Can a trip to the Han River be complete without chicken? This time, the Jamsugyo Bridge transformed into a massive 'chicken table.' Renowned franchises and local chicken shops gathered, attracting over 120,000 citizens and tourists. The participating vendors saw a significant boost in sales.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 27th that 46 businesses, including local favorites and small enterprises, participated in the 'Jamsugyo Chicken Day' held on the 25th, generating total sales of 108 million won.
This event took place just a day before the pedestrian-only conversion of the Jamsugyo Bridge and served as the final program of the '2026 Car-Free Jamsugyo Walking Festival.' Chicken, a staple of the Han River, marked the festival's conclusion.
In addition to the enjoyment of eating, the event offered the fun of discerning flavors. The tasting event 'Jamsugyo Chimulier,' a blend of chicken and sommelier, featured 250 chickens sourced from 24 stores across 23 districts in Seoul. Registration for local participants closed within four hours of opening.
A tasting group of 100, including foreigners, sampled the chicken for 90 minutes, evaluating the unique flavors and characteristics of each vendor. Shops from various neighborhoods, such as 'Ajit Chicken & Hof' in Jung-gu, 'Friend Chicken' in Yongsan-gu, 'Qusdak Gangjeong' in Mapo-gu, and 'Ouni Tongdak' in Seocho-gu, showcased their offerings at the Jamsugyo Bridge, providing a chance to experience Seoul's local chicken flavors in one place.
Participants expressed their excitement, saying, "I discovered new menu items," and "I want to enjoy this with family and friends and recommend it to others."
The 'chicken table' stretched 400 meters across the bridge and was a hit. During the two-day pre-registration, 2,686 people signed up, exceeding the target of 2,000 by 34.3%. Including those who purchased on-site and participated in tastings, approximately 4,041 people attended.
Eight brands participating in paid sales, including Gamachi Tongdak, Manseok Dakgangjeong, Mom's Touch, Mexicana, Banpo Chicken, BBQ, Oneul Tongdak, and Jadam Chicken, reported total sales of 47 million won. Gami Chicken and Pura Chicken held free tasting events for 1,000 attendees.
The average sales per participating vendor during the event were more than double the average sales of a food truck at the 'Walking Festival' in the first half of this year, according to the Seoul government.
For the vendors, it was not only a day of sales but also an opportunity to promote their businesses.
Kim Jong-hyun, CEO of Oneul Tongdak, stated, "More domestic and foreign tourists than expected visited, showing great interest and love, as evidenced by the long lines. It was meaningful to share the history and taste of Oneul Tongdak, which has been around since 1977." He also expressed delight at the positive feedback from foreign visitors.
The Seoul government evaluated the event as a platform for connecting franchises, local eateries, and small businesses with citizens and tourists. It provided citizens with the joy of discovering new dining options while giving vendors a chance to meet potential customers.
Park Jin-young, head of the Future Han River Headquarters at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, remarked, "We will continue to strive to create opportunities for small businesses to thrive at festival sites."
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 27th that 46 businesses, including local favorites and small enterprises, participated in the 'Jamsugyo Chicken Day' held on the 25th, generating total sales of 108 million won.
This event took place just a day before the pedestrian-only conversion of the Jamsugyo Bridge and served as the final program of the '2026 Car-Free Jamsugyo Walking Festival.' Chicken, a staple of the Han River, marked the festival's conclusion.
In addition to the enjoyment of eating, the event offered the fun of discerning flavors. The tasting event 'Jamsugyo Chimulier,' a blend of chicken and sommelier, featured 250 chickens sourced from 24 stores across 23 districts in Seoul. Registration for local participants closed within four hours of opening.
A tasting group of 100, including foreigners, sampled the chicken for 90 minutes, evaluating the unique flavors and characteristics of each vendor. Shops from various neighborhoods, such as 'Ajit Chicken & Hof' in Jung-gu, 'Friend Chicken' in Yongsan-gu, 'Qusdak Gangjeong' in Mapo-gu, and 'Ouni Tongdak' in Seocho-gu, showcased their offerings at the Jamsugyo Bridge, providing a chance to experience Seoul's local chicken flavors in one place.
Participants expressed their excitement, saying, "I discovered new menu items," and "I want to enjoy this with family and friends and recommend it to others."
The 'chicken table' stretched 400 meters across the bridge and was a hit. During the two-day pre-registration, 2,686 people signed up, exceeding the target of 2,000 by 34.3%. Including those who purchased on-site and participated in tastings, approximately 4,041 people attended.
Eight brands participating in paid sales, including Gamachi Tongdak, Manseok Dakgangjeong, Mom's Touch, Mexicana, Banpo Chicken, BBQ, Oneul Tongdak, and Jadam Chicken, reported total sales of 47 million won. Gami Chicken and Pura Chicken held free tasting events for 1,000 attendees.
The average sales per participating vendor during the event were more than double the average sales of a food truck at the 'Walking Festival' in the first half of this year, according to the Seoul government.
For the vendors, it was not only a day of sales but also an opportunity to promote their businesses.
Kim Jong-hyun, CEO of Oneul Tongdak, stated, "More domestic and foreign tourists than expected visited, showing great interest and love, as evidenced by the long lines. It was meaningful to share the history and taste of Oneul Tongdak, which has been around since 1977." He also expressed delight at the positive feedback from foreign visitors.
The Seoul government evaluated the event as a platform for connecting franchises, local eateries, and small businesses with citizens and tourists. It provided citizens with the joy of discovering new dining options while giving vendors a chance to meet potential customers.
Park Jin-young, head of the Future Han River Headquarters at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, remarked, "We will continue to strive to create opportunities for small businesses to thrive at festival sites."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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