Chuncheon tonkatsu restaurant: Jeongseong Katsu kimchi cheese nabe

Jeongseong Katsu for lunch in Hyoja-dong, Chuncheon

Jeongseong Katsu Chuncheon Hyoja Branch

Our schedules finally lined up on a weekday after a long time, so my boyfriend and I came here for lunch together. It was such a great restaurant for a delicious meal, a little change of pace, and a lovely time, so let me tell you all about it!

It is only about a 3-minute walk from the back gate of Kangwon National University, making it a really convenient lunch spot for students and nearby office workers.

A clean interior with seating from tables for two to group tables

As soon as I stepped inside, the clean, tidy atmosphere caught my eye. The restaurant was quite spacious, with tables for two and four as well as well-appointed group seating, so it was laid out perfectly for a solo meal or a comfortable meal with friends, a partner, or family.

Kimchi cheese nabe with a rich kimchi broth

First, I tried the kimchi cheese nabe I ordered. It is a menu item that tops tonkatsu, which could otherwise feel a little rich, with plenty of sweet-spicy, pleasantly sharp kimchi broth and savory cheese. It arrived bubbling hot, and when I took a spoonful of the broth, its spicy kick and the distinctive deep savoriness of kimchi jjigae filled my mouth.

The tonkatsu was thick and tender, while the just-enough kimchi broth had soaked into the breading, making it unbelievably good with rice. The pairing with the stretchy, savory cheese was perfect too, so I could enjoy its warming spice right to the end without getting tired of it. It was the best kind of hearty meal!

When I lifted a big piece of tonkatsu with my chopsticks, the savory cheese stretched out in long strands! The spicy, flavor-packed kimchi broth soaked moistly into the tonkatsu breading, so it never felt heavy; it stayed sweet-spicy and savory to the last bite! Finishing a whole bowl of rice took no time at all.

A buckwheat noodle set with icy soba and pork loin katsu

Next was the cool, generously composed buckwheat noodle set! With chewy noodles in chilled buckwheat soba broth dotted with thin ice, plus freshly fried, crispy pork loin katsu, this set was ideal for lunch.

The katsu served alongside the set had crisp breading on the outside and was full of juicy moisture within. Dipping it into the fresh wasabi or house sauce provided made it twice as savory—it was perfect tonkatsu with that crisp-outside, tender-inside contrast.

Dipping the nicely cooked, chewy buckwheat noodles into the lightly icy broth made my whole mouth feel refreshed! The broth was deep-tasting without being salty, making it a perfect match to alternate with the tonkatsu.

From the kind service and pleasant dining room to, above all, the excellent food and generous portions, this was a perfect lunch in every way. If you are looking for delicious tonkatsu, buckwheat noodles, or nabe dishes near Kangwon National University or in Hyoja-dong, do not hesitate to visit! The staff were so kind, and every dish was clearly made with care, so I think I will be coming back often whenever I crave tonkatsu. I highly recommend it as a great restaurant in Hyoja-dong, Chuncheon!