Myeongga Tongdak Cheonggye Central Branch

About

Casual chicken spot along the Cheonggyecheon stream trail in Yongdu-dong, popular with cyclists and locals for crispy whole chicken and breezy outdoor seating.

Set right along the Cheonggyecheon bicycle path in Dongdaemun’s Yongdu-dong, Myeongga Tongdak Cheonggye Central is a quintessential pit stop for cyclists, runners, and neighborhood regulars looking to unwind. Fronted by wide sidewalks and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the compact shop makes it easy for passing cyclists to keep an eye on folded bikes while settling in. When mild weather hits from spring through autumn, the shop deploys plastic tables out front for outdoor *yajang* seating, catching the evening breeze as city lights reflect off the nearby stream. The draw here is classic Korean *yetnal tongdak* (old-school whole chicken), dropped into the fryer upon order. Fried with a thin, brittle skin, the chicken stays remarkably moist inside, seasoned with a savory brine that requires no extra salt. Alongside the signature whole bird, the kitchen turns out cut-piece options like the classic half-and-half (crisp fried and sticky, sweet-spicy *yangnyeom*) and five-piece fried drumstick orders. Texture lovers often spring for the combo sets pairing the chicken with crunchy deep-fried chicken gizzards (*ttongjip*). To cut through the fry oil, order a plate of *golbaengi somyeon*—tangy, spicy sea snails generously tossed with fresh vegetables and thin noodles. Every table starts with nostalgic pub staples: a bowl of puffed macaroni crackers, pickled radish cubes, and finely shredded cabbage slicked in a classic ketchup-mayonnaise blend. Wash it all down with a draft beer, poured clean, cold, and free of lingering bitterness. While the indoor dining room is modest and fills quickly on weeknights, phone orders for takeout knock 2,000 KRW off the dine-in price. For the full experience, claim an outdoor plastic stool as dusk settles along the Cheonggye stream, pairing a cold pint with hot chicken straight from the fryer.