Daecheong Station tonkatsu restaurant with cheese nabe: Sioldon Ilwon

Where is Sioldon Ilwon Branch, and how do you get there?

Sioldon Ilwon Branch is a tonkatsu restaurant at 12 Ilwon-ro 9-gil, 1st floor, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. I found it while looking for a hearty, tasty meal near Samsung Seoul Hospital, and it turned out to be super convenient to get to — just a 5-minute walk from the hospital intersection, and close to Exit 4 of Daecheong Station too, so the accessibility was great.

• Location: 12 Ilwon-ro 9-gil, 1st floor, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Public transit: 570m from Exit 4 of Daecheong Station (Line 3), 5 minutes from Samsung Seoul Hospital intersection
• Hours: Open daily (last order 8:00 PM)
• Parking: 2 free spots in front of the restaurant (space is tight, public transit recommended)
• Amenities: Wi-Fi, group seating available, takeout, separate restrooms, waiting area, delivery, wheelchair-accessible entrance

Inside Sioldon Ilwon Branch: solo seats and kiosk ordering

Walking into Sioldon Ilwon Branch, I was greeted by a clean, warm wood-toned interior. There was a bar table and solo seating well set up too, so it seemed like a place you could visit and eat alone without any hesitation.

Ordering was simple through the kiosk. I was pleasantly surprised to see beers like Cass, Kirin, and Asahi ready for a quick drink alongside the meal. On one side there was a waiting list along with hair ties and disposable mouthwash — the kind of thoughtful little touch from the owner that really stood out. Cooking starts as soon as you order and takes about 15 minutes, but it was a wait I didn't mind at all, knowing it was for the sake of good food.

How does the cheese nabe taste, and what comes with it?

Browsing the menu at Sioldon Ilwon Branch, I found myself craving something spicy yet savory, so I went with the cheese nabe. It arrived neatly plated on a tray, with rice, soup, and salad alongside a nabe (hot pot) bubbling away.

Taking a sip of the broth, I could tell the rich, spicy signature sauce had soaked into the tonkatsu beautifully. The generous layer of cheese on top softened the spiciness into a fantastic combination. Paired with a cold beer, it felt like all the fatigue of the day just melted away.

How to eat the tonkatsu, plus the Naver review event

At the front of the table at Sioldon Ilwon Branch, there was a kind guide on how to enjoy tonkatsu the best way. It recommended first enjoying the natural texture without any sauce, then adding Himalayan pink salt, wasabi, or whole grain mustard.

There's also an ongoing event where you get a free drink for writing a Naver receipt review, worth keeping in mind. This is a place that seems to focus on the natural juiciness and freshness of the meat, and it was a satisfying meal down to the very last bite.

Solo dining, takeout and delivery: is Sioldon Ilwon Branch worth a visit?

Sioldon Ilwon Branch is a place where you can enjoy a pleasant meal any time, thanks to its clean interior and comfortable atmosphere. In particular, with its neat solo seats and bar table, I thought it would be a very appealing space for nearby office workers or those coming to eat alone after a hospital visit.

The neat table spread in the dining room is great, but the fact that takeout and delivery are well set up for the entire menu is also a big plus. Since cooking starts as soon as you order, even takeout keeps that signature crispiness and savory juiciness intact, so you can enjoy high-quality tonkatsu at home or the office just like eating in the restaurant.

On top of that, with a wide range of options from affordable value sets to warm curry udon and kimchi nabe, there's something new to enjoy every time you visit. Friendly service, thoughtful attention to the space, and cooking that brings out the natural flavor of the meat — everything here comes together in balance.

Whenever I'm craving something hearty and clean in Japanese cuisine, or a proper bowl of tonkatsu that warms the heart, I know I'll be back here without hesitation. If you're looking for a great tonkatsu restaurant near Samsung Seoul Hospital, I'd recommend visiting without hesitation and enjoying some carefully made Japanese food.