Busan Chimaek Guide: 4 Best Fried Chicken & Beer Spots for BTS Fans

Having spent decades exploring the diverse culinary landscapes across North America, from the deep-rooted soul food of the American South to the multicultural food scenes of bustling Canadian metropolises, I can confidently say that one global culinary phenomenon stands entirely in a league of its own: Korean Chimaek. The brilliant pairing of perfectly fried, shatteringly crisp chicken and ice-cold beer is a universal language of comfort. But when you combine this ultimate comfort food with the global cultural phenomenon of BTS, the experience transcends mere dining. It becomes a pilgrimage.

Busan, a vibrant coastal city with a spirit as dynamic as the tides, holds a profound significance for the BTS ARMY. As the beloved hometown of members Jimin and Jungkook, and the historic site of unforgettable performances, the city is practically woven into the fabric of the group’s legacy. For fans traveling from all corners of the globe, tracing the footsteps of these global icons is a deeply moving experience. To elevate this journey, I have curated a guide to the ultimate Chimaek spots in Busan, each intricately connected to the story of BTS. Grab a cold glass, prepare your tastebuds, and let us embark on a flavorful journey through the purple-tinted streets of Busan.

60 Gye Chicken Busan Hadan Sinpyeong Branch: Jungkook’s Crispy Pick

When you have experienced the vast array of fried chicken styles across different continents, you learn to appreciate the delicate engineering of a truly perfect crust. For fans of Jungkook, the golden standard of crunch has a very specific name: the “K-K-K Chicken” (Crumble, Crunch, Crispy) from 60 Gye Chicken. Global fans were sent into a frenzy when Jungkook famously enjoyed this exact menu during one of his iconic live broadcasts.

Located in the Saha-gu district, the Busan Hadan Sinpyeong Branch is the perfect place to experience the exact flavors that captivated the golden maknae. The secret to this specific dish lies in its unparalleled texture. Every bite delivers a resonant, satisfying crunch that seems to echo in your ears, living up to its playful name. The chicken is served with a trio of dipping sauces, but the signature sweet and sour K-K-K sauce and the rich corn mayo sauce are absolute game-changers. Sitting in this local Busan branch, dipping a crispy tender into that creamy corn mayo, you can almost feel a shared culinary connection with Jungkook himself. It is a must-visit for anyone wanting to taste exactly what made him smile so brightly on screen.

Seungri Tongdak: Reliving the Roar of Sajik Asiad Stadium

There are certain places where the energy of past events lingers in the air long after the crowds have dispersed. The Busan Asiad Main Stadium in Sajik-dong is one such sacred ground for the ARMY, forever remembered as the site of the historic “BTS in BUSAN (Yet to Come)” concert. Millions of fans worldwide tuned in, and thousands gathered in person, painting the entire city a brilliant shade of purple.

Just a short walk from this monumental stadium lies Seungri Tongdak, a beloved local fried chicken institution. After spending an afternoon walking around the stadium grounds, reminiscing about the roaring cheers, the stunning choreography, and the emotional resonance of that historic night, there is no better place to unwind. Seungri Tongdak offers a deeply authentic, old-school Korean fried chicken experience that feels like a warm embrace. Their traditional frying methods yield a beautifully thin, flavorful crust that pairs immaculately with a frosted mug of draft beer. It is the ultimate post-pilgrimage sanctuary where fans can gather, share concert memories, and toast to the beautiful moments that are yet to come.

Cheolin 7 Ho Daeyeon Branch: The Perfect End to a Jimin Tour

A trip to Busan for any dedicated fan would be incomplete without spending time in Daeyeon-dong, a neighborhood that has become synonymous with Jimin. At the heart of this area is MAGNATE, the expansive, beautifully designed cafe operated by Jimin’s father. It has rightfully become a central hub for global fans to gather, exchange stories, and soak in the elegant atmosphere while enjoying specialty coffee and pastries

However, once the sun sets and the cafe-hopping comes to an end, the vibrant university district surrounding Daeyeon-dong comes alive, calling for a proper evening meal. Enter Cheolin 7 Ho Daeyeon Branch. This spot offers an incredible transition from the sophisticated daytime vibes of MAGNATE to the energetic, bustling nightlife of Busan’s youth. Known for their meticulously crafted, hand-battered artisanal chicken, Cheolin 7 Ho presents a slightly more modern, robust take on Chimaek. The copper-tinted, deeply savory fried chicken here is marinated to perfection. It is the ideal place to conclude a full “Jimin Tour” day. You can sit back with fellow fans, dissect every detail of the cafe visit, and enjoy some of the finest craft poultry the city has to offer.

Kkundak Kkundeok Gwangalli Branch: Toasting to a Purple Night Sky

Anyone who has witnessed the magic of a coastal city at night knows that the combination of ocean breezes and shimmering city lights is intoxicating. Now, imagine that same coastline bathed in glorious purple light, accompanied by a massive drone show choreographing the story of seven boys who changed the world. The Gwangalli Beach area provided exactly this breathtaking spectacle during the BTS Busan concert period, cementing its status as a highly emotional landmark for the fandom.

Kkundak Kkundeok Gwangalli Branch is situated perfectly to help you recapture the romance and awe of that night. Specializing in perfectly roasted and fried chicken variations, this local gem allows you to grab a flavorful, hearty meal mere steps away from the ocean. Taking your Chimaek to-go and sitting on the sandy shores of Gwangalli, looking out at the majestic Gwangan Bridge, is an experience that transcends ordinary dining. As you bite into the juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken and take a sip of refreshing beer, you can look up at the night sky and easily visualize those purple drones forming the BTS logo. It is a sensory experience that beautifully marries the culinary excellence of Busan with the enduring love of the ARMY.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chimaek?

Chimaek is a popular Korean culinary pairing of fried chicken (chi) and beer (maekju). It is a beloved comfort food and social dining experience in South Korea.

Do these chicken spots offer non-alcoholic beverages?

Yes, all of these locations offer a variety of non-alcoholic options, including soft drinks and sparkling water, so you can still enjoy the perfect pairing even if you do not drink alcohol.

Is 60 Gye Chicken’s K-K-K Chicken very spicy?

No, the K-K-K Chicken is focused on a savory, extremely crunchy texture rather than spice. The accompanying sauces provide sweet, tangy, and creamy flavor profiles.

Can I easily walk to Seungri Tongdak from the Asiad Main Stadium?

Yes, Seungri Tongdak is located in Sajik-dong and is within comfortable walking distance from the Busan Asiad Main Stadium, making it perfect for a stadium tour day.

Is Cheolin 7 Ho close to Jimin’s father’s cafe?

Cheolin 7 Ho Daeyeon Branch is located in the same general Daeyeon-dong neighborhood as the cafe. While it might require a short taxi ride or a brisk walk, it is highly convenient to pair them on the same day.

Are these restaurants foreigner-friendly?

Yes, due to the high volume of international fans visiting Busan, these establishments are quite accustomed to welcoming foreign guests, and many have menus with pictures to help you order.

Can I get takeout from Kkundak Kkundeok to eat on Gwangalli Beach?

Absolutely. Getting your chicken packaged to-go (pojang) is highly recommended so you can enjoy your meal right on the beach while looking at the Gwangan Bridge.

Do I need to make a reservation for these chicken places?

Generally, Korean fried chicken spots operate on a walk-in basis. However, during major fan events or weekends, there might be a short wait during peak dinner hours.

What makes Korean fried chicken different from North American fried chicken?

Korean fried chicken is typically fried twice, resulting in a significantly thinner, crispier crust that stays crunchy even when coated in sticky, flavorful sauces.

Are there vegetarian options available at these Chimaek spots?

Fried chicken restaurants primarily focus on poultry. While they may offer side dishes like fries or cheese balls, full vegetarian meal options are usually very limited.

Is it acceptable to eat Chimaek alone?

Yes, while Chimaek is traditionally a social meal, many places are perfectly welcoming to solo diners, and some even offer smaller portion sizes.

What time do these chicken restaurants usually open?

Most Chimaek spots in South Korea open in the late afternoon, around 4 PM or 5 PM, and stay open late into the night, as it is considered an evening or late-night meal.