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If you’ve spent any time in Korea, you know that chicken isn’t just food—it’s a way of life. From cheering on a sports team to relaxing after a long week, chicken (and the beer that goes with it, a combo called Chimaek) is always there.
But in a country with countless brands, which one truly rules the roost?
We’re diving into the data to find out. This ranking is based on the June 2025 Brand Reputation Index from the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute. It analyzes big data based on consumer online habits, including participation (searches), communication (social media engagement), and community spread (viral buzz).
Based on the data, here are the top 5 hottest chicken brands in South Korea right now.
👑 1. BBQ (Brand Reputation Index: 2,204,800)
As the undisputed king, BBQ stands strong at number one. Their signature menu, the 황금올리브 (Hwang-geum Olive / Golden Olive) Chicken, is the gold standard for classic, crispy fried chicken. The data confirms their dominance, showing overwhelming scores across all categories (participation, communication, and community). This proves that BBQ has earned its place as a national favorite through decades of trust and quality.
🥈 2. Kyochon Chicken (Brand Reputation Index: 1,832,494)
Kyochon is the master of 단짠 (Danjjan)—the perfect, addictive balance of sweet and salty. Their soy-garlic and honey-combo series are iconic and have created a legion of loyal fans. What’s fascinating in the data is that Kyochon scored the highest in the “Participation Index” (610,720). This means when Koreans think, “Should we get chicken?” Kyochon is one of the very first names that pops into their heads.
🥉 3. BHC (Brand Reputation Index: 1,407,221)
BHC is the trendsetter that created a craze with its signature 뿌링클 (Bburinkle) Chicken. Bburinkle is a crispy chicken coated in a magical, sweet-and-savory cheese and vegetable powder, served with a sweet yogurt-like dipping sauce. It’s an absolute sensation among younger Koreans. Its high “Community Index” score proves its viral power, as photos and videos of Bburinkle constantly flood social media.
4. 60gye Chicken (Brand Reputation Index: 1,271,181)
With the slogan, “We use fresh, new oil to fry only 60 chickens each day,” 60gye (whose name literally means “60 chickens”) won the hearts of health-conscious consumers. This marketing promise built incredible trust and a reputation for being a “clean” chicken brand. Their popular Gochu Chicken (Spicy Pepper Chicken) offers a clean yet flavorful kick, and their positive reputation is clearly reflected in their strong community buzz.
5. Mom’s Touch (Brand Reputation Index: 1,163,001)
Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, isn’t Mom’s Touch a burger joint?” And you’d be right. But this is what makes their spot on this list so impressive. Mom’s Touch is famous for one thing above all else: its massive, juicy, and incredibly high-quality chicken thigh patty, best known from its 싸이버거 (Thigh Burger). The chicken is so good that it allows a burger brand to compete with the top dedicated chicken restaurants. Its high “Participation Index” (442,840) shows just how many people are searching for their legendary chicken burgers.
So, there you have it! The “Big 3” (BBQ, Kyochon, BHC) continue to dominate, but challengers with unique selling points—like 60gye’s “clean oil” promise and Mom’s Touch’s unbeatable chicken burgers—are making serious waves.
Which of these top-ranked chickens are you most excited to try first? Let us know in the comments!