Mini curry add-on to a ramen cutlet set in Gangseo: Hekbap Kkachisan

Where is Hekbap Kkachisan, and is there parking?

Hekbap Kkachisan Branch is a 2nd-floor spot that comes right into view once you walk straight out of Exit 3 at Kkachisan Station. I was looking for somewhere to eat solo near the station and ended up at Hekbap, a place I already liked, and if you're taking the subway, the access is really good. Even first-time visitors should be able to find it without trouble. There's also Kkachisan Market nearby, so it's worth a look around.

One thing to note though — there's no parking available at this restaurant. It's a better fit for subway visits than driving, so it'll be much more convenient if you come by public transit.

Inside Hekbap Kkachisan: seating set up for solo diners

Walking into Hekbap Kkachisan Branch, the clean, bright atmosphere the brand is known for was the first thing I noticed.

The bright lighting throughout made the dining space feel sunny and comfortable, and there were tables set up to seat anywhere from two to four people.

On one side, there was a separate seating area set up just for solo diners, so it felt totally fine to visit alone.

I visited a bit after the lunch rush, and there were still quite a few customers. Orders kept coming in even while I was eating, which made me think this really is a spot people seek out as a Kkachisan favorite. It's a good option when you want to eat alone comfortably while still enjoying tasty food.

What the writer ordered at Hekbap Kkachisan and what it cost

That day I ordered the karai ramen pork cutlet set (₩16,000), plus mini okonomiyaki (₩3,000) and mini curry (₩4,000) as sides.

I wanted broth so I picked the set built around ramen, and since I usually like pork cutlet too, I went with the menu item that includes tonkatsu (pork cutlet) as well. On top of that, I added okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake) and mini curry, which I hadn't tried here before.

How the karai ramen pork cutlet set tastes

First up was the karai ramen pork cutlet set. The ramen broth was rich with real depth of savory flavor, and since it was a day I was craving something warm, it tasted even better.

The curry was smooth and rich, and eating it alongside the ramen turned out to be a surprisingly great combination. Switching between the brothy ramen and the curry now and then kept things from getting repetitive — I kept reaching for both.

The pork cutlet that came with it had a pretty thick cut of meat, so you could really feel the texture with every bite. It was crispy outside and juicy inside, and the tonkatsu sauce wasn't too strong, with just enough savory depth to pair well with the meat.

The surprise winner: mini okonomiyaki for 3,000 won

Personally, the most unexpected menu item that day was the mini okonomiyaki. I ordered it as a side without high expectations, but it turned out way tastier than I thought. The texture was soft, the sauce and toppings worked well together, and it was satisfying enough to feel like something from a dedicated okonomiyaki restaurant. I especially liked that even the side dishes were delicious, not just the main.

Once again, it seems like Hekbap rarely lets you down no matter what you order. There's a wide range of menu choices, and it's easy to eat comfortably even alone, so this place comes to mind whenever I'm looking for a solo lunch spot.

Small touches that make Hekbap Kkachisan easy for eating alone

Such a thoughtful touch for solo diners — phone stands!! They're set up at every table.

The staff were especially friendly that day too, which made the meal even more comfortable. Next time I need a solo lunch near Kkachisan Station, or just want a hearty meal, I think I'll head back to Hekbap, a Kkachisan favorite. Next visit, I want to try the side chicken and one of the main rice bowls.