Chuncheon tonkatsu: stretchy cheese katsu and cold soba, Jeongseong

I went to Jeongseong Katsu Chuncheon Hyoja Branch (정성카츠 춘천효자점), near the back gate of Kangwon National University, and it's a perfect lunch spot in Hyoja-dong, Chuncheon. If you're looking for a place to eat in Hyoja-dong, and especially if you love tonkatsu near Kangwon National University, definitely save this one! From cheese katsu with cheese that stretches and stretches to refreshing cold soba, I ate really well!

Where is Jeongseong Katsu Chuncheon Hyoja Branch and what's the atmosphere like?

Jeongseong Katsu Chuncheon Hyoja Branch is at the start of the Kangwon National University back-gate area, right on the main road Seobudaeseong-ro. It's near the old Chukhyeop intersection, across from where the Saemaeul Geumgo bank is now.

You can see right into the restaurant through big glass windows, and the "KATSU · PASTA · RICE BOWL" sign really stands out, so it's easy to find. Inside, a checkered tile floor, brown leather chairs and white tables made it feel clean and cozy. Every table has a tablet kiosk, so ordering was easy too.

It's a location that's easy for Kangwon National University students and neighborhood residents alike to drop into, so I'd add it to your Hyoja-dong lunch list. For parking, I think you can park in the nearby side streets.

What did we order at Jeongseong Katsu Chuncheon Hyoja Branch?

That day the three of us ate very well: one Jeongseong mixed katsu set (정성모듬카츠정식), one cheese katsu, and the cold soba (naengmomil, chilled buckwheat noodles) we got from the receipt review event. Even just the tonkatsu menu has lots of variety, so choosing was half the fun.

Receipt review event perks

• 1 review verified: a drink
• 2 reviews verified: 2 sasami katsu (chicken tender cutlets)
• 3 reviews verified: cold soba

How was the Jeongseong mixed katsu set?

The Jeongseong mixed katsu set comes with tenderloin and loin katsu plus fried shrimp. It looked exactly like "crispy outside, juicy inside." When I cut it with chopsticks, the tenderloin kept its grain yet felt moist and juicy, and it was really tender. The coating was thin and crispy, so it wasn't greasy at all.

The big fried shrimp on the side was plump with a lightly crispy coating, which I liked. For juiciness, it's one of the best tonkatsu near Kangwon National University.

Honestly, "crispy outside, juicy inside" couldn't fit better. The crunch alone when you bite into the coating makes you happy, and the meat inside was astonishingly tender. It's packed with juice, so every bite felt moist, with no dryness at all, and it went down smoothly to the very end.

Does the cheese katsu's cheese really stretch?

The cheese katsu at Jeongseong Katsu Chuncheon Hyoja Branch starts stretching long and far the moment you lift it with chopsticks. I couldn't help laughing at the sight.

And the cheese! This cheese was the winning move. The stretch looks pretty, and when you chew it's chewy with a gentle, nutty milk aroma. It's not overpowering, just the right richness, so it never felt heavy and I kept reaching for more. The crunch of the batter, the juiciness of the meat and the chewiness of the cheese all came together perfectly! 🧀✨

The cheese inside is rich and savory enough that it could get heavy, but the parsley flakes and fresh lemon balanced it just right. The crispy coating made a fun contrast with the soft cheese. I especially recommend it for kids and cheese lovers. As someone crazy about cheese, I was totally satisfied.

How was the cold soba from the review event?

The cold soba from the receipt review event was perfect for summer and honestly beyond my expectations! The noodles were chewy, and the broth, with a thin layer of ice on top, was sweet and sour with a deep savory flavor.

It's topped with radish sprouts, shredded seaweed and sesame seeds, so the aroma was rich too. Eaten with fried food, it cleanses your palate, and it's the kind of taste I'd crave three meals a day at a Hyoja-dong restaurant in Chuncheon. In summer you could come just for the cold soba. It's that good!

Where can you stop nearby after the meal?

💡 Travel tip: After eating at Jeongseong Katsu Chuncheon Hyoja Branch, I recommend walking over to the Kangwon National University Central Museum. You can see artifacts from prehistoric times to the modern era for free, so it's good for a short stroll or outing. The back-gate area itself is a lively district packed with cafés, bars and gift shops, so it's also nice for a casual walk after eating.

※ I recommend calling the restaurant before you visit to check exact opening hours and break times.

Verdict: would I go back to Jeongseong Katsu Chuncheon Hyoja Branch?

The rich cheese of the cheese katsu, the juicy mixed katsu and refreshing cold soba made for a satisfying meal where everything clicked. If you're looking for tonkatsu near Kangwon National University, or can't decide where to eat in Hyoja-dong, Chuncheon, I strongly recommend Jeongseong Katsu Chuncheon Hyoja Branch. It's a place I definitely want to revisit next time I'm craving lunch in Hyoja-dong, Chuncheon!