Chi-Mc (also chi-mac, chimac; Korean: 치맥) is a compound word formed from chicken and mcju.[1] (The word mcju means beer in Korean.) It refers to a combination of chicken (usually fried) and beer served around evening in many Korean restaurants, including specialized chains.
From the roasted chicken that appeared in early 1960s to the spicy chicken that was adapted to meet Korean tastes, Korea has imported and developed a growing variety of chicken dishes. At the same time chicken was becoming more popular, a draft beer that appeared in the 1970s also became a very popular, and eventually it became common for the two to be combined as a single menu item. Moreover, the 2002 Korea–Japan World Cup triggered the culture of Chi-Mc.[clarification needed] Chi-Mc has had a significant impact on Korean drinking culture.[2]
Chi-Mc is also popular in China because of the influence of the drama My love from the star, in which Cheon Song-i, the heroine, said "A snowy day is just perfect for our Chi-Mc time ..."; this was the trigger for this phenomenon. Specialty chicken shops have been more numerous in China. Uploading pictures of oneself holding a chicken in one hand and a beer in the other on the SNS[clarification needed] became a trend.[3]
Nowadays, Korea is trying to be reborn as a capital of Chi-Mc.[clarification needed] Chi-Mc holds a special place between the public and the consumer.[clarification needed]InDaegu Metropolitan City, a Chi-Mc festival was held in 2012.[4] In 2013, a Chi-Mc festival in Ningbo drew some 40 millions visitors.[4][dubious – discuss]
Chi-Mc is a profitable franchise. Demand for specialty chicken shops increased with the growing demands for chicken and beer.[3] As of March 2014 Korea had 192 chicken franchise companies. About 10% of companies are known for unique recipes.[4]
