Korean whole fried chicken takes it to the next level. There are blogs and even a documentary on Netflix about it.
For context, when a restaurant specializes in something here, it really specializes. If it’s beef-bone stew on the sign, it’s beef-bone stew, all-day, every-day. If it’s fried chicken, it’s all about the fried chicken.
In Gwangju (광주), South Jeolla Province (전라남도), two famous whole friend chicken (통닭) shops face each other across the street of the Yang-dong Market (양동시장).
The chicken is double-fried, a Korean favorite. Fried, then fried again, sauced and served.
We ordered chicken from both places. It was delicious. So delicious in fact, that once we started eating we never stopped to take a photo (sorry!). I will say that each has a distinct flavor, with very different breading.
They are technically competitors, setup directly across the street from each other. Technically, they sell the same food- mouthwatering fried chicken. Yet, they are so distinct that we highly recommend you try both.
Gwangju is the fifth largest city in Korea, with a lot to do, so if you ever have the chance to visit, we definitely recommend heading to Yang-dong Market and trying the whole fried chicken. You can’t go wrong with either… or both!