Get your Korean fried chicken in Wheeler Place
When Hyunjin Choi, affectionately known as Jin, launched the first Busan Chicken Hub in Cardiff in November last year, he aimed to bring an authentic and accessible Korean fried chicken experience to Lake Macquarie.
One year later, Jin has launched his second Busan Chicken Hub and this time it’s Newcastle’s turn.
Originating from South Korea and training in Sydney’s culinary scene, Jin initially planned to return to Korea, but his plans changed when he met his partner, Jem – who is from Newcastle. Together, they decided to make Newcastle home and today they’re raising their four-year-old daughter here.
Cardiff was the first home for Busan Chicken Hub, and after just a few short months the demand for Jin’s iconic Korean fried chicken grew so popular, the idea for a second space started brewing.
“In Cardiff, we kept hearing that people wished they had a comfortable place to sit down and enjoy their food, especially with a beer,” Jin said.
On Friday, October 25, Busan Chicken Hub celebrated its bold step into Newcastle’s CBD and officially opened their doors to the second space. The new location is set up in the former Blue Door spot in Wheeler Place, directly opposite the Civic Theatre.
Bringing a whole new experience to Busan Chicken Hub, the Newcastle location offers a vibrant Korean-inspired dine-in experience. The large outdoor area allows diners to make the most of the warmer weather, or people watch as people start arriving for their Civic Theatre show.
“Just imagine having a beer while watching the sunset with a tram passing by in the background.”
At Busan Chicken Hub City, Jin’s menu is concise, highlighting only the most beloved Korean flavours.
"Our signature item, the Yangnyeom Chicken, is the reason Busan Chicken Hub exists and is the ultimate flavour that represents Korean fried chicken.”
This classic dish is the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy – striking a balance that keeps customers returning time and time again.
The menu also includes garlic soy, tornado, and snow cheese flavours, each complete with its own bold distinct flavour profiles.
“We only use fresh chicken, butchered in the morning and marinated in our house-made seasoning for 24 hours. We then coat it with our custom flour blend and fry it fresh to order.”
The city location has also embraced Korea’s social drinking culture, introducing dishes that pair perfectly with Korean drinks, including soups and additional chicken flavours (exclusive to the city venue).
For Jin, Busan Chicken Hub is about more than just great food; it’s about sharing Korean culture.
“In one word, Busan Chicken Hub is about sharing. Sharing is a huge part of Korean culture. Many people tell us that our portions are large, but this is intentional. We want our chicken to be something people share with loved ones and enjoy meaningful moments together.”
With a growing interest for Busan Chicken Hub to bring their flavours to Maitland, the future for this Korean-flavoured foodie spot is looking strong. For now, either drop by the OG space in Cardiff (4/286 Main Road) or call into the dine-in spot in Newcastle and taste the bold flavours of Jin authentic Korean fried chicken.
