Reggae Chicken $

147-19 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu
tel. 02/333-3438

HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 5 p.m.-2 a.m.,
Fri.-Sat. 5 p.m.-3 a.m.,
Sun. 5 p.m.-1 a.m.

COST: Entrées ₩10,000-25,000

SUBWAY: Hongik University (Line 2)

Run by some free-spirited flower-children types, Reggae Chicken is a temple to the blissed-out vibes and heady idealism of the 1960s and ’70s, from its psychedelic wall prints and cheerful staff to the roots reggae (naturally) that’s nearly always on the stereo.

But it doesn’t get by on warm feelings alone; it also whips up some of the tastiest fried chicken in Seoul [1], and in a city where there are chicken shops on nearly every block, that’s saying something.

Reggae Chicken’s specialty is coated in a delicious wine and curry-seasoned batter and accompanied by homemade salsa/dipping sauce, home fries, and onion rings. There’s also a good range of cold imported beers on offer.

Do arrive early if possible—with only a half dozen tables and a city-wide reputation this place tends to fill up fast.