Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung Tongdak Street - A Perfect Guide to Discovering the Original Wang Galbi Tongdak

Basic Information about Suwon Tongdak Street

Located directly opposite Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung, Suwon Tongdak Street is a small alley about 100 meters long that started in the 1970s. It is a nationally famous food street with about 11 chicken restaurants gathered. It gained more attention as the real background of Suwon Wang Galbi Tongdak featured in the movie 'Extreme Job'.

Address

Paldal-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Accessibility

5 minutes on foot from Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung

Operating Hours

Varies by store (mostly 12:00~22:00)

Parking

Use Hwaseong Haenggung Public Parking Lot, Namsudong Public Parking Lot

What is Wang Galbi Tongdak?

Suwon Wang Galbi Tongdak is a unique menu born with the development of the livestock industry in the Suwon area. It is characterized by applying the seasoning secret of traditional Suwon Wang Galbi to chicken with a special sauce. It is a dish that combines crispy chicken fried in a traditional cast iron cauldron with a sauce prepared using the traditional recipe of Suwon Wang Galbi.

Even before it was introduced in the movie 'Extreme Job', it was already a popular menu in the Suwon area and is now a nationwide sensation. It features a sweet and salty sauce based on soy sauce, boasting a unique taste different from regular seasoned chicken.

Introduction to Major Restaurants

Nammundak Main Branch - The Original Wang Galbi Tongdak

Location

16 Jeongjo-ro 800beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Phone Number

031-1522-8818

Business Hours

Daily 12:00~22:00 (Open all year round)

Seating Capacity

About 200 seats (1-2 floor structure)

This is Suwon's representative chicken brand that first developed and sold the Suwon Wang Galbi Tongdak recipe nationwide. It boasts a long history starting from 1970 and has grown into a franchise with over 10 branches nationwide. It also achieved the highest sales for a single store in Korea from 2019 to 2022 (about 3 billion won).

Jangan Tongdak

Location

42 Paldalmun-ro 3beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Phone Number

031-252-5190

Business Hours

Daily 13:00~25:00 (Open all year round)

Known for providing good ingredients and high-quality service using clean oil. It offers whole garlic roast and chicken gizzard roast as complimentary services and is praised for recreating the early 90s seasoning taste.

Yongseong Tongdak

Location

15 Jeongjo-ro 800beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Phone Number

031-242-8226

Business Hours

Daily 11:30~24:30 (Closed on Tuesdays)

An old chicken restaurant that opened in 1978. It has a spacious venue with 1-2 floors, accommodating group visits, and provides chicken feet and gizzards as basic side dishes with chicken orders.

Menu and Price Information

Most stores offer basic side dishes such as pickled radish, fried chicken gizzards, and garlic roast as complimentary services. Some stores also provide morning bread and salad, allowing you to enjoy it in a chicken burger style.

Accessibility and Transportation Information

Public Transportation

Located about 15 minutes by bus from Suwon Station. It is easy to find if you aim for Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung.

Using a Car

Hwaseong Haenggung Public Parking Lot

400 KRW for the first 30 minutes, 200 KRW every 10 minutes thereafter
Daily parking fee 7,000 KRW (24-hour operation)
High possibility of full capacity on weekends and holidays

Namsudong Public Parking Lot

Located across Suwoncheon
400 KRW for the first 30 minutes, 200 KRW every 10 minutes thereafter
Free operation on weekends

Near Paldal District Office

Free parking available on weekends
5 minutes on foot

Tips and Precautions

Optimal Visit Time

Weekdays between 2-5 PM have the shortest waiting times. On weekends, you may have to wait over an hour, so visit with plenty of time. The evening hours (6-8 PM) are particularly crowded, so it's best to avoid them.

Ordering Tips

• Most customers order a combination of half & half (seasoned/fried) + Wang Galbi Tongdak
• Since fresh chicken is fried immediately, a waiting time of 20-30 minutes is required
• Takeout is available, and self-packaging service is provided
• Pickled radish is available for unlimited refills

Characteristics of Each Restaurant

Nammundak has the longest waiting time but offers the original taste, Jangan Tongdak has relatively shorter waiting times and is praised for its taste, and Yongseong Tongdak is known for its spacious venue and friendly service.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung

Located directly opposite Tongdak Street, it is a Joseon Dynasty palace. It is the largest palace in Korea and can be toured along with Suwon Hwaseong, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Night openings are held in October.

Paldalmun Market

If you follow Suwoncheon down from Hwaseong Haenggung, you will find nine traditional markets, including Paldalmun Market. You can enjoy various foods such as raw donuts, glutinous rice twists, and churros at affordable prices.

Recommended Course

2 PM: Tour Hwaseong Haenggung → 4 PM: Walk along Suwon Hwaseong Fortress → 6 PM: Dinner at Tongdak Street → 8 PM: Dessert at Paldalmun Market

Special Services and Events

Every October, the 'Suwon Tongdak Street Festival' is held at Hwaseong Haenggung Square and Namsudong Suwon Tongdak Street. During the festival, various busking performances, King Jeongjo Band Festival, and traditional costume artist street performances are held, and chicken tasting events are also prepared.

Some stores provide free puffed rice snacks while waiting, and offer wet towels instead of wet wipes, providing attentive service.