Friend Chicken

About

Noksapyeong retro fried chicken pub famous for its bustling outdoor terrace seating, old-school fried chicken, and golbaengi noodles.

Perched along the hill rising from Noksapyeong toward Itaewon, Hurendeu Chicken captures the unmistakable spirit of an old-school Seoul pub. Having moved from its original Gyeongridan haunt to a bright corner space with expansive windows, this neighborhood fixture draws crowds not just for classic pub grub, but for its coveted outdoor street-side seating. On balmy evenings, snagging an open plastic table on the sidewalk feels like winning the local lottery, offering a front-row seat to the district’s vibrant nightlife with views toward Namsan Tower from the nearby pedestrian bridge. The food anchors firmly in nostalgic comfort. The defining order is the classic fried chicken—served either as a whole bird or half-and-half with sticky-sweet yangnyeom sauce. Cooked in the thin-battered, vintage style, the chicken emerges directly from the fryer exceptionally crisp and dry to the touch, though diners should note the birds run lean and modestly portioned compared to modern franchise standards. Curiously, this seasoned poultry house is just as widely celebrated for its side dishes. Banners and regular patrons frequently steer orders toward the golbaengi-muchim, a tangily dressed, vibrant toss of sea snails and fresh, crunchy vegetables that provides an acidic punch to cut through the grease of the fryer. Others swear by the hot stews, specifically the pork or tuna kimchi jjigae, which simmer robustly alongside chilled draft beers and soju. Inside, the venue maintains an unpretentious pocha warmth, complete with self-serve aprons near the water dispenser and indoor restrooms for convenience. Whether packed into the breezy interior or balancing frosty mugs of beer and plates of seasoned chicken on the sidewalk, Hurendeu Chicken is less about culinary reinvention and entirely about the enduring romance of al fresco street dining.