How Black Soldiers Helped Shape Korea’s Fried Chicken Story
Every Veterans Day I think about my grandfather who served in Korea. Before pop culture from Korea went global a food story was already forming. Korean fried chicken grew from American technique combined with Korean creativity. Black American servicemen brought the skills the seasoning and the spirit of Southern cooking. Local cooks added their own rhythm. That mix is why the world now craves the crunch from Seoul to South Carolina.
How It Started
During the war food was scarce. On holidays turkey was not an option. Soldiers turned to chicken. They seasoned it well and fried it golden then shared it with Korean allies and nearby families. For many it was a new way to enjoy chicken. Not stewed. Not boiled. Crispy and deeply seasoned. For the soldiers it was a taste of home and a bridge to mutual respect.
My Grandfather stationed in Korea during the war
The Evolution
Korea took that spark and built a signature style. Cooks began to fry the chicken twice. First at a gentle heat then hot to lock in a thin shattering crust. Then came yangnyeom sauce with gochujang garlic and a touch of sweetness. The flavor was bold and balanced. The texture stayed crisp even with sauce. Shops spread across the country. Chimaek became a ritual. Friends gathered for chicken and beer after work after games and on weekends. A local classic was born and then exported to the world.
The Legacy
What stays with me is the quiet legacy. Black GIs shared a piece of Southern soul. Korean cooks answered with invention and pride. Today every basket of Korean wings carries that shared history. It is a reminder that food builds trust where politics and words can fall short.
When you order Korean fried chicken this weekend you are tasting more than sauce and crunch. You are tasting a story of service resilience and connection.
Cook It At Home
If you want that spirit in your own kitchen explore my family fried chicken recipes. Each one carries a story just like my grandfather’s.
- Uncle Dibbz