Chili menchi katsu weekend lunch in Myeonmok, Seoul: Katsu Monster

Whenever I get a craving for tonkatsu with that irresistible crispy texture, I fall into a happy dilemma over which menu to choose.

I especially love the thick-cut style of tonkatsu that's juicy through and through, rather than the thin kind. I happened to have business nearby and heard about a place with a great atmosphere and even better food, so I decided to stop by.

Being near a university, I went in with high hopes that it would also be good value for money.

I'd heard it was a nice spot to eat quietly alone or to fill up with a friend, so my steps felt light. I opened the door excited to see if it would live up to its reputation as a Seoil University-area favorite.

Where is Katsu Monster Myeonmok, and when is it open?

Katsu Monster Myeonmok is about ten minutes from Myeonmok Station and five minutes on foot from the main gate of Seoil University, so it was really easy to find.

It's open daily from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM, with a break time from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM — worth keeping in mind when you plan your visit.

Bar-table seats and an open kitchen at Katsu Monster Myeonmok

Inside, the seating was arranged bar-table style, so even someone dining alone wouldn't feel out of place — it was a comfortable setup.

With an open kitchen, I could peek at the cooking process, which gave me confidence, and the whole place felt clean, so I sat down in a good mood.

Even though I visited during the weekend lunch rush, tables turned over quickly and I didn't have to wait long before being seated.

True to its reputation near Seoil University, ordering is done easily via tablet, and you pick up your own food and return the tray to the shelf when you're done — a convenient system.

Chili menchi katsu for 4,000 won near Seoil University

Mix Katsu (₩16,000) + à la carte menchi katsu (₩4,000). What I ordered that day was the Mix Katsu B set (loin + cheese), the menchi katsu, and a mini curry.

Look at that cheese stretching so temptingly. Even to the last bite, the cheese's distinct savory flavor and texture stayed intact, so it was delicious even once it had cooled. This is what makes cheese katsu the real deal.

Honestly, whenever I eat tonkatsu I always agonize over choosing between loin and cheese, so I was so glad they had a half-and-half option ready to go.

The loin katsu was also cooked just right, giving it an incredibly tender texture. Sprinkled with a little pink salt, it needed nothing else — the feeling that pork tonkatsu fills every need.

This was my first time trying the menchi katsu, and it turned out to be a real delicacy.

Minced cheongyang chili mixed into the pork cut through what could have been a greasy fried taste, and it paired perfectly with the tonkatsu sauce.

Dipping the menchi katsu deep into the tonkatsu sauce and taking a bite, the savory juices and the spicy tang of the cheongyang chili came together beautifully. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, the meat's juices spread through my mouth with every bite — outstanding.

Mini curry (₩4,000). The combination of tonkatsu and curry is always the right choice, so I'd really recommend adding this mini curry on the side.

Is the 16,000 won Mix Katsu B set worth it?

The cheese katsu was packed with so much cheese that it stretched impressively every time I picked it up with my chopsticks. The savory flavor and crispy batter worked together wonderfully, making every bite genuinely enjoyable to chew.

The loin katsu, too, wasn't dry at all — it was tender, and pairing it with pink salt or wasabi really let the meat's natural flavor shine through.

The accompanying broth and cabbage salad were also fresh, refreshing my palate.

Personally, I enjoyed the curry so much I ended up mixing it into my rice and burying my face in the bowl. The generous portions are also a huge part of what keeps drawing me back to this Katsu Monster location.

If you're looking for a filling meal, I don't think there's a better choice than this place. The portion size and flavor both exceeded my expectations relative to the price, and I had a genuinely happy time throughout the meal.

It was such a satisfying meal that if I pass by again, I'd love to come back and try the other menu items.