Yangdong Fried Chicken Gwangju Review 2026: Historic Market Flavor

Every region seems to have that one iconic fried chicken joint, right? In Gwangju, a city renowned for its incredible food, the most famous spot for fried chicken has to be 1969 Yangdong Fried Chicken, the original branch located in the bustling Yangdong Market. This isn't just any chicken shop; it's a culinary institution!

Yangdong Fried Chicken

Address: 1F, 260-1 Cheonbyeonjwawa-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju

Phone Number: 062-364-5410

Early morning phone reservations available

Operating Hours: Daily 05:50 AM - 11:00 PM

On a recent Friday, I was passing through the Yangdong Market area and thought, what better way to kick off the weekend than with some classic fried chicken for dinner with the kids? So, I made a quick stop at Yangdong Fried Chicken.

1969 Yangdong Fried Chicken boasts an impressive history, spanning over half a century. It began as a simple튀김집 (fried food stall) before evolving into what it is today, buying fresh chickens directly from Yangdong Market and coating them in their signature batter. It's a legacy that has continued for over 50 years!

You'll often see four or so chefs tirelessly frying chicken at the front. This place is so popular that you almost always have to wait in line, a testament to its enduring appeal.

Right across from Yangdong Fried Chicken is Suil Fried Chicken, another incredibly famous establishment. Deciding which one is "better" often comes down to personal preference, as both are equally beloved and draw long queues, especially on weekends.

For takeout orders, you place your order and pay at the counter near the street. If you prefer to dine in, there's a separate entrance for the restaurant area.

This establishment has also been recognized as a 'Baeknyeon Gagye' (100-Year Store), a prestigious title given to long-standing businesses in Korea. Its fame in Gwangju is such that it doesn't even need to boast about its numerous TV appearances; its reputation speaks for itself.

Yangdong Fried Chicken Menu & Prices

As a dedicated fried chicken shop, the menu naturally focuses entirely on chicken! Options include Fried Chicken, Half-and-Half (fried and seasoned), Seasoned Chicken, Half Chicken, and Half Seasoned Chicken. Prices typically range from ~$10 to ~$18.

For those taking their order to go, they thoughtfully provide self-service items like chopsticks, plastic gloves, and wet wipes.

Inside Gwangju's Yangdong Fried Chicken

The interior of the restaurant has a lively, bustling atmosphere. It's almost always packed with people! While not pristine due to the constant frying, it has a charming, old-school feel typical of a beloved local eatery, full of warmth and character.

Whether it's customers dining in, phone orders for delivery, or those waiting for takeout, the four chefs are constantly at work. Despite their speed, we still had to wait a good while for our order!

Our Verdict

For Gwangju locals, this place needs no introduction, but for visitors from out of town, I hope this provides some useful insight. While the taste wasn't exactly as I remembered from years past (perhaps a slight variation in the chef's touch?), the chicken itself was still enjoyable. However, I found the fried gizzards a bit too tough to eat this time around. Despite these minor points, it was a wonderful opportunity to savor classic Korean fried chicken once again, and a single whole chicken was more than enough to satisfy our family's appetite. It's definitely a spot to experience Gwangju's authentic flavors!