Bulgeum: Chimeak on a Fever Friday

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 Cold beer, crispy chicken, and one of Korea's favorite Friday-night rituals.


I have a close friend I've known since high school. We've been friends for 38 years.

She isn't much of a drinker but I am.

Yet somehow, we end up sharing a drink almost every time we meet.

Maybe that's because we're Koreans born in the 1970s.

For our generation, saying "Let's grab dinner." often quietly means, "Let's have a drink together." Even if we meet for a simple meal, a bottle somehow finds its way onto the table as if it were part of the set menu.

For Korean office workers, Bulgeum (불금) literally means "Burning Friday."

It's Friday night after surviving another workweek—a time to unwind with friends, coworkers, or family.

It always reminds me of BTS's Fire.

The energy.

The excitement.

The feeling that the weekend has finally arrived.

This summer has been brutal, with temperatures climbing above 40°C day after day.

So my friend and I decided there was only one proper cure:

Chimaek—fried chicken and ice-cold beer—in Myeongdong, Seoul's forever-downtown.

Off we went.


We could have gone to one of Korea's famous chicken chains.

Instead, we searched for a smaller local brand tucked inside Myeongdong's chicken alley.

The quality of these independent places is often just as good, sometimes even better.

My friend came straight from work, while I came from home, making Myeongdong the perfect place to meet, nowhere in Seoul feels more alive on a Friday night.

The streets overflow with travelers from every corner of the world.

Restaurants buzz.

Shops stay bright.

Dozens of languages drift through the summer air.

Every year, Myeongdong somehow becomes even more vibrant than before.

The moment I step into those streets, my heartbeat picks up.

For a few hours, I become part of that energy too.

After walking through the unbearable heat, the first sip of an ice-cold beer felt almost magical.

Then came the food.

Black Angry Chicken.

Sweet-and-spicy Sriracha wings.

And a bowl of spicy golbaengi bibim noodles—a Korean favorite made with sea snails, chewy noodles, and fresh vegetables.

One look at the menu photos was enough.

There was no way we were leaving without ordering them.

It was one of those evenings that didn't need anything extraordinary.

A good friend.

A cold beer.

A table full of comfort food.

That's all it took.

Bulgeum. Chimaek.

Sometimes those two words are enough.







If you visit Myeongdong's chicken alley, you'll notice something interesting.

Many of the people lining up aren't Koreans—they're visitors who came looking for authentic Korean fried chicken.

The good news is that you don't have to wait for the most famous franchise.

Many smaller brands serve excellent chicken too.

Just pick the place that feels right.

Most restaurants even have staff outside who happily explain the menu.

And yes—those little bowls of pickled radish and beer snacks?

They're complimentary.

If you finish them, just ask for a refill.







📍 Where to Start Your Chimaek Night

The area around Daily Beer Myeongdong is one of the easiest places to experience a Friday night chimaek in Myeongdong. From there, you'll find dozens of chicken pubs, beer bars, cafés, and late-night streets full of energy. Many restaurants also provide English menus, making it an easy stop for international visitors.

Nearest subway: Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station (Line 2, Exit 6) 
Walking time: About 3–5 minutes
Budget: Around ₩20,000–25,000 per person


Location: 대한민국 서울특별시 중구 명동7길 21

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