This Swank Speakeasy In South Korea Elevates Fried Chicken To New Heights
Fried chicken is adored around the world. It’s crispy, savory, and succulent — a winning combination that’s embedded itself into the hearts (and bellies) of millions. A staple of the American South, interestingly enough, fried chicken also has a robust following in South Korea, where the locals have put their own spin on it. According to experts, fried chicken was introduced to South Korea by the American military in the late 1940s.
If you doubt how much fried chicken is loved in South Korea, this new upscale restaurant concept from popular chain Kyochon will surely convince you. Called “Kyochon Pilbang,” the restaurant blends a traditional Kyochon with a speakeasy-style spot that you can only enter through a secret door. Thanks to a video shared by theangelabada, we get an inside peek into the elevated experience.
The entrance to the restaurant resembles the surrounding wall and doesn’t look like an entrance at all. To enter, you must tug on a giant paint brush that hangs besides it. That’s the first indicator of what to expect inside. There’s what looks like a lobby area upon entering, which features a wide selection of paint brushes in various shapes and sizes encased in the room’s walls. They’re supposed to symbolize how much care the restaurant puts into each brush stroke of sauce.
Once you pass through what appears to be a second secret entrance, you’re finally inside Kyochon’s fried chicken speakeasy. The paint brush theme also continues inside, along with a sleek minimalist design that’s completely distinct from traditional Kyochon branding. There’s even a DJ booth and bar to up the overall dining experience.
The best part is that your food arrives with plastic finger gloves and a personal paint brush for lathering your wings down with one of several sauce options. Along with the usual Kyochon menu offerings, patrons can also enjoy additional premium options
If you’re in Seoul, or have a trip on the calendar, you can check out the Kyochon Pilbang Instagram for more information.
