Quick Info
• Price: ₩25,000~30,000 (≈ $18–22)
• Location: Dongdaemun Dakhanmari Alley, Jongno
• Distance: 3 min walk from Dongdaemun Station Exit 9
• Type: Whole Chicken Soup (Dakhanmari)
• Best For: Sharing meal / local food experience
Intro – 진옥화 할매 원조 닭한마리
Located in the famous Dakhanmari alley of Jongno, 진옥화할매원조닭한마리 is one of the original spots that helped define this dish in Seoul.
With decades of history and constant crowds, this place offers a true local dining experience rather than a polished tourist restaurant.
If you want something authentic, simple, and deeply satisfying, this is one of the best places to try.
Location
✔ Google Maps Location
👉 View Jinokhwa Halmae Original Dakhanmari Location & Walking Directions on Google Maps
Just a short walk from Dongdaemun Station, located inside the well-known Dakhanmari alley.
Menu
• Dakhanmari (Whole Chicken) – ₩25,000~30,000 (≈ $18–22)
• Rice Cake (Tteok) – extra
• Noodles (Kalguksu) – must-add at the end
👉 Simple menu, but highly focused on one dish.
Experience
Even if it’s your first time trying Dakhanmari, it’s easy to enjoy.
The whole chicken is served in a large pot and cut at your table, making it a unique and interactive experience.
The broth starts clean and light—but the key is time.
👉 The longer it boils, the better it gets.
As it continues cooking, the chicken becomes more tender, and the broth turns deeper and richer.
One chicken is usually enough for about three people, making it perfect for sharing.
Adding kimchi and dipping sauce completely transforms the flavor, giving it a richer and slightly spicy kick.
Try dipping the chicken and rice cakes into the sauce for the best experience.
Most people finish by adding noodles, which absorb the rich broth and complete the meal.
👉 It actually gets better the longer you eat it.
Before You Visit – Practical Tips
• Peak hours = waiting (lunch & dinner)
• But turnover is fast → usually 15–30 min
👉 It looks busy, but you’ll get seated faster than you expect.
• Order extra items early (rice cakes, noodles)
→ adding later can be inconvenient
• Service is quick and minimal
→ don’t expect detailed explanations
• Portions are generous
→ one chicken is enough for 2–3 people
👉 Best visiting time
• 11:00–11:30 AM
• After 2:00 PM
Final Thoughts
This is not a fancy restaurant—but that’s exactly the appeal.
It’s simple, local, and focused on one dish done extremely well.
👉 If you want a real Korean food experience, this place is absolutely worth trying.
More Places to Eat in Jongno
• Visit Meongseokjip Ikseon-dong for stone-grilled pork belly and a true Korean BBQ experience.
Best Korean BBQ in Jongno – Crispy Pork Belly with Kimchi in Ikseon-dong
• Visit Jongno Dakgalbi Street for bold and sizzling dakgalbi cooked fresh at your table.
The10 Best Restaurants in Jongno, Seoul: Must-Try Dakgalbi & Korean Food Near Gyeongbokgung
• Visit Gwangjang Market Food Alley to explore iconic Korean street foods.
Top 5 Gwangjang Market Street Foods Must-Try Korean Food in Seoul
• Visit Myeongnyun Jinsa Galbi Jongno for unlimited Korean BBQ at a great value.
Best $15 Korean BBQ Near Gyeongbokgung Local Galbi & Samgyeopsal
• Visit Gwangjang Market Hodugwaja Stall for a sweet and memorable Korean snack.
Best Snack in Jongno – Gwangjang Market Hodugwaja I Still Think About
Nearby Attractions in Jongno
• Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace for a classic Korean palace experience.
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• Visit Seochon Village for a quiet local neighborhood with cafes.
Things to Do in Seochon Seoul – Hidden Alleys Near Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Visit Ssamziegil for Korean crafts and souvenirs.
8 Best Cultural Experiences in Insadong Seoul Must-Try Traditional Things to Do
• Visit Gwanghwamun Square for iconic city views and open space.
Things to Do at Gwanghwamun Square with Free K-Pop and Cultural Experiences
• Visit Tongin Market for the famous coin lunchbox experience.
Tongin Market Coin Lunch Box Experience in Seoul – Must-Try Dosirak Near Gyeongbokgung (≈ $5)
Practical Information
✔ Google Maps Location
👉 View Jinokhwa Halmae Original Dakhanmari Location & Walking Directions on Google Maps