Tonkatsu dinner in Chuncheon after World Hot Spring: Jeongseong Katsu

Dinner after Chuncheon World Hot Spring: why I picked Jeongseong Katsu

Jeongseong Katsu Chuncheon Hyoja Branch (정성카츠 춘천효자점) is a tonkatsu restaurant in Hyoja-dong, Chuncheon, near Kangwon National University. On the way back from a relaxing soak at Chuncheon World Hot Spring, I was wondering where to have dinner and ended up here.

Because it's close to the university, it's popular with students and office workers alike. It's just a short way down from the campus, so the location is great too.

I came right in the middle of dinner time and the place was full, so I waited for a table to be cleared before being shown to a seat.

Jeongseong Katsu Chuncheon Hyoja Branch: hours, parking and amenities

• Address: 222 Seobudaeseong-ro, Chuncheon, Gangwon, South Korea
• Hours: 09:00 - 23:00 / last order 22:00
• Amenities: group seating, takeout, delivery, reservations, Wi-Fi
• Parking: available (lot beside the building, small)

If you want a hearty meal in Chuncheon, I'd recommend this as a lunch spot in Hyoja-dong too. I also liked that you can check the menu from outside the restaurant.

Before going in, I had already decided what to get: the signature Jeongseong mixed katsu set, and the Western-style king tonkatsu set, full of retro charm.

What is the atmosphere like at Jeongseong Katsu?

The restaurant feels clean and comfortable, with the kitchen and counter in view, and the staff were impressively friendly. It's easy to eat here solo, and it also works for friends or family without any fuss.

Being so close to Kangwon National University, it's a well-known tonkatsu spot for students, and I could see why. It was dinner time, and most of the customers seemed to be Kangwon students.

Jeongseong Katsu menu and how to order

I took the menu photos from the restaurant's website. There's a wide variety, they insist on domestic Korean pork only, and yet prices are friendly, so I can see why it's a go-to place for students nearby.

You can check the menu and order right at your table.

This time I ordered the Jeongseong mixed katsu set (₩13,900), said to be the long-reigning No. 1 favorite, and the Western-style king tonkatsu set (₩13,900), which recreates the nostalgic old-school style.

Jeongseong mixed katsu set: loin, fillet and fried shrimp on one plate

The mixed katsu set comes with loin katsu, fillet katsu and fried shrimp, so you get a range of textures. The mixed set came out first, and it passed the looks test right away!

The cutlets are fried to order in clean oil at 160°C, and one bite was crispy outside and juicy inside. The breading was really crunchy and delicious.

The fillet katsu stood out for its moist, tender texture where you can feel the grain of the meat, while the loin katsu was full of juice and flavor, so each had its own charm. With rice, salad and soup alongside, it made a hearty spread.

I could see why this is considered Jeongseong's signature dish. If you like tonkatsu, I'd recommend ordering it on your first visit.

Western-style king tonkatsu set: the taste of childhood family dinners

The king tonkatsu set that followed, true to its name, reminded me of the big cutlets from old-fashioned Western-style restaurants. A large cutlet was generously covered in sauce, and it brought back the taste of family outings when I was a kid.

The crispy breading with the sweet, savory sauce was a really good combination.

It has a different charm from the Japanese-style tonkatsu that's trendy lately, and anyone who loves retro vibes will be happy with it.

Hungry after the hot spring: was the portion enough?

I was starving after the hot spring, and both sets had generous portions that filled me up properly. Being able to try two different styles of tonkatsu in one meal made it even more satisfying.

If you're looking for good tonkatsu in Chuncheon, I'd recommend Jeongseong Katsu Chuncheon Hyoja Branch as a place to eat in Hyoja-dong. It's easy for solo meals, family dinners or meals with friends, and the varied menu lets you choose to your taste.

If you're looking for a meal near Kangwon National University, it's a worthy tonkatsu spot, and I'd happily come back when I need a filling meal. A day of relaxing in a hot spring and then crispy tonkatsu. If you're planning a trip or outing to Chuncheon, give it a try.

At Jeongseong Katsu Chuncheon Hyoja Branch, you can expect a meal that satisfies on flavor, portion and value.

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