Jeonpo tonkatsu with green onion kimchi in Busan: Katsu Kitchen

A few days ago I was out around Jeonpo-dong and suddenly craved proper Japanese food with juices bursting out of every bite. So I went looking for 'Katsu Kitchen Premium Jeonpo Main Branch,' a Busan Jeonpo restaurant that apparently even appeared on SBS's Gosuyeoljeon (a show about master craftsmen).

It's really tucked away in a back alley — I wondered how anyone even finds it — but when I got there at 2:30pm, well past lunch rush, the place was completely packed. One bite in, I immediately understood why people flock here, and why branches keep popping up everywhere. Here's my honest review, told casually.

Katsu Kitchen Jeonpo in 3 seconds

• 💡 Bottom line: A premium restaurant where the cross-aged tonkatsu's incredible tenderness and the green onion kimchi that cuts through any greasiness come together beautifully.
• 🎯 Go if you: love hunting down real hidden gems in back alleys, or want a solid, filling meal at a proper Busan tonkatsu restaurant.
• 💎 What stands out: the melt-in-your-mouth fillet (hire) paired with the savory loin, and the green onion kimchi that delivers the perfect kick!
• 🚨 Practical tip: there's no dedicated store parking, so if you're driving, search for a public or paid lot near Jeonpo Station ahead of time for peace of mind.

How to get to Katsu Kitchen from Jeonpo Station, and where to park

Katsu Kitchen Premium Jeonpo Main Branch is just a 2-minute walk from Jeonpo Station Exit 4, so it's very easy to reach by public transit.

That said, there's no dedicated parking lot, so if you're driving you'll need to park at a nearby public lot. (Note: since it's tucked into an alley, finding it can be a little confusing — but if you call the restaurant, they'll give you very friendly directions!)

What is the restaurant like inside?

Walking into Katsu Kitchen Premium Jeonpo Main Branch, you immediately feel that clean, calm atmosphere typical of a Japanese restaurant — really pleasant.

Even in the late afternoon, the place was packed with diners — office workers grabbing a high-quality lunch in the Jeonpo-dong area, and couples on dates, all giving the place a lively energy.

Katsu Kitchen menu

Katsu Mix 1 set: fillet vs loin, side by side

I couldn't decide between loin and fillet, so I ordered Katsu Kitchen's 'Katsu Mix 1' set, which gives you both.

The first thing I bit into was the hire (fillet) katsu, and thanks to careful cross-aging of selected cuts, the texture was unbelievably tender!

There was almost nothing to chew — it just melted in my mouth.

The loin katsu, on the other hand, had a perfect balance of lean meat and fat, so with every chew a deep savoriness burst out. Using special breadcrumbs and clean oil, they kept it crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside all the way to the last bite without any sogginess — you could really tell this was a proper Busan tonkatsu restaurant.

The winning touch: green onion kimchi as a side dish

Katsu Kitchen's real genius move is the 'pa-kimchi' (green onion kimchi) side dish!

Usually eating Japanese katsu can start to feel a bit heavy toward the end, but pairing it with the spicy, crunchy green onion kimchi meant I finished the whole meal with zero greasiness.

The overall balance of side dishes was so well done that it made complete sense why people seek this place out even tucked away in a back alley, and why branches keep opening — a genuinely high-level Japanese restaurant in Busan's Jeonpo neighborhood.

After the meal they also give you an ice cream dessert, which is a nice clean way to finish up before heading out.

Waiting times and directions: Q&A

Is Katsu Kitchen quieter if you skip the lunch rush?

I went around 2:30pm, slightly off peak lunch hours, and it was still full of diners! It's such a well-known lunch hotspot in Jeonpo-dong, Busan, that it's best to expect some wait either way.

Is the alley hard to find?

It's a little hidden in the alley off Dongseong-ro 25beon-gil, but if you follow a map you'll find it quickly. If you get confused, don't hesitate to just call the restaurant and ask.

Final verdict on Katsu Kitchen Jeonpo

✔ 'Katsu Kitchen Premium Jeonpo Main Branch' is a great Busan tonkatsu restaurant that nails everything — the distinctly tender aged meat, the crispy breading, and the well-composed side dishes.

The combination of soft fillet katsu and savory loin was excellent, but above all, the pairing of tonkatsu with green onion kimchi was genuinely fresh and appealing. I walked out full and happy, having cleaned my plate. If you want to try a well-fried, high-quality tonkatsu done right in the Jeonpo-dong area, I sincerely recommend giving this place a visit!

Hours and parking at Katsu Kitchen Jeonpo

• Hours: Daily 11:30–21:00 (last order 20:30)
• Parking: Not available on-site; use nearby paid parking lots
• Location: 27-6 Dongseong-ro 25beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan, South Korea