Ssangdong Tongdak: The Soul of Wonju’s Fried Chicken Legacy

Tongdak(Image Source:copilot)

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In an age of trendy chicken franchises and endless delivery apps, one humble shop in Wonju has stood the test of time—serving up whole fried chicken the old-fashioned way for over 50 years. This is the story of Ssangdong Tongdak, and how it became the beating heart of Wonju’s local food culture.

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🐔 What Is “Tongdak”?

“Tongdak” (통닭) literally means “whole chicken.” Unlike modern fried chicken that’s chopped into parts and heavily sauced, Tongdak is a whole bird, seasoned simply and fried to golden perfection. It’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and served with classic sides like shredded cabbage, salt, and mustard sauce.

In Wonju, Tongdak isn’t just food—it’s nostalgia on a plate.

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🏆 Ssangdong Tongdak: A 50-Year Legacy

• Founded in 1971 by a local couple, Ssangdong Tongdak is considered the first Tongdak shop in Wonju.
• Located near Bukwon Bridge, it was once part of a bustling “Tongdak Alley” with over 10 shops. Today, Ssangdong is the last one standing.
• The shop is now run by the founders’ twin sons, continuing the tradition with just one menu item: classic fried Tongdak.
• They use a cast-iron cauldron to fry fresh chicken daily, and the only day they close is Lunar New Year.

“No gimmicks, no sauces—just honest chicken fried with care.”

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🏘️ Tongdak Culture in Wonju

• Nambu Tongdak

A neighborhood favorite that’s been around for decades.
Locals in their 50s remember buying chicken here as elementary school kids.
Still uses the same frying method and serves the classic cabbage + mustard combo.

Tongdak (Image Source:Copilot)

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• Wonju Teuksu Tongdak (in Jinju)

A shop that recreates Wonju-style Tongdak outside the city.
Offers four signature dishes: fried chicken, chicken stew, samgyetang, and dakdoritang.
Preserves the original seasoning and cooking style from the 1980s.

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💬 Why Tongdak Still Matters

• It’s shared at family tables, not eaten alone in front of a screen.
• It’s picked up in person, not dropped off by a rider.
• It’s seasoned with memory, not just salt.

For Wonju locals, Tongdak is more than food—it’s a taste of home.

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📚 Sources

1. Ssangdong Tongdak Interview – YouTube
2. Wonju’s Chicken Alley History – Naver Blog
3. Tongdak Culture in Korea – Korea Herald
4. Nambu Tongdak Local Review – Naver Blog
5. Wonju Teuksu Tongdak Menu – Kakao Place

 

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📌 Content Note
This blog post is part of a local food heritage series, highlighting timeless flavors and stories from Korea’s regional culinary traditions. All information is based on publicly available sources and local interviews. If you have personal stories or photos related to Wonju Tongdak, feel free to share them in the comments!