Gwanghwamun Restaurant Punch Snack is a must-visit for anyone who considers themselves a chicken burger aficionado. As someone who has always gravitated towards the spicy options at fast-food chains like McDonald’s and was once a die-hard fan of Mom’s Touch, finding a place that specializes exclusively in chicken burgers was a dream come true. But not just any chicken burger—this is the kind of place where the balance of flavors, the perfect amount of crispiness, and the just-right level of juiciness make each bite a revelation. Located conveniently near Gwanghwamun, Punch Snack offers not just amazing food but also a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that sets it apart from other spots in the area.
As a chicken burger enthusiast, I’ve always found myself gravitating towards specific menu items at fast-food chains, like the Spicy Shanghai Burger at McDonald’s or various offerings from Mom’s Touch. Yet, I’ve often been disappointed by the lack of specialized chicken burger joints or by the overly greasy and pricey options that are out there. However, my recent visit to Punch Snack, a specialized chicken burger restaurant in Gwanghwamun, has changed everything.
At Punch Snack, I discovered what I now consider to be the best chicken burger of my life. Perfectly balanced in flavor, with just the right amount of oil, and an incredible combination of sauces that elevate the taste to new heights – this place is truly a hidden gem for chicken burger lovers.
Overview, Gwanghwamun Restaurant, Punch Snack
Location & Accessibility
If you’re traveling by subway, Punch Snack is easily accessible. It’s a 10-minute walk from Exit 1 of Gwanghwamun Station on Line 5 or a 7-minute walk from Exit 7 of Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3. For those driving, the nearby Gyeonghui Palace Public Parking Lot offers convenient parking options.
Punch Snack Gwanghwamun Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last Order at 8:00 PM)
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Last Order at 5:00 PM)
Tucked away in a side street that feels reminiscent of a hidden alley in Japan, Punch Snack’s exterior is hip and vibrant – impossible to miss. Despite its hidden location, this place is always bustling, with a line of customers waiting to either dine in or take away their meals.
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Interior & Ambiance of Gwanghwamun Restaurant, Punch Snack
Punch Snack is a compact, retro-themed space that feels like stepping into a bus or a narrow diner from another era. With its 1-person, 2-person, and 4-person seating arrangements and a large self-serve beverage bar, the space is cozy yet functional. The kitchen, which is surprisingly spacious and spotless, occupies a significant part of the room, adding to the overall clean and organized feel of the place. The vibe here captures the essence of Hong Kong or Japanese local eateries, giving it a unique retro charm.
Dining Experience at Gwanghwamun Restaurant, Punch Snack
Ordering Process
Upon entering Punch Snack, the first thing you’ll need to do, regardless of whether there are seats available, is to place your order at the kiosk. Here’s a quick rundown of the process:
- Use the kiosk to select your meal – choose from set menus, individual items, or takeaway.
- Keep your receipt with the order number.
- Once your number appears on the screen, head over to pick up your order.
- Grab your drinks and any necessary utensils from the self-serve station and find a seat.
- Enjoy your meal!
- After eating, return your tray and dishes to the designated area.
Menu Highlights
The menu at Punch Snack is straightforward, featuring six different types of chicken burgers. As a fan of tangy and sweet flavors, I knew I had to try the ‘Red Mayo’ chicken burger, which combines tartar sauce with a unique sweet and spicy sauce. I also debated between the ‘Papa Soy,’ which features a smoky soy flavor with green onions, and the more substantial ‘Uncle Joe,’ which is a classic chicken burger with hearty toppings.
Ultimately, I opted for the Red Mayo Chicken Burger Set (11,700 KRW) and the Uncle Joe Chicken Burger Set (12,300 KRW), which both come with fries or soup and unlimited drink refills.
After placing our order, we waited for our number to appear on the screen. Although the food took a bit longer to arrive than at other burger joints, the wait was worth it – each burger is made fresh to order, with the chicken fried on the spot.
Taste Experience
The first thing we tried was the potato soup, which was impressively smooth and flavorful without being too heavy. It’s easy to see why the owner chose to include it as an option in the set menus – it’s a perfect starter that complements the main meal.
The Red Mayo Chicken Burger was a revelation. The chicken was incredibly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside, with a subtle spicy seasoning that perfectly matched the tangy tartar sauce.
The burger was so thick it was almost impossible to take a bite, but every bite was worth it – this was a flavor combination I’d never experienced before and one I couldn’t get enough of.
Next up was the Uncle Joe Burger – a more classic take on the chicken burger with a straightforward combination of lettuce, tomato, American cheese, and a rich, savory sauce. The simplicity of the ingredients allowed the quality of the chicken to shine through, making it a delicious and satisfying choice.
We finished our meal with the fries, which came in a deceptively large basket. Perfectly seasoned and crisp, these were some of the best fries I’ve had, making them the ideal side to our chicken burgers.
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Why Gwanghwamun Restaurant, Punch Snack is So Good:
- Quality Chicken: Only tender and juicy chicken thigh meat is used, ensuring a perfect texture in every bite.
- Homemade Everything: From the sauces to the fries, everything is made in-house, ensuring freshness and flavor.
- Variety: With multiple flavors to choose from, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.
- Unlimited Refills: When you choose a set menu, you can enjoy unlimited drink refills with your meal.
- Universal Appeal: The simple yet flavorful food appeals to all age groups, from young children to seniors.
- Clean & Hygienic: The restaurant maintains a strict cleaning schedule, ensuring a pleasant dining environment.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a local or just visiting Seoul, Punch Snack in Gwanghwamun is a must-visit for any chicken burger lover. With no break time during the day, you can drop by whenever it suits you and enjoy one of the best chicken burgers in the city.