Nationwide shipping at a Danyang Gugyeong Market fried chicken shop

One of the things I was most looking forward to on my trip to Jecheon and Danyang, Chungbuk was hunting down food at the local markets. While searching for good eats at Danyang's Gugyeong Market, Danyang Heukmaneul Dakgangjeong (black garlic fried chicken made with the region's specialty black garlic) caught my eye!

It seemed like a special combo you could only get here, so I decided to get it to go and enjoy it back at the hotel. Here's my honest review, straight to the delivery info ❤️

Where is Danyang Heukmaneul Nurungji Dakgangjeong, and how long is the Saturday evening wait?

Danyang Heukmaneul Nurungji Dakgangjeong sits inside Gugyeong Market, and the long line out front made it easy to spot from far away~

I arrived around 7pm on a Saturday and there were already a lot of people waiting, so I was told to come back in 40 minutes. Following the owner's advice — "order first and go look around the market" — I paid up front, took a lap around the market, and timed it perfectly! Pro tip: order here first, then check out the rest of the market. It's run by young people, so the energy was upbeat and full of drive, giving off that classic market buzz ❤️

Menu and prices at the Danyang Gugyeong Market chicken shop

The menu splits into two main styles: the original rice-crust dakgangjeong is the basic version, topped with garlic~

The double black garlic flavor has garlic blended right into the sauce, so it's a deep black color from the start. Both menus are ₩20,000, so it comes down to preference — since I'd come all this way, I wanted to taste the real, full-on flavor, so I picked the double flavor without hesitation. They also sell black garlic makgeolli (rice wine) for ₩5,000, worth noting~

Opening the double black garlic box at the hotel, plus nationwide delivery

Ta-da~ Back at the hotel, ready to dig in?

They said this black garlic dakgangjeong shop does nationwide delivery and that it tastes even better once it cools down, so it seems like a great pick for delivery or as a regional souvenir. That distinctly sweet, pungent aroma was already filling the room ❤️

Opening the lid, the black sauce looked unfamiliar, but one bite in, that signature garlicky sweetness spread pleasantly through my mouth~

The batter was thin enough to stay crispy, and the inside was tender chicken thigh meat, so it never got dry — I kept reaching for more ❤️

The rice crust mixed in is the special touch, though the garlic aroma comes through pretty strongly there, so I actually preferred eating the chicken on its own. My boyfriend enjoyed it with the rice crust, saying it let him taste both the aroma and the texture together.

The crispy rice-crust chips are coated in sauce, so they're great to pick at like snacks, and they add a fun textural contrast!

What does the black garlic makgeolli taste like?

I was curious how it would pair with black garlic makgeolli, so I brought some along — and just pouring it into the glass, the thick consistency already felt like no joke. The aroma hits your nose hard, haha

It almost felt like a medicinal liquor, with the raw essence of garlic coming through clearly — I think older folks would really like it, and it gave me a sort of "getting healthier" feeling, haha (I'm a lightweight, so my boyfriend did most of the drinking)

A bite of dakgangjeong with a sip of makgeolli really melts away travel fatigue — I hope you'll try the pairing too!

Would I order from Danyang Heukmaneul Nurungji Dakgangjeong again?

Danyang Heukmaneul Dakgangjeong has a savory garlic depth that's different from typical seasoned chicken, so it felt like enjoying a truly unique regional specialty~ If you're with kids, the sweet original might suit better, while adults might prefer the healthier depth of the double flavor. The makgeolli seems like a good gift for older relatives or for adults who enjoy a strong, medicinal-style liquor — worth keeping in mind before you buy~ If I visit again, I'm curious about the original too, so yes, I'd repurchase!