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Incheon, South Korea, is not just a major port city and home to the country’s largest airport; it’s also famous for a beloved Korean street food: Dakgangjeong. This sweet and spicy crispy fried chicken snack has loyal fans across the nation, and Incheon is said to be home to three legendary spots. We embarked on a delicious mission to find out what makes these three places stand out and, more importantly, which one reigns supreme in a personal taste test.

The challenge? To sample what are considered the top three Dakgangjeong vendors in Incheon. Each is rumored to have its own unique recipe and style. Getting your hands on this coveted treat isn’t always easy; some places require ordering days in advance due to their overwhelming popularity.

The First Stop: The Mild & Crispy Contender

Our journey began at a place known for its incredible demand, reportedly requiring orders two days ahead. The moment we arrived, the scene was clear – non-stop frying. It’s the kind of busy that assures you you’re in the right place for something special.

This Dakgangjeong came with bones, which is sometimes less common for Dakgangjeong compared to regular fried chicken. The immediate impression was the aroma: a subtle hint of curry. The seasoning wasn’t overly strong, which was a pleasant surprise. The coating was remarkably crispy. A key point noted was its mildness, making it potentially suitable even for children who might find typical fried chicken spices too much. The reviewer described it as having a balanced flavor profile that wasn’t aggressively seasoned but perfectly enjoyable.

The Second Stop: Sinpo International Market’s Legend

Next, we headed to the renowned Sinpo International Market, home to a Dakgangjeong vendor often described as the “giant corporation” of the Dakgangjeong world. This place is incredibly famous and bustling with activity. Like the first spot, this one also serves bone-in chicken.

The sauce here is distinctly different. While the owner playfully mentioned a secret recipe involving chili oil and corn syrup (and a hint of cheongyang pepper, though the exact method is undisclosed), there was a note about it potentially having a ketchup base from a past observation, which the owner refuted. What sets this place apart in presentation is the accompanying cabbage salad dressed with mayonnaise – a classic pairing that adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken. The taste profile was perceived as slightly saltier compared to the first, offering that satisfyingly greasy, traditional Korean fried chicken (tongdak) experience that’s perfect with a cold drink. The texture was noted for its satisfying crispness.

The Third Stop: The Yakgwa-Like Revelation

The final destination was another hugely popular spot, now run by the daughter-in-law, continuing the family legacy. This place reportedly sells hundreds of chickens daily, a testament to its fame. We opted for the “mild” version to start.

This Dakgangjeong offered a completely unique experience. The initial taste was sweet and resembled the sauce used on Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) or fried rice cakes (tteok-kkochi). Surprisingly, it wasn’t spicy at all at first despite the vibrant color. However, as you kept eating, a pleasant spiciness gradually built up. The most striking feature was the texture – incredibly dense, chewy, and sticky, like the traditional Korean honey cookie, Yakgwa. This distinct texture was something the reviewer had never encountered in Dakgangjeong before. It was so unique and enjoyable that it was likened to a dessert, a truly one-of-a-kind treat.

Comparing the Giants: A Personal Ranking

After sampling all three, it was time for a personal ranking based purely on individual preference. Each spot offered a different style, appealing to different tastes:

• First Place: The Yakgwa-like Dakgangjeong (Third Stop). This was the clear winner for its unique, incredibly satisfying chewy texture and the building sweetness and mild spice. It was a novel and highly enjoyable experience, standing out completely from typical fried chicken.
• Second Place: The Mild & Crispy Contender (First Stop). Appreciated for its perfectly crispy coating, subtle curry notes, and non-overpowering seasoning, making it a great all-around option that’s also kid-friendly.
• Third Place: Sinpo Market’s Legend (Second Stop). While a traditional and satisfying crispy fried chicken experience, it ranked slightly lower in this specific Dakgangjeong taste test compared to the unique profiles of the others. Its saltiness and classic fried chicken feel were noted, along with the nice addition of the cabbage salad.

Visit Incheon for Your Own Taste Test

Incheon’s Dakgangjeong scene is rich and diverse. These three vendors showcase the spectrum of this popular snack, from traditional crispy styles to uniquely chewy and sweet variations. While locations weren’t pinpointed beyond Sinpo Market for one, they are all situated within the general Incheon area, requiring a culinary adventure to find them. The general rating, based on our taste test, highlights the unique “Yakgwa” texture Dakgangjeong as a must-try revelation (ranked #1), followed by the subtly flavored mild option (#2), and the classic market style (#3).

Exploring these different takes on Dakgangjeong is a delicious way to experience Incheon’s local food culture. Don’t miss the chance to try them and decide your own favorite!