Ilwon-dong tonkatsu restaurant with cold soba set: Sioldon Ilwon

I had plans in Gangnam and happened to pass by Samsung Seoul Hospital, so I spent a while deciding what to eat for a late breakfast. Then I stumbled on a review of Sioldon, and just the photos made my mouth water. We love tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet), so we decided to visit without hesitation.

Today I'm writing up a detailed visit to Sioldon Ilwon Branch, an Ilwon-dong tonkatsu specialist known as a go-to spot near Samsung Seoul Hospital.

What kind of tonkatsu brand is Sioldon?

Sioldon apparently started with the goal of making tonkatsu even better than the original in Japan. They went through countless trials on domestic pork breed research, aging methods, and curing methods before arriving at their current recipe.

They use pork from Dodram Handon and Seonjin Pork Handon, two of Korea's largest producers, and after testing wet, dry, and soaked aging, settled on cross-aging the meat at a specific temperature for 72 hours in their own aging chamber. Instead of regular salt, they cure with nuruk-sojum (a low-sodium fermented salt) to bring out the meat's natural umami — I found that detail impressive. The batter is also their own recipe, paired with short breadcrumbs, so it stays on during frying while keeping greasiness to a minimum. It all suggested a lot of care went into achieving that crisp-outside, juicy-inside texture.

Parking and the dining room at Sioldon Ilwon Branch

Sioldon Ilwon Branch has parking right in front of the store, and honestly, that alone won me over.

For anyone searching for a tonkatsu spot near Samsung Seoul Hospital, this felt like a convenient location to stop by before or after an appointment. After parking, I stepped inside to a clean, pleasant interior.

The crowd was a real mix — friends, group gatherings, families, and couples on dates. Seating is split between 4-person and 2-person tables, so it works whether you're eating solo or in a group. The tables were spaced generously too, so I didn't feel crowded by neighboring tables. I could see why this seating layout is part of why it's become known as a favorite tonkatsu spot in Ilwon-dong.

Ordering at the kiosk: what we picked

At Sioldon Ilwon Branch, you grab a table first, then order at the kiosk.

Tenderloin katsu, loin katsu, cheese katsu, and even Japanese-style dishes like kimchi nabe and curry udon — there were so many options we agonized over it. In the end, here's what we ordered.

• Mixed katsu (loin·tenderloin) set: Sioldon's signature set that lets you taste both deep-flavored loin and tender tenderloin in one meal
• Added cheese katsu: packed with rich cheese for a savory burst in every bite
• Cold soba: a refreshing side to pair with the katsu

I'd heard the mixed katsu set and the kimchi cheese nabe were the most-recommended items among regulars, so I made sure to order the mixed katsu set at the very least.

How did the mixed katsu set, cheese katsu and cold soba taste?

The food didn't take long to arrive, and it passed the visual test immediately.

The tonkatsu's crust was crisp all over, and the cold soba came topped with a light layer of ice slush that looked refreshing on its own.

There was a guide on the table for how to eat it for the best taste, so I followed it exactly.

The loin katsu had a great bite with a tender texture, and the tenderloin katsu's cross-section had a faint pink hue — not undercooked, but a result of the low-temperature aging, apparently. Taking a bite, it was genuinely tender to chew.

The cheese katsu stretched with plenty of cheese packed inside, salty and really delicious.

The cold soba noodles were chewy too, a perfect pairing for the tonkatsu. This combination felt like a real win, and I found myself wanting to come back next time I'm in the area.

Is Sioldon a good lunch spot near Samsung Seoul Hospital?

Many people come to this area for hospital appointments or checkups, and Sioldon Ilwon Branch isn't far from Samsung Seoul Hospital, so the walk wasn't a burden.

It seemed like a good place to fill up before an appointment, or to eat leisurely once the tension has eased afterward. I think it's worth remembering as a tonkatsu spot near Samsung Seoul Hospital that's easy to stop by for caregivers or anyone with spare time after a checkup. Given how long hospital waits can run, having a solid meal option nearby turned out to be a bigger comfort than I expected.

Prices and service at Sioldon Ilwon Branch

For a tonkatsu specialist, Sioldon Ilwon Branch's prices weren't overly burdensome, and with the mixed katsu set letting you enjoy both loin and tenderloin at once, the value felt decent. Kiosk ordering meant no waiting to order, and the food didn't take long to come out either.

The staff were friendly, so even a first-time visitor could navigate the place without much trouble. The tables and overall cleanliness were clearly cared for, which should put anyone particular about hygiene at ease.

What to know before visiting Sioldon Ilwon Branch

Is there parking at Sioldon Ilwon Branch?

Parking is available right in front of the store, so it's easy for anyone driving in.

Can you eat alone at Sioldon Ilwon Branch?

There are dedicated 2-person tables, so solo dining didn't feel awkward at all.

Can groups dine at Sioldon Ilwon Branch?

There are several 4-person tables, so family gatherings or small group meals should work fine.

Do you need a reservation?

We got seated without a wait during our visit, but I'd recommend arriving with some buffer during peak meal times.

Is Sioldon Ilwon Branch good with kids?

The tables are spaced out and 4-person seating is available, so it seemed like a comfortable atmosphere for families with children.

Final verdict on Sioldon Ilwon Branch

Honestly, before visiting, I was half-skeptical about how different "aged tonkatsu" could really be from regular tonkatsu. But once I tried the tenderloin katsu, the difference was clear from the cross-section alone. The faint pink hue, plus the springiness I felt when I pressed it lightly with my chopsticks, was noticeably different from a typically fried tonkatsu. Taking a bite, the juices spread naturally while the meat stayed tender rather than tough — that was especially impressive. The lean, moist charm unique to tenderloin came through fully.

The loin katsu was satisfying too. The fat-to-meat ratio was well balanced, so it wasn't overly greasy, and a subtle savory flavor lingered the more I chewed. I also liked the crust — it stayed crisp for a good while without getting soggy, even after some time passed. As someone who eats slowly while taking photos, I appreciated being able to enjoy good tonkatsu all the way to the last bite.

I understood, after eating it myself, why they talk so much about the effort put into the aging process. It wasn't just about being "aged" — the care shown from selecting the meat, to aging, curing, batter mix, and the frying process itself all came through clearly in the flavor. It was surprising to find a place that puts this much dedication into a single menu item like tonkatsu.

If you're someone who loves tonkatsu like we do, this should be a satisfying meal. If you were searching for a tonkatsu restaurant in Ilwon-dong, or googling a tonkatsu spot near Samsung Seoul Hospital and found this post, I'd recommend giving Sioldon Ilwon Branch a try. Whether you're looking for a solid meal before or after a hospital visit, a comfortable spot to eat solo nearby, or somewhere easy to eat with family or friends, this seems like a good option. If we're ever back in this neighborhood, we won't hesitate to return.

Sioldon Ilwon Branch: address and hours

• Name: Sioldon Ilwon Branch
• Address: 12 Ilwon-ro 9-gil, 1st floor, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Hours: Mon–Sat 11:00 AM–8:00 PM (break time applies, check before visiting)
• Location note: Near Samsung Seoul Hospital, parking available in front of the store
• Signature menu: Mixed katsu (loin·tenderloin) set, cheese katsu, kimchi cheese nabe, curry udon, and more