Tonkatsu set for two on a Hongdae lunch date: Katsu Monster Yeonnam
In short
Katsu Monster Yeonnam Main Branch is a tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) restaurant in a Yeonnam-dong alley in Mapo, Seoul, near Hongik Univ. Station. On a Hongdae lunch date, the writer ordered the 2-person set of mixed katsu, cheese katsu and cold soba, and gangjeong (sweet glazed fried bites) came out for dessert, which made the meal plenty for two. For couples who want to try several kinds of tonkatsu in one meal, the Katsu Monster Yeonnam Main Branch 2-person set is a good fit.
Good to know
- Getting there
- Hongik Univ. Station Exit 3 · 6-min walk (store listing, Oct 6, 2026)
- Address
- Unit 101, 1st floor, 42-6 Donggyo-ro 38-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- What we ordered
- 2-person set (mixed katsu, cheese katsu, cold soba)
- Dessert
- Gangjeong (sweet glazed fried bites)
- Opening hours
- Daily 10:30–21:00
- Break time
- 15:30–16:30
as written by the visitor on Jul 19, 2026
Where is Katsu Monster Yeonnam Main Branch?
Katsu Monster Yeonnam Main Branch (카츠몬스터 연남본점) is a tonkatsu restaurant in an alley in Yeonnam-dong, at 42-6 Donggyo-ro 38-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul. While on a date in Hongdae, we were wondering what to have for lunch and searched around, and the Yeonnam-dong date spot we settled on after all that searching was Katsu Monster Yeonnam Main Branch.
It's tucked into a Yeonnam-dong alley, and since it's already famous as a tonkatsu hotspot, I went in with high expectations!! Customers kept coming in the whole time we ate, so I could see why it's so popular.
What's the atmosphere like at Katsu Monster Yeonnam Main Branch? Good for a date?
The restaurant is clean overall and the tables are spaced comfortably, so it suited a date well. It was easy to chat while eating, and with some people dining solo and plenty of couples too, it felt welcoming to everyone.
How did we choose the 2-person set?
We ordered the 2-person set at Katsu Monster Yeonnam Main Branch, and chose mixed katsu, cheese katsu and cold soba (chilled buckwheat noodles). The food came out faster than I expected, and the whole table filled up. Satisfied from the look of it alone~~~
The sauces come in lots of varieties so you can eat to your own taste, which I liked!
Mixed katsu: loin and fillet together
I liked that the mixed katsu lets you enjoy loin and fillet together. The loin was juicy yet tender, and the fillet was really moist, with a clean, mild flavor the more I chewed. The batter isn't thick either, so it never got greasy all the way to the last bite.
Even gangjeong for dessert, haha
Cheese katsu: my favorite
Personally, my favorite at Katsu Monster Yeonnam Main Branch was the cheese katsu. When I lifted a piece with chopsticks, the mozzarella stretched out long, and it looked delicious from that moment. The cheese was rich but not overwhelming, and it went really well with the crispy cutlet. If you like cheese, I definitely recommend ordering it.
Cold soba: a summer pairing for tonkatsu
The cold soba that came with the 2-person set was satisfying too. Tonkatsu can get a little heavy, but the cold broth and chewy buckwheat noodles left my mouth feeling clean. In hot weather like these days, tonkatsu and cold soba really go well together.
Is the 2-person set enough for two?
The 2-person set at Katsu Monster Yeonnam Main Branch was more generous than I expected and plenty for two, and I liked being able to try several kinds of tonkatsu at once. If you can't decide among the menu items, do what I did and order the 2-person set~~
Overall verdict
- Tonkatsu with crispy batter and juicy meat
- The cheese katsu is a must-try
- Even better paired with cold soba
- Recommended Yeonnam-dong date spot!
Katsu Monster Yeonnam Main Branch opening hours
Katsu Monster Yeonnam Main Branch is open daily from 10:30 to 21:00, with a break time from 15:30 to 16:30.
Where it is
42-6 Donggyo-ro 38-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Unit 101, 1st floor)서울특별시 마포구 동교로38길 42-6 1층 101호 카츠몬스터 연남본점
Katsu Monster Yeonnam: hours, menu and prices →
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