Spicy katsu and icy cold soba at a Chuncheon katsu spot, Jeongseong

My other half and I go on a trip every week. This week my partner had to work even on Saturday, so instead of going far we switched our destination to nearby Chuncheon, Gangwon-do. After two days of having a blast, before heading home we wanted a hearty meal, so we stopped by Jeongseong Katsu Gangdae Hugmun Branch, a well-known donkatsu (pork cutlet) restaurant near Gangwon National University. Here's my honest lunch review.

Where is Jeongseong Katsu Chuncheon Hyoja Branch?

Jeongseong Katsu sits in the eatery alley behind Gangwon National University's back gate. It greets you first with a clean, modern beige-toned exterior. Through the full glass windows, the cozy interior atmosphere is already visible from outside.

Inside Jeongseong Katsu: seating, high chairs and restroom

Stepping inside, it felt more like a tidy, pleasant café than a typical donkatsu shop. The tables were spaced generously and everything was very clean, which I liked a lot. Baby chairs were also thoughtfully provided for family customers with young children.

Usually restrooms in strip-mall buildings are outside and a bit of a hassle, but here there's a private indoor restroom, kept very clean. On the wall, a board showing the origin of the main ingredients and an allergy information notice were clearly posted, which added to the trust factor.

What a couple ordered at Jeongseong Katsu

Looking at the tablet kiosk installed on every table, the menu ranged widely from katsu dishes to rice bowls and noodles.

Since it was just the two of us, we ordered generously: the Jeongseong mixed katsu set, the fiery-looking spicy pork cutlet set, and an icy cold soba to cool things down.

On the tablet screen, a Naver receipt photo review event was also running. Depending on the number of reviews, you can get anything from a drink to 2 pieces of sasami katsu (chicken tenderloin cutlet) to a full cold soba, so make sure to check it if you visit.

How spicy is the spicy pork cutlet set?

Jeongseong Katsu's spicy pork cutlet arrives drenched in a fiery red sauce, striking from the first look. Soon after, our orders came out one after another, filling the table completely — each single-serving tray came neatly set with rice, soup, salad, and sauces, looking really generous.

I underestimated it and took a bite, and it genuinely shocked me with how hot it was. This isn't a mild kind of spicy — it's on the level of buldak (fire noodles) or spicy fried chicken sauce. But instead of an unpleasant capsaicin burn, there's a savory depth to it, so even while gasping I kept reaching for more. If you're a spice lover, this is definitely going to be your thing.

Jeongseong mixed katsu set: loin, tenderloin and fried shrimp

The Jeongseong mixed katsu set lets you try pork loin, pork tenderloin, and a big fried shrimp all at once. If you come here, this mixed set is a must-order.

The breading was crispy while the meat inside stayed juicy, soft enough to melt in your mouth without any dryness. A little wasabi and salt on top really brought out the meat's natural flavor.

Icy cold soba with spicy pork cutlet: why the pairing works

After a bite of the spicy cutlet, nothing was better at cooling down a burning tongue than the cold soba. Dipping the chewy buckwheat noodles into the chilled tsuyu broth with ice floating in it cut through the greasiness perfectly — the pairing was excellent.

Cabbage salad dressing and the curry at Jeongseong Katsu

The cabbage salad sauce that came as a default side was a stroke of genius. It had a savory, slightly sweet corn-sauce flavor, unique but oddly addictive. The rich curry served alongside was also a nice touch, mixed straight into the rice.

Is Jeongseong Katsu Chuncheon Hyoja Branch worth a visit?

The katsu itself was excellent — crispy outside, tender inside — and what could easily have felt greasy was well balanced by the spicy sauce and the cool soba.

If you're in Chuncheon's Hyoja-dong or the alley behind Gangwon National University's back gate looking for a filling, clean meal, I'd recommend stopping by Jeongseong Katsu, a well-known donkatsu spot near the university.