Katsudon donburi lunch near Seoul National Univ. Station: Kosi

There's a tidy, well-put-together pork cutlet and udon restaurant I often visit for solo lunches, and it recently opened a brand New! branch. This new location is right along the route I take for my hobbies, so it's become even easier for me to drop by — and I did, again! If you're looking for a restaurant near Seoul National University Entrance Station where you can eat a clean, filling meal, give Kosi a try.

Kosi Seoul National University Entrance Branch: location and hours

• Address: 466 Bongcheon-ro, 1st floor, Gwanak-gu, Seoul / 1-minute walk from Exit 5 of Seoul National University Entrance Station
• Hours: Daily 11:00 - 20:50
• Break time: 15:00 - 17:00
• Group seating available, Wi-Fi, waiting area, takeout, delivery, reservations possible
• Parking available (1 hour free on weekends and holidays)

Kosi specializes in handmade pork cutlet and sanuki udon and other Japanese dishes. I'd always visited the Isu branch before, but this newly opened branch is much more convenient for my weekday route, which was great news for me. The store is a one-minute walk from a big intersection right by the subway station, so it's also a solid pick for anyone searching for a restaurant close to Seoul National University Entrance Station.

The vibe inside and bar-table seating perfect for solo dining

On weekdays I'm always on foot, but on weekends and holidays there's free parking right next to the restaurant, which is a big plus. True to a Japanese specialty restaurant, the interior is neat and understated, with a calm atmosphere. Even at full capacity it wasn't overly noisy, which made for a pleasant dining environment.

Inside the main hall there are tables for two, tables for four, and quite a few bar-table seats. The bar tables in particular have a nice, open feel that I liked, making it comfortable and pleasant for eating lunch alone. In fact, when I visited there were quite a few solo diners, so it didn't feel awkward at all.

Tablet ordering menu: what's on offer

The menu at Kosi, a restaurant near Seoul National University Entrance Station! Each table has its own tablet PC where you can browse and order various versions of pork cutlet and udon dishes — very convenient. Kosi's signature bukkake cold udon catches your eye first, and there's also a hot version, along with zaru soba and several types of katsu.

There are also donburi (rice bowl) dishes that make for a simple yet filling one-bowl meal, plus plenty of side dishes to go with them. Note that all menu items are priced as single dishes by default, but you can also order them as a full set meal for a richer, more complete spread.

Plain pork cutlet, ₩11,500

I chose the plain pork cutlet (₩11,500). From the thick cut to the tender, faintly pink-toned meat, it looked appetizing right away. Taking a bite, it wasn't tough at all — soft in texture, with a satisfying thickness that filled my mouth.

On top of that, the batter wasn't too thick and fried up wonderfully crispy, giving it a high-quality texture without any greasiness. The oil was well drained, too, which is exactly the kind of point I look for — it's why I keep coming back to Kosi. Even cooled down, it stays tasty and never greasy!

Tori tempura bukkake udon, ₩11,000

A dish that pairs perfectly with pork cutlet — the refreshing tori tempura bukkake udon (₩11,000). The clean, neat presentation looks just right for a pleasant solo lunch, don't you think?

It's also great for cooling off during summer, and satisfying for finishing a meal cleanly. The seasoning isn't salty — just savory enough to burst with umami — giving it a refreshing, thirst-quenching quality.

On top of that, the noodles are chewy and springy! With so much elasticity, they're fun to chew, and the more you chew, the more sweetness comes through, making them even tastier. The portion is generous too, so it's a filling meal.

Katsudon, ₩11,000 — my mom's top pick

Last, the katsudon (₩11,000) — a donburi (rice bowl) dish with a savory, clean flavor that's so appealing you could finish the whole bowl in one go. As with the other dishes, the sauce wasn't salty, which I liked, and you could really taste the soft, savory flavor of the egg.

The combination of rice, egg, and pork cutlet works so well together. Katsudon, with its coexistence of a clean, easy-on-the-stomach quality and hearty fullness, was my mom's top pick!

To sum up

The accessibility of being near a big intersection by the subway station, the tidy and calm atmosphere, and the solo bar-table seating are all great points for a solo lunch. The food, too, has a clean, not-overdone seasoning and high quality, making for a delicious, filling meal.

Visit review from 2026.09.06.