Pork cutlet stop on a Namsan Tower outing in Yongsan: Onjeong

It had been a while since I went out to the nicer parts of Yongsan. Walking under a clear blue sky with Namsan Tower standing out sharply in the distance, I suddenly craved a crispy, savory old-school Western-style pork cutlet — so I went looking for one!

This is Yongsan Donkatsu Onjeong Gyeongyang Sikdang, Yongsan branch (용산돈까스온정경양식당 용산점), a pork cutlet restaurant on the ground floor of the Yongsan Riches Mom building near Hyochang Park Station.

Where is Onjeong in Yongsan, and what are its hours?

Onjeong, Yongsan branch is at 서울 용산구 백범로 341 B동 1층 107호, on the ground floor of a residential complex's shopping strip, an easy walk from Hyochang Park Station. It's open 11:00 to 21:00 (last order 20:00) and closed on Mondays.

• Address: 서울 용산구 백범로 341 B동 1층 107호
• Hours: 11:00 – 21:00 (last order 20:00)
• Closed Mondays

Being on the ground floor of the complex made it really easy to find. Good parking and access make it a convenient stop before or after other errands.

Inside Onjeong: interior and seating

Stepping inside Onjeong, Yongsan branch, I felt a cozy yet tidy atmosphere. There's a neat bar-style counter (dachi) seating area good for eating alone quietly or having a low-key meal,

and further inside there are comfortable table seats spaced out generously, making it a pleasant spot for friends or a date as well.

Looking around the walls, there was clear signage explaining the meat sourcing and cooking method. In particular, they use a 'steam-injection fryer' (수유식 튀김기) that fries cleanly and neatly, so I expected the cutlets to taste savory and clean without the usual greasiness of fried food.

Onjeong's menu and how to order at the kiosk

You order easily through the kiosk near the entrance. We picked two set menus with hearty compositions: the 'cold soba + cheddar cheese cutlet (1 piece) set' and the 'cold soba + classic cutlet (1 piece) set.'

Self bar and unlimited rice at Onjeong

Once seated, I noticed a tidy self bar and a country-of-origin display board. The basic side dishes come out set at first, and if you run out while eating, you're free to help yourself to more from the self bar.

The self bar had crisp cabbage salad, diced radish kimchi, pickled radish and water, all kept clean and easy to grab as much as you need.

On one side there was also a large rice cooker where you can help yourself to as much rice as you like — a thoughtful touch that would satisfy even big eaters.

Two cold soba sets: classic cutlet and cheddar cheese cutlet

After a moment, the generously plated set menus arrived! Cool cold soba, crispy cutlets, and warm Western-style soup were all arranged neatly and cleanly on the tray.

Cold soba with cheddar cheese pork cutlet

First up, the cheddar cheese cutlet set, with yellow cheddar sauce spread over it in a way that made my mouth water just looking at it!

On top of the crispy fried cutlet was a rich, salty layer of melted cheddar cheese, piled on generously enough that the savory aroma hit my nose right away. The cold soba served alongside looked cool and delicious too.

Cutting off a piece and trying it, the tender meat inside the crispy batter wrapped around the thick cheddar flavor filled my mouth. Maybe because it was fried in the steam-injection fryer, even with all that cheese piled on, it stayed savory to the last bite without any greasiness.

The set also came with a nostalgic, savory Western-style soup, sharp fresh wasabi, pickled radish and diced radish kimchi, and bread with strawberry jam — a thoughtful, well-rounded spread from the owner.

Cold soba with classic pork cutlet

Next, the quintessential classic Western-style cutlet set!

A cutlet evenly drizzled with the restaurant's sweet, mellow signature Western-style sauce.

The sauce soaked gently into the crispy batter, and the savory flavor built with every bite. The meat was thick yet tender, addictively good enough to keep reaching for more. Adding a touch of wasabi to the sauce made for a nice change of pace too.

Between bites of cutlet, I slurped up a big mouthful of the cold soba on the side. The cool, deep bonito broth with a thin layer of ice fully refreshed my palate — a perfect match with the cutlet, like soulmates.

To finish, I spread plenty of sweet strawberry jam on the bread that came with the set and enjoyed it as a happy little dessert. It brought back memories of old-school Western-style restaurants and was a great way to cleanse the palate.

Worth a stop on your next Yongsan and Namsan Tower outing?

Walking out with a full, happy stomach and Namsan Tower still in view made for a perfect day! Getting to enjoy crispy, savory cutlets that showcase the meat's own flavor alongside a refreshingly cool cold soba, all in a reasonably priced set, was very satisfying. With a tidy self bar, friendly service, and a clean interior, I'd recommend this as a pork cutlet spot in Yongsan!