If you’ve watched a Korean drama, you’ve probably dreamed of this scene: sitting by the Han River at night, sharing fried chicken and cold beer (Chimaek) with the city skyline glowing behind you. It’s one of those quintessential Seoul moments that looks almost too perfect to be real.

On my latest trip to Seoul, I finally made this K-drama fantasy come to life. Spoiler: It’s just as good as it looks on screen.

This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Seoul.

First, What is Chimaek?

If you’ve never heard the term before, chimaek (치맥) is a popular Korean combination of fried chicken (치킨) and beer (맥주)—the perfect pairing that has taken Korea by storm. The word itself is a playful blend of “chi” from chicken and “maek” from maekju, which means beer in Korean.

Chimaek is a cultural phenomenon and a beloved social ritual. Whether it’s a casual night out with friends, a fun date, or a relaxing solo treat, sharing crispy, flavorful fried chicken with cold beer has become a quintessential Korean experience.

The Perfect Start

I started the evening by getting off at Yeouinaru Station (여의나루역), which is the closest subway stop to Yeouido Hangang Park.

From there, it’s a short stroll to one of Seoul’s coolest convenience stores—a floating 7-Eleven on the Han River, connected to the park by a small bridge. It’s basically a convenience store with a front-row seat to the sunset.

Inside, you’ll find all the Korean essentials: instant ramen, cold beer, snacks, and picnic supplies. Just outside the shop, there are ramen induction cookers where you can whip up your noodles on the spot.

And don’t worry! When you purchase your ramen package, the cashier will hand you heat-safe bowls to cook your noodles safely. Plus, you can choose from a variety of tasty toppings—like raw eggs, melted cheese, fish cakes, and kimchi—to make your ramen truly your own!

After a brief moment of confusion trying to figure out the ramen cookers (the instructions are all in Korean), my friend and I finally managed to cook our infamous Shin ramen, each with a perfectly cracked egg on top.

Shout-out to the two kind Japanese travellers who helped us navigate the process despite the language barrier. Sometimes the best travel moments come from strangers lending a quick hand.

Chimaek Time: Chicken and Beer by the Water

Just steps away from the 7-Eleven, right there on the same floating dock, you’ll find a cozy fried chicken stand that’s a favourite among park visitors looking for a quick, delicious bite. We eagerly ordered a box of perfectly crispy fried chicken along with some spicy tteokbokki (rice cakes), then strolled over to the grassy riverside, ready to relax and enjoy our feast as the sun began to set.

If you’re lucky, you’ll find an empty picnic table, like we did!

But don’t worry if they’re all taken—near the park entrance, there are small rental stations where you can borrow portable chairs, tables, tents, and picnic mats for just a few thousand won. It’s super convenient, especially if you’re planning to settle in for a long, lazy evening by the river.

Your Own K-Drama Moment

With chicken in one hand, beer in the other, and the Han River stretching out in front of me, it’s impossible not to feel like you’re in a scene from “Crash Landing on You” (사랑의 불시착) or “My Love from the Star” (별에서 온 그대).

The atmosphere was unbeatable: couples riding bikes, kids playing with LED balloons, and groups of friends laughing over snacks. The perfect way to spend your evening while in Seoul.

Too Tired to Wait in Line? Get Food Delivered to the Park!

One of the coolest things about hanging out at the Han River is that you don’t even have to bring your own food—you can have it delivered right to your picnic spot!

Whether you’re craving fried chicken, pizza, tteokbokki, or even Korean BBQ, many local restaurants and delivery apps (like Baemin or Yogiyo) will bring your order straight to the park. Most of the major delivery services have options for Hangang Park delivery, and there are even designated delivery zones and pick-up spots to make things easier.

Just be sure to include a clear description of your location—landmarks like specific bridges, convenience stores, or rental booths can help your delivery driver find you quickly.

Pro tip: If you’re not comfortable ordering in Korean, some vendors at the park entrance can help you place an order, or you can use English-friendly apps like Shuttle Delivery that cater to foreigners.

How to Plan Your Own Han River Chimaek Night

📍 Where to Go:

• Yeouido Hangang Park, via Yeouinaru Station (Line 5, Exit 2 or 3).
• Head to the floating 7-Eleven for snacks, drinks, and ramen.
• Check out the fried chicken shop right across from the 7-Eleven for your chimaek fix.

🧺 What to Bring:

• A picnic mat – Bring your own or rent one from nearby vendors at the park entrance.
• Wet wipes or napkins – Essential for fried chicken nights.
• A portable phone charger – You’ll be snapping photos, ordering food, or using maps, so a backup battery comes in handy.
• Good company—or just yourself! – Whether you’re with friends, on a date, or enjoying solo time, this experience is for everyone.

⏰ Best Time to Go:

• Evenings are the best time for the full K-drama effect—arrive just before sunset to catch the golden hour, then stay for the sparkling city skyline at night.
• Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather, but summer nights are lively too, with lots of locals picnicking late into the evening.
• Weekdays are generally quieter if you prefer a more peaceful vibe, while weekends bring out a festive, community feel.

More Than Just Fried Chicken

Chimaek by the Han River is the full K-drama experience. It’s the kind of travel adventure that makes you feel like you’re part of the story, not just watching from the sidelines (or should I say TV?).

So next time you’re in Seoul, don’t just watch the K-drama life, live it. Grab some chicken, crack open a cold beer, and let the Han River be your backdrop for a night you won’t forget.

Safe travel,

Carina

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