The story behind dak-galbi, South Korea's most iconic and beloved dish

While the world focuses on South Korea’s Gangwon Province during the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games, the irresistible allure of spicy, stir-fried chicken has drawn our attention to Chuncheon, the region's bustling capital.

Dak-galbi, the dish most beloved by locals, is a comforting winter specialty that’s meant to be shared with family and friends.

Cooked in a sizzling cast-iron skillet right at the table, this dish features marinated chicken, cabbage, sweet potatoes, perilla leaves (from the mint family), and tteok bokki (Korean rice cakes), all generously drizzled with a flavorful and spicy gochujang sauce (fermented Korean chili paste).

But dak-galbi is more than just a cheap and common meal. Born in the 1960s after the Korean War, 'commoner’s galbi' has become a symbol of the city’s endurance and spirit.

Choi Jeong-Yern, the owner of a second-generation dak-galbi restaurant in Chuncheon, tells Dinogo Travel, 'I hope visitors come to Chuncheon not just to taste dak-galbi, but to understand the deeper story behind it.'

'I want people to know that Chuncheon’s signature dish was born from the struggles and pain endured after the war. This is a local dish with a meaningful history and a poignant story,' says Choi.

The story of dak-galbi

On June 25, 1950, the Korean War began with the Battle of Chuncheon, which left the city in ruins after a series of brutal attacks.

'After the war, chicken farms became a vital source of livelihood for people who were once destitute and left begging on the streets,' recalls Jeong-Yern. 'Even after the conflict ended, the pain and hardship lingered.'

In a time of hardship, dak-galbi was a welcome comfort. The dish used inexpensive, readily available ingredients to create a communal, hearty meal that helped bring people together.

'The story of dak-galbi began with a couple who ran a popular pork restaurant in the 1960s,' says Park Sung-Soo, a Chuncheon culture tour guide, to Dinogo Travel.

'One day, they ran out of pork and decided to substitute it with chicken, which was more affordable and plentiful. They cooked the chicken the same way they cooked the pork, and it became an instant hit.'

'Soon, others started serving the same dish, and before long, many dak-galbi restaurants had opened across Chuncheon.'

Where to find dak-galbi

Dak galbi has become so synonymous with Chuncheon that the city has named an entire street – MyeongDong Dakgalbi Street – dedicated to the dish.

Visitors can stroll down this fragrant street, sampling the offerings from various small, family-owned restaurants.

Despite the many restaurants lining MyeongDong Dakgalbi Street, Jeong-Yern explains that each one serves its own unique take on the dish.

Each restaurant in this historic alley puts its own unique spin on the dish,” she shares.

“Our dak-galbi is on the milder side, not too spicy, and that's something we take pride in,” she says. “For me, dak-galbi is a part of my family's legacy. My parents founded this restaurant, passed it down to me, and now my son will continue the tradition.”

How to enjoy dak-galbi

Eating dak-galbi is an interactive experience that can get quite messy, which is why many restaurants provide aprons to help keep things tidy.

At most restaurants, a cast-iron plate is set in the center of the table, allowing diners to stir-fry the ingredients together for a fun, shared experience.

“Dak-galbi offers a universally appealing taste that the whole family can appreciate,” says Jeong-Yern. “The benefit of cooking it on an iron plate is that it's perfect for sharing among a group.”

“That's what makes it so popular—it’s ideal for group meals, and even young children can enjoy it,” she adds.

Some prefer to eat the mixture directly with chopsticks, while others like to wrap it in perilla or lettuce leaves, creating a taco-like bite.

“A big part of the enjoyment comes from cooking together with your family. The chicken itself is tender and full of flavor,” says Jeong-Yern.

“But when you wrap the meat in lettuce, it brings a whole new level of freshness. It’s a unique way to savor dak-galbi,” she explains.

MyeongDong Dakgalbi Street, located in Joyang-dong, Chuncheon, Gangwon