soccer or baseball games. Many Koreans watch games while enjoying chimaek, which has become a unique aspect of Korean sports culture.
Types of Chicken and Their Characteristics
Korea offers various types of chicken to suit different tastes.
Fried Chicken
The most basic menu item, known for its crispy and savory taste. It’s flavorful even without special seasoning, and the double-frying method ensures a crispy exterior while maintaining moisture inside. This is recommended for first-time chimaek enthusiasts.
Yangnyeom Chicken
This chicken is coated in a sweet and spicy Korean sauce, and it’s extremely popular among foreign visitors. The sauce is based on gochujang (Korean red pepper paste), creating a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, while garlic and various spices add depth to its taste.
Soy Garlic Chicken
Chicken flavored with soy sauce-based sauce, known for its sweet and slightly salty taste. The sauce, made with Korea’s traditional soy sauce seasoning, creates a subtle sweetness and umami that pairs especially well with beer.
New Menus and Trends
Recently, various variations featuring garlic, honey, and green chili peppers have become popular. New styles like Honey Combo (a combination of sweet and spicy sauces) and Snow Chicken (chicken sprinkled with cheese powder) continue to be loved.
Recommended Beer Pairings
Draft beer is typically preferred in Korea. Korean beers like Cass, Hite, and Cloud are most popular, and craft beers have been gaining popularity recently. Beer is usually available in 500ml glasses or 1,700ml pitchers.
Interestingly, Koreans often make toasts while drinking beer. It’s common culture to clink glasses saying “Jjan!” while wishing for each other’s health and happiness.
Perfect Side Dishes for Chimaek
If you want to enhance your chimaek experience, adding side dishes is a must. Here are the most popular chimaek side dishes among Koreans:
Fried Shrimp: Enjoy a more abundant meal when paired with chicken.
Cheese Balls: Deep-fried round balls filled with mozzarella cheese, a staple side dish for chimaek.
French Fries: Often comes with a discount when ordered with chicken.
Tteokbokki: If you enjoy spicy food, we recommend the combination of tteokbokki and chimaek.
Coleslaw: A nutty and refreshing side dish that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
Outtro
Chimaek, A Moment of Taste and Emotion
Korean chimaek is more than just food – it’s a culture that creates special moments in everyday life. You’ll hear the laughter of people enjoying chimaek in the busy city streets at night, and see couples admiring the sparkling night view along the Han River while sharing their chimaek.
Chimaek is a small happiness and comfort in Koreans’ daily lives. Sharing chimaek with friends after a tough day becomes a magical moment that blows away all stress. Especially enjoying chimaek in Seoul’s nighttime streets will be a special experience where modern urban culture perfectly blends with traditional food culture.
Korean chimaek continues to evolve. From traditional fried chicken to fusion chicken pursuing new flavors, various choices are available to suit your taste. Each chicken restaurant’s special recipe and atmosphere will provide you with unforgettable memories.
Food experienced while traveling holds meaning beyond just a simple meal. It’s a special way to understand the local culture and experience the daily lives of locals. If you visit Korea, make sure to experience the chimaek culture. You’ll feel the crispy chicken, cold beer, and the warm jeong (정, Korean sentiment of affection) contained within.
Even at this moment, countless people across Seoul’s streets are creating special moments with chimaek. How about becoming part of this special culture yourself? Korean chimaek culture is waiting for you.