Yatap chicken restaurant with flying fish roe rice balls: Jangjakkun

There are days after work or on a weekend evening when you just crave a roasted whole chicken with all the grease gone, haha. I heard about a place where you can enjoy crispy-outside, juicy-inside roasted chicken along with savory scorched rice, so I went to check it out. Today I'm introducing a spot that so many people call the best Yatap chicken restaurant: Jangjakkun Yatap branch.

It turned out even more charming than I expected. Let me share my honest review of the half-and-half nurungji tongdak and the flying fish roe rice balls, step by step.

Where is Jangjakkun Yatap Direct Branch, and where do you park?

Jangjakkun's Yatap branch is just a few minutes' walk from Exit 1 of Yatap Station, so it was really easy to find. It's right by the station with convenient public transit access, making it a perfect spot to swing by without hassle after work. If you're driving, the nearby Matgoeul public parking lot is a convenient option.

As I got close to the entrance, I found oak logs stacked neatly, just like the restaurant's name suggests, and a mild, savory smell drifting through the air — very appealing. Watching the chickens spin around outside, turning golden brown, made my mouth water before I'd even stepped in. Roasted slowly over an open oak fire instead of fried, it had all the presence of a proper Yatap chicken restaurant known for its clean, light flavor.

Inside Jangjakkun: a spacious hall for gatherings and group dinners

Once inside, you climb about half a flight of stairs to reach a large, clean hall. The lighting was soft and the overall interior tidy, so I could eat comfortably.

The inside felt much more spacious than it looked from outside, and the tables were well arranged, making it suitable for a small date or a get-together with friends, as well as group dinners. Sure enough, as the after-work hour rolled around, the place got lively with coworkers and groups. I thought next time I should come with a bunch of friends, order a variety of menu items, and enjoy some chicken and beer together.

Half-and-half nurungji tongdak: spicy sauce and corn cheese in one order

Looking at Jangjakkun's menu, besides the original nurungji tongdak there were really many options to choose from depending on your taste — sauce, corn cheese, pa-dak (green onion chicken), and more. After some deliberation, I ordered the half-and-half nurungji tongdak, which lets you taste spicy and savory flavors at once.

Soon after, the half-and-half nurungji tongdak arrived on a sizzling hot plate. The visual alone was overwhelming!

On one side sat a generous helping of the sweet-and-spicy special sauce, and on the other, a savory, salty layer of soft cheese — perfect for enjoying two flavors at once.

Roasted over an oak fire, the meat had lost all its grease while keeping the juices in, so it was tender with no dryness at all. Alternating between the mild plain meat, the spicy sauce, and the savory cheese, it was a fantastic combination that never got boring. Best of all, the thin layer of scorched rice pressed onto the bottom of the chicken, crisped up by the hot plate, had an amazingly savory flavor. I understood why this Yatap chicken restaurant has become so well known by word of mouth.

What do the flying fish roe rice balls taste like?

Eating just the nurungji tongdak felt slightly incomplete, so I also ordered the side dish 'flying fish roe rice balls.'

The rice balls arrived generously piled in a bowl, packed with savory roasted seaweed flakes, crunchy pickled radish, and plenty of popping flying fish roe. Wearing hygiene gloves, the staff mixed everything together and shaped it into bite-sized balls, and the fragrant sesame oil aroma really stirred up my appetite.

The tangy pickled radish, the popping texture of the roe, and the salty seaweed flakes combined to make it delicious even on its own. Dipping the rice balls lightly into the spicy sauce from the half-and-half chicken, or topping them with a piece of tender chicken meat, doubled the flavor. As expected of the best side dish for a Yatap chicken restaurant, the pairing with the half-and-half chicken was more perfect than I'd expected.

Is Jangjakkun Yatap worth a visit? Verdict and tips

Jangjakkun Yatap branch was a complete Yatap chicken restaurant, offering light, oak-scented roasted chicken, crispy scorched rice, and a generous, savory side dish all in one.

If you're craving chicken that's easy on the stomach and savory instead of greasy and fried, or looking for a spacious, good-atmosphere gathering spot near Yatap Station, I'd recommend this place without hesitation. If you do visit, be sure to try the half-and-half nurungji tongdak paired with the flying fish roe rice balls — it captures both spicy and savory perfectly!

• Location: 2-3 minute walk from Yatap Station Exit 1
• Parking: Matgoeul public parking lot recommended
• Recommended combo: Half-and-half nurungji tongdak + flying fish roe rice balls