Korea's first gyukatsu restaurant, late Gwanak dinner: Izawa

Korea's original gyukatsu restaurant! I finally made it to Izawa Sharosugil Branch. I wondered if the very first location might taste different from other branches, but both the gyukatsu (breaded beef cutlet) and the curry were seriously delicious — a definite must-repeat spot! And there's also a pretty friendly, good-looking owner haha.

Where is Izawa Sharosugil Branch, and what are the hours and parking?

Izawa Sharosugil Branch is on the 2nd floor at 28 Gwanak-ro 14-gil, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, a 3-minute walk from Seoul National University Station in Sharosu-gil. It's open Mon-Fri 11:30-21:00 and Sat-Sun 11:30-21:30, so you can eat fairly late, with a break time from 3 to 5pm.

No parking on site, but you can park at the Gwanak-gu Office parking lot, just a 2-minute walk away.

What does the second-floor restaurant look like inside and out?

This was a weekday evening visit!

It's on the 2nd floor. Easy enough to find.

Just head up the stairs next to the sign. There are chairs for waiting and a waiting list, so if there's a line when you arrive, write your name down first.

Right as you walk in, it's on the right! Quite a lot of seating. It seemed quiet enough to be good for eating alone too.

This is the left side — I always take my interior photos on the way out after eating, since that's when it's emptiest!

So the chairs were already up on the tables, but there's still plenty of seating, and the interior was super clean.

Behind the left photo is the direction of the restroom, and it was super clean too — well maintained haha. Do you see the good-looking owner in the photo above? Haha he snuck into the shot. He was so friendly it caught me off guard, honestly not fair 🌼

Izawa's gyukatsu menu and prices

• Signature menu · Gyukatsu set 18,000 won
• Signature menu · Curry gyukatsu 20,000 won
• Signature menu · Gyukatsu set for two 36,500 won
• Recommended · Gyudon 12,000 won
• Recommended · Karai ramen 12,000 won
• Recommended · Steki-don 18,000 won
• Alcohol · Soju, draft beer, highballs

Gyukatsu is Izawa's signature dish, made with sirloin, and there are also 2-3 person set menus. If you're not dining alone, check out the set menus too! Beyond gyukatsu, they also have gyudon, soba, ramen, and curry. You can add extra meat or curry to most dishes, and there's soju, beer, and highballs too.

How was the 18,000-won gyukatsu set?

• What I ordered · Gyukatsu set 18,000 won
• What I ordered · Mini curry 4,000 won

I ordered the gyukatsu set. It comes with gyukatsu, salad, side dishes, clear soup, and rice — just look at that gorgeous color on the meat!!!

It was genuinely delicious. Gyukatsu meat is often pre-seasoned in a way that can feel heavy, but this was lightly seasoned and clean-tasting! The meat itself had zero gaminess and was just delicious.

I think it was so tasty because the meat itself was super fresh. Even writing this now makes me want to eat it again — this place is the real deal.

You grill it to your preferred doneness on the tabletop grill haha. Once it's grilled, dip it in whichever sauce you like — so good.

Is Izawa's 4,000-won mini curry worth adding?

Maybe because it was right before closing, the owner kindly gave us a bit of curry to try, and that's how I ended up trying it too — it's a slightly spicy curry.

My friend and I both were seriously wide-eyed. Like, no — the Izawa curry was really, really good too haha. I don't actually love curry that much, to be honest? But the Izawa curry was so delicious. I don't think you'd regret getting the curry gyukatsu at all haha.

Both the gyukatsu and the curry were so good at this fantastic spot, Izawa. The flavor really stuck with me, so my friend and I promised to come back often haha. Izawa is a Seoul National University-area gem where you can enjoy quality beef at a great price! Honestly, I don't call a place a must-repeat spot if it's not good — but this one really is haha. Highly, highly recommend! Just go!!!!

Birthday reservation event at Izawa

There's a Naver Reservation birthday coupon event. If you book and visit within two days of your birthday, they give you ramen!

Izawa Sharosugil Branch: the verdict

• A great-value beef gyukatsu spot
• Wide variety of menu items — gyukatsu, curry, ramen, and more
• Great access from Seoul National University Station