No-wait early tonkatsu lunch for two in Gangdong, Seoul: Katsu Kim

I found a Japanese-style tonkatsu place in Seongnae-dong, Gangdong, that really does crispy-outside, juicy-inside, so here's a quick review! If you're looking for a proper tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) spot near Olympic Park or Dunchondong Station, Katsu Kim is a definite save.

Where is Katsu Kim and how did we get there?

Katsu Kim is a Japanese-style tonkatsu restaurant in Seongnae-dong, Gangdong, close to Dunchondong Station. We'd stopped by near Olympic Park for lunch yesterday and suddenly craved crispy tonkatsu, and it's right by Dunchondong Station, so it was super easy to reach.

Katsu Kim's atmosphere and seating

The inside is neatly put together with mostly bar seats and tables for two. It felt clean and cozy the moment we walked in, and tidy overall.

Katsu Kim waiting times: when is it quieter?

I heard a short wait forms at Katsu Kim at peak times, but going a little before the office workers' lunch hour makes it easy. Luckily we timed it right and got seats without any fuss.

It has the feel of a tidy Japanese tonkatsu shop, so it works for a solo meal or a date, and it's an easy pick for a group of coworkers too.

While we waited for our order, the savory smell of the breading sizzling in the open kitchen drifted softly through the restaurant, and my mouth was watering the whole time.

Honest review of Katsu Kim's hire katsu and rosu katsu

That day we ordered the two basics of Katsu Kim's tonkatsu, hire katsu (fillet) and rosu katsu (loin), one each, and shared them.

Hire katsu (fillet): thick but tender, not dry

The fillet katsu is really thick, yet not dry at all, and so tender it almost melts in your mouth. The second I took a bite, my husband and I locked eyes like, "This fillet is insane," haha.

The breading is super crisp, and every bite releases juicy, moist meat. It's good with a pinch of salt and a dab of wasabi, and dipped in the sauce that comes with it the savory flavor just explodes. I finished every last piece.

If you like the light, tender texture fillet is known for, I'd definitely recommend the hire katsu.

Rosu katsu (loin): savory fat and a satisfying chew

The loin katsu has firm-textured meat with a nicely savory layer of fat mixed in, so the chew really comes through. Loin has a clearly different charm from fillet!

The fat was especially chewy, and my husband ended up eating mine too, haha. The breading is fried crisp without feeling greasy, and it stayed clean and never went soggy to the end.

What comes with Katsu Kim's tonkatsu

The tonkatsu comes with a cabbage salad generously topped with dressing, plus a soup (jangguk). The sides were quite neat: the crunchy cabbage cut the richness of the fried food, and the warm, rich soup was just right to sip between bites.

Katsu Kim overall verdict and tips

Thick cuts of meat, plenty of juice and crisp breading: Katsu Kim sticks to the tonkatsu basics, and we left satisfied with clean plates. The fillet's tenderness and the loin's savory chew were both great, so if you're two people, I recommend ordering one of each and sharing.

Walking route to Olympic Park after eating at Katsu Kim

Katsu Kim is right by Dunchondong Station, so it's easy to reach, and taking a walk in Olympic Park after your meal makes for a great route. If you're planning a weekend date or outing at Olympic Park, Katsu Kim seems like the perfect place to eat.

If you're near Seongnae-dong, Dunchondong Station or Olympic Park and looking for a proper tonkatsu place, stop by Katsu Kim and enjoy a thick-cut katsu meal!