Sharosu-gil tonkatsu restaurant with lotus root kushikatsu: Kosi

I heard that Kosi, a chain famous for its udon and handmade tonkatsu that was even featured on Baekjong-won's Life of Masters, had just opened a new branch near Seoul National University Entrance Station, so I went to check it out.

Even though it's a brand-new spot that just opened, word had already spread, and it's clearly a hot place — a wait is basically required during peak hours.

Here's my honest review after trying the signature menu items: tori tempura bukkake udon and half-and-half katsu.

Where is Kosi on Sharosu-gil, and what are its hours?

Kosi Seoul National University Entrance Branch is located at 466 Bongcheon-ro, 101ho, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, just 144m from Exit 5 of Seoul National University Entrance Station. It's open daily from 11:00 to 20:50.

Kosi Seoul National University Entrance Branch is a mere 2-minute walk from Exits 5 and 6 of the station — super close. We went around 7pm and there was already a wait going on... All you have to do is write your name on the list and wait!

Bar counter seats at Kosi: solo dining and the room's mood

There were single-person bar tables too, so it looked like a good spot for solo lunch or dinner. Plenty of people were actually eating alone there, haha.

The interior looked really upscale, and anyone passing by could tell at a glance it was an udon and katsu place.

What's on the menu at Kosi Seoul National University Entrance Branch?

As a restaurant known for its udon and tonkatsu, Kosi offered many kinds of both... Seeing that they also sold karaage and lotus root kushikatsu, I thought, 'ah, they must really be skilled at frying.'

So we went with tori tempura bukkake udon, half-and-half katsu, and lotus root kushikatsu!!!✨

Tori tempura bukkake udon: seriously chewy noodles

Three generous pieces of tori tempura (chicken tempura) sit on top as a topping. The outside is crispy while the inside stays moist and tender without any dryness — the tempura itself is really well made.

At first I thought it might be filling, but the pieces were so big we couldn't even finish it all...lol. It was textbook crispy-outside-soft-inside karaage. Dipping it in the tsuyu sauce made it even more tender and delicious.

The tsuyu sauce, poured generously over the noodles, wasn't too salty and had great savory depth — the seasoning was just right. True to the udon that appeared on Life of Masters, the noodles kept their chewiness and bounce all the way through without going mushy. The noodles were seriously so chewy... you have to order this!!!

Half-and-half katsu: the cheese pork tenderloin katsu steals the show

I came here thinking of it as an udon place, but surprisingly, what made me gasp the most was the half-and-half katsu. I was impressed by the crispy breading, but the pork tenderloin katsu was just perfect — texture and everything...

They also gave us wasabi and pink salt on the side, and dipping it in wasabi was a nice touch...✨ The half-and-half katsu comes with pork loin katsu and cheese pork tenderloin katsu, and I found the cheese pork tenderloin katsu absolutely delicious... I could tell they didn't skimp on the cheese, which I loved.

The tenderloin cut in particular came as a cheese katsu, and the moment you bite into it, the cheese stretches out in long strings — it was so soft it practically melted in your mouth. Personally, I'd rank it in my top 2 handmade tonkatsu ever, it was that good... My boyfriend, who came with me, raved that it was the best katsu he's ever had.

Lotus root kushikatsu, the side dish worth adding

Last but not least, the lotus root kushikatsu (skewered fried lotus root) we ordered!! I usually love lotus root, so I tried it as a side dish, and this place really is a fried food spot. You can enjoy the crunchy lotus root and crispy batter together...🫶 It goes well with both the katsu and the udon, so I recommend it.

Is Kosi a good couple's dinner spot near Seoul National University Entrance Station?

Kosi Seoul National University Entrance Branch is so close to the station that I'd recommend it as a date restaurant near Seoul National University Entrance Station! Definitely go and try the half-and-half katsu and tori tempura!!!!🫶 You won't regret it....