Seomyeon tonkatsu restaurant with salt and sauce: Katsu Gimseondo

I was looking for something filling to eat in Seomyeon for lunch or dinner and ended up at Katsu Gimseondo, a tonkatsu specialty restaurant! I already love tonkatsu, but lately I've been more drawn to Japanese-style tonkatsu where you can really feel the crispy batter and the tender meat haha.

This time I ordered the half-and-half tonkatsu set, which lets you try both sirloin and tenderloin at once~! The place had a clean, calm atmosphere that made for a relaxed meal, and it was fun comparing the difference between the two cuts as I ate~!

Katsu Gimseondo hours and break time

Katsu Gimseondo is closed every Tuesday and operates on the following schedule from Monday to Sunday.

• Hours: 11:30 - 21:00
• Break time: 15:00 - 17:00
• Last order: 20:00
• Closed: Every Tuesday

There's a break time between lunch and dinner, so it's a good idea to check before you visit~

The Seomyeon tonkatsu restaurant that moved from Jeonpo

Katsu Gimseondo, a Seomyeon tonkatsu favorite. It's a tonkatsu specialty restaurant that relocated from Jeonpo-dong, so it's a great spot for anyone who used to look for it as a Jeonpo Japanese tonkatsu place!

Inside Katsu Gimseondo: open kitchen and calm atmosphere

The interior overall felt clean and tidy, with a calm, comfortable atmosphere for a meal haha. It didn't feel awkward to eat there alone, and it also seemed like a fine spot for couples~!

What stood out especially was the open kitchen layout, which let me watch the tonkatsu being cooked up close. Getting a peek at how my order was being prepared gave me more trust in the food haha!!

Apparently Katsu Gimseondo uses pork aged for 200 hours! They serve a variety of tonkatsu dishes built around the harmony of aged meat and crispy batter~!!

Katsu Gimseondo menu: which sets can you order?

Katsu Gimseondo had a range of menu items, from basic sirloin and tenderloin tonkatsu sets to an assorted set that comes with shrimp tempura, and a limited-quantity gabri sirloin set.

What I ordered this time was the half-and-half tonkatsu set! Since it lets you enjoy both sirloin and tenderloin, it's a great menu choice for anyone who wants to compare the two cuts. I liked being able to feel the difference in texture and flavor between the cuts rather than just eating one kind~!

What comes with the half-and-half tonkatsu set

When my half-and-half tonkatsu set arrived, the neatly arranged spread caught my eye first! The tonkatsu came with rice, soup, and side dishes, making it a filling, satisfying meal haha.

The tonkatsu had crispy batter all over, and the sirloin and tenderloin were plated separately, which made me curious about the difference even before taking a bite~!

Sirloin tonkatsu: better with salt or with sauce?

I tried the sirloin first! It's the cut that really shows off that classic savory tonkatsu flavor, right?! The batter was crispy without feeling overly greasy, and the sirloin had that firm texture without being tough, making it good to eat with rice~!

With the sauce, it gets a sweet-savory kick, while eating it with salt lets you taste the meat itself more clearly haha. Personally, I dipped the first few pieces in salt, then switched to sauce afterward, and each had its own charm!

How tender was the tenderloin tonkatsu?

The tenderloin had a soft texture that stood out in a different way from the sirloin~! Biting into it, the fibers gave way gently, making it easier to eat than the sirloin, with a clean, mild flavor~!

Tenderloin tends to have less fat, so it can sometimes feel dry, but this time the soft texture really came through, making it easy to eat without any heaviness haha.

If sirloin has a savory, firm charm, tenderloin leans more soft and mild. Alternating between the two cuts, I could really feel the difference in texture and flavor even though it's all tonkatsu, and I felt good about choosing the half-and-half menu!!!

Crispy batter and soft pork, together

What stands out about Katsu Gimseondo's tonkatsu is how well the crispy yet thin batter pairs with the meat's texture!!! Since you can try both sirloin and tenderloin on one plate~ it seems like a great recommendation for anyone who likes both cuts!! I think it's a menu that works well whether you usually prefer sirloin or lean toward the softer tenderloin!

Is Katsu Gimseondo worth a visit? Final verdict

At Katsu Gimseondo this time, I tried the half-and-half tonkatsu set featuring both sirloin and tenderloin! The sirloin had a nice savory, firm texture, while the tenderloin had a soft, mild charm. I could really feel the harmony between the crispy batter and the meat, and I liked the neat spread that went well with rice.

With its clean interior, open kitchen, and variety of tonkatsu options, it's a place worth remembering when you want a solid meal in Seomyeon haha. If you're someone who can't decide between sirloin and tenderloin, starting with the half-and-half tonkatsu set to try both cuts might be a great idea!!!!!