Spicy Chicken Soup (닭개장): what it is and how to order it in Korea
A fiery, shredded chicken soup built on a red chili broth with scallions, glass noodles and bits of tender meat. Served bubbling in a stone pot, it is a classic comfort dish, especially on cold days and the morning after a long night.
Say it to order
닭개장 주세요
Dakgaejang juseyo
Quick facts
How to eat it
Spoon the broth and meat over your rice or eat them alternately with rice. Pick the chicken off the bone with your spoon and chopsticks.
Do
- Share the pot with everyone at the table and use your own spoon to serve yourself.
Don’t
- Do not leave the bones in the pot without moving them aside when you are done with your meat.
Local tips
- Chicken on the bone is common, so expect small bones to pick around.
- Ask for rice to be added to the broth at the end to make a porridge-like finish.
Goes with
- Makgeolli
- Soju
- Kimchi
- Banchan
- Rice
Where to try it in Seoul
Questions
- How do you order Spicy Chicken Soup in Korean?
- Say “닭개장 주세요” (Dakgaejang juseyo).
- Is Spicy Chicken Soup spicy?
- Yes — about 3 out of 5 on the spice scale.
- How much does Spicy Chicken Soup cost in Korea?
- Usually ₩9,000–11,000.
- How do you eat Spicy Chicken Soup?
- Spoon the broth and meat over your rice or eat them alternately with rice. Pick the chicken off the bone with your spoon and chopsticks.
Find Spicy Chicken Soup near you
Jinjja shows real local places, what to order and how to say it — in your language.