Suwon pork cutlet restaurant with three hire katsu pieces: Gohobi Katsu

Finding Gohobi Katsu near Suwon Station

“There’s a tonkatsu place in a spot like this?” That was what I was thinking as I headed to Gohobi Katsu, half doubtful!

Following the map, I found it tucked inside on the first floor of the building! Just walk straight in and you’ll spot it, so it was easy to find.

They even had a menu posted outside for you to look over—such a thoughtful touch, right?? Haha

Long-table seating and a clean interior

Inside, there were long-table seats for around 20 people! There was a notice above asking people to sit from the inner end during meal times because it can get crowded, but sadly I didn’t see it and plopped myself down in the middle, haha. Owner, gomen nasai—sorry! ㅠ

The place was clean, with an unusual interior that felt like a Japanese restaurant with a spoonful of Western-style dining mixed in. It really felt spotless, so it got a passing grade from me right away, haha.

Ordering the hire katsu set

Once I got settled and went to order, there were so many menu items!!! After much deliberation, I chose my longtime favorite, the hire katsu set. (The owner and one staff member were the only two working, but they both had that quiet, robot-like top-of-the-class kid energy from middle and high school—like they just knew exactly what to do 👍)

After ordering, I set out the spoon and chopsticks that were on the table. There was a separate place to store your things, so I put mine there!! I was kind of fascinated that they had paper rests for the spoon and chopsticks.

While waiting, I also read the instructions the owner had posted about how to use the place, the tonkatsu, and how to enjoy the soba.

Hire katsu with three chunks of pork

After waiting a bit, the hire katsu set arrived… 😋 I mean, this visual was insane. It looked soooo good… wow. The rice and soup come separately, haha. Ah, I’m drooling.

Normally, when you order hire katsu, the portion isn’t this big, you know? Usually you get maybe eight sliced pieces? But here, they just give you three big chunks of pork ㅠㅠ Such a generous portion.

From salt to wasabi, however you like it

Following the instructions, I first dipped a bite in salt, and I was genuinely shocked by how good it was. Better than expected, and then some!!! The pork cutlet was incredibly tender and juicy, while the breading outside was crisp and light… Some hire katsu gets a little firm once it cools, but this place was insanely tender.

Next, I poured tonkatsu sauce over the ground sesame seeds and happily nom-nom-nommed away! Wasabi and salt are my favorite combo, but I ate it this way and that way too, making sure to enjoy every bit. I also poured sesame dressing over the cabbage.

I had the rice and soup too. When rice comes plated beside the tonkatsu at a katsu restaurant, the portion is usually tiny, but here it came separately, so while it wasn’t huge, it was a decent amount. The soup was unusual too, with pork, cabbage, carrots, and more in it.

If you’re looking for a delicious tonkatsu place near Suwon Station, Gohobi Katsu does require a liiiittle walk, but I recommend it for the flavor!!