Hook Chicken in Dapsimni: Old-School Vibes and a Well-Earned Beer
An Old-School Chicken Joint Worth Stopping By After Work
Let me introduce a chicken restaurant I often stop by after work in the Dapsimni area of Seoul. It’s called Hook Chicken (후크치킨). The sign alone tells you this place has history — it’s got that classic “nopo” feel, meaning an old-school, been-here-forever kind of restaurant. Takeout is available, but this is really a place best enjoyed in-house with a drink in hand. It draws a steady crowd of local regulars stopping in after work, and it always seems to have a lively buzz going.
A Nostalgic Touch — The Call Bell
This round bell sitting on the table is the old-school “call” system — press it, and staff comes over. This kind of analog call button has become rarer these days, but it fits the restaurant’s whole vibe perfectly and brings back a bit of nostalgia.
The Classic — Half Yangnyeom, Half Fried
Whenever I come here, my go-to order is the “ban-ban” (half-and-half) style — half yangnyeom chicken (sweet-and-spicy sauce) and half plain fried chicken. The batter is nice and crispy, and the yangnyeom sauce is properly sweet-and-spicy — more of a drinking snack than something you’d eat over rice. The fried half is great eaten simply, dipped in a bit of salt and pepper.
The Side Dishes Deserve Some Credit Too
Alongside the chicken comes a distinctive side dish — shredded cabbage topped with mayo, ketchup, and raisins. The sweet-tangy flavor and the texture of the raisins make for a surprisingly addictive combo. There’s also a small dish of refreshing radish water kimchi, which resets your palate nicely between bites of greasy chicken.
Popcorn While You Wait
While the chicken fries up, you get a simple bowl of popcorn to snack on. It’s a classic bar-snack staple in Korean hof (beer hall) culture, and munching on it while sipping a beer is a genuinely nice way to pass the time.
One Soju, Two Beers — The Perfect Amount
My usual combo is one bottle of soju and two beers. One plate of chicken and that exact amount of drinks always ends up being the perfect finish-everything amount. Somaek (soju mixed with beer) is popular in Korea too, but this time I kept each drink separate.
The Atmosphere
The interior has a distinctive look, with brick-toned walls and red chairs. A baseball game played on the TV, and what looked like regulars were having a good time at their own tables. The low-key, no-judgment atmosphere makes it easy to swing by solo after work and just relax.
Cleaned the Plate
Before I knew it, even the sauce was completely wiped clean. The portion size was just right, and it made for a perfect after-work drink and meal.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- The half-and-half style lets you enjoy both yangnyeom and fried chicken
- Pairs excellently with soju and beer
- Old-school, no-frills atmosphere makes it easy to visit solo
Cons:
- The interior gets lively and can be noisy, which might not suit anyone wanting a quiet meal
- Seats fill up quickly during peak hours
Restaurant Info
Name: Hook Chicken
Phone: 02-2216-2588
Location: Dapsimni area, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
