Wangcheon Padak Jochiwon: Original Green Onion Chicken

While preparing for my move to Sejong, I ended up staying in Jochiwon for a few days. Whenever I find myself in a new, unfamiliar town, my absolute first mission is to hunt down the authentic spots loved by the locals.

After scanning through countless local reviews, I stumbled upon Wangcheon Padak, widely celebrated as the legendary birthplace of Korean green onion chicken.

After taking my very first bite, I instantly understood why this place has earned a nationwide reputation. It is the real deal.

Today, I am excited to share my honest takeout review of the original Wangcheon Padak main branch, located right inside the Sejong Traditional Market.

Where is the Famous Wangcheon Padak in Sejong Traditional Market?

Since our accommodation was located right near the Jochiwon Traditional Market, we decided to head out for an evening stroll to pick up some dinner and late-night snacks.

The main branch of Wangcheon Padak is nestled inside the Sejong Traditional Market. It is situated very close to the market entrance, making it incredibly easy to find even if it is your first time visiting.

The giant, bold sign reading "Wangcheon Padak" stands out immediately, so you definitely won't miss it.

Pro Parking Tip for Wangcheon Padak

Using the Sejong Traditional Market Parking Tower is by far your most convenient option.

The first hour of parking is completely free, meaning you can drive over, pick up your freshly fried chicken, and head out without paying a dime.

Keep in mind that you do not need to ask the shop for a separate parking validation ticket!

Menu and How to Order

Please note that there is no dine-in space here. This is a strict takeout-only joint, making it the ultimate grab-and-go chicken spot in Jochiwon.

The entire interior is dedicated solely to prepping and frying chicken. Even as they approached closing time, there were several boxes of pre-ordered chicken stacked up and waiting for their hungry owners.

While we placed our order in person, if you are short on time, I highly recommend calling ahead to place your order before you arrive.

The menu is beautifully minimal: they only serve one thing, and that is Padak (Green Onion Chicken) for ~$14. You can also purchase extra pickled radish, sweet and spicy dipping sauce, or fresh garlic on the side.

We opted to add extra garlic, and if you love a sharp, aromatic kick, I highly recommend doing the same.

After a quick 15 to 20-minute wait, we picked up our piping-hot box of freshly fried Sejong Wangcheon Padak and rushed back to our room.

An Honest Taste Test of Jochiwon Wangcheon Padak

With my heart racing, I opened the cardboard box to find a massive mountain of golden fried chicken topped with a generous heap of fresh, shredded green onions, raw garlic slices, and a lemon wedge.

The portion size at Jochiwon Wangcheon Padak is incredibly generous—easily enough to feed 2 to 3 people.

If you are looking for a satisfying late-night snack in Sejong or a budget-friendly meal to share with family, this is unbeatable value for your money.

Wangcheon Padak is fried in a traditional large cauldron, resulting in an incredibly crispy texture that instantly brings back nostalgic memories of old-school market-style whole chicken.

It perfectly embodies the classic "crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside" style. Every bite carries a wonderfully savory and rich flavor.

Even better, the crust does not get soggy over time, allowing us to enjoy that satisfying crunch right down to the very last piece.

To be completely honest, I had undergone gallbladder removal surgery just ten days prior to this! Haha.

I was quite nervous that eating heavy, greasy fried food would absolutely wreck my sensitive stomach.

However, because the oil is so thoroughly drained during the frying process, the chicken tasted amazingly clean and light. The sharp, refreshing bite of the green onions perfectly balanced the richness, making it incredibly easy to digest. My stomach felt completely fine and comfortable afterward!

Visiting Wangcheon Padak

After a long, exhausting day of house hunting in a completely new city, this meal was the ultimate comfort food. It made our evening feel incredibly cozy and satisfying.

With its fantastic flavor, massive portions, and nostalgic market-style charm, it is easy to see why this spot has remained a beloved local institution for so long.

Luckily, I discovered that there is another Wangcheon Padak branch right near our new home in Sejong City!

While it might have a slightly different vibe than the historic main branch, the taste left such a strong impression on me that I know we will be ordering this regularly for late-night cravings once we move.

If you are searching for the best street food inside Sejong Traditional Market, hunting for a legendary local restaurant in Jochiwon, or simply a die-hard fan of classic, crispy Korean fried chicken, you will absolutely love Wangcheon Padak.

If you ever find yourself visiting Sejong or Jochiwon for the first time, do not hesitate—make sure to stop by the original Wangcheon Padak main branch!