Karaage curry rice & hire katsu lunch near Chungbuk Nat'l Univ

With the weather so bright lately and the season practically begging you to get out and about, I found myself craving something hearty yet deeply savory — a Japanese dish that really sticks to your ribs. Not the usual everyday Korean set meal, but the kind of comfort that comes from a long-simmered, deeply flavorful Japanese-style curry paired with crispy, still-crunchy fried food.

So I heard there was a hot spot near Chungbuk National University's back gate in Sachang-dong, Cheongju, known among students and locals for great value and taste, and I rushed over. True to the reputation, I was impressed by the generous portions and quality ingredients! This is Myeonsikdang Chungbuk National University Branch. Here's my full, honest account of the meal.

Location and info for Myeonsikdang Chungbuk National University Branch

This spot sits neatly along the main back-gate street of Chungbuk National University in Sachang-dong, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, making it easy to reach on foot or by public transit. Since it's right in the heart of the university district, both local residents and students heading to or from class can get here conveniently.

• Address: 48 1st Floor, 1sunhwan-ro 674beon-gil, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, South Korea (Myeonsikdang)
• Hours: Daily 10:30 - 20:20 (break time 16:00 - 17:00)
• Other info: Group-friendly, takeout and delivery available, free Wi-Fi, reservations possible, street parking nearby

White exterior and a fully packed dining room at noon

Arriving at the storefront, you're greeted by a clean, tidy white-toned sign and a sleek exterior finished with clear glass windows. Next to the entrance stood a standing sign neatly listing the signature dishes along with a banner noting a TV feature, which built up my anticipation before even stepping inside.

When I opened the door and stepped in, true to the noon peak hour, the place was already fully packed with customers.

Inside, warm wood-toned tables paired with soft pendant lighting created a cozy, comfortable atmosphere. Even amid the bustling crowd, the staff guided everyone kindly and efficiently, and the tables and floors were kept spotless without a trace of grease — very satisfying on the cleanliness front.

Tablet ordering menu lineup and basic side dishes

Each table has a tablet screen-order device installed, letting you check photos and details of each dish before ordering with ease. Leading the lineup are the signature tonkotsu ramen, pho, and mazesoba, alongside a solid roster of handmade katsu dishes and rich curry rice bowls.

Prices are set very reasonably for the portion sizes, true to a student neighborhood, giving great bang for your buck. We went with the karaage curry rice piled high with crispy fried chicken toppings, paired nicely with a light side order of hire katsu (half).

After ordering, neatly arranged basic side dishes were set out. Crisp pickled radish and spicy pickled peppers — perfect for cutting through the richness of the curry and fried food — along with a special sauce for the tonkatsu, were plenty to whet the appetite before the main dishes arrived.

How was the karaage curry rice?

Shortly after, the deep brown-toned karaage curry rice and the golden-fried hire katsu (half) were neatly set on the table, catching both the eye and the nose at once!

First up, the karaage curry rice was generously portioned right from the visual. A wide bowl was piled with plenty of white rice topped with big, freshly fried chicken karaage, with rich, thick Japanese-style curry sauce filling the rest of the bowl.

I mixed the curry sauce lightly into the rice and took a bite — a deep, heavy umami flavor that tasted like it had been simmered for a long time filled my mouth. The chicken karaage on top was crispy enough on the outside to make an audible crunch, while the meat inside stayed juicy and tender, pulling apart softly along the grain. Mixing in the savory garlic flakes and sharp scallion garnish, then topping a bite of karaage onto the rice, was 'Uni's own favorite way to eat it.'

The combination of hire katsu (half) and curry

Next, I tried the hire katsu (half) ordered as a side. Even at half size, it came sliced into thick, generous pieces of tenderloin, giving a satisfying bite.

I picked up a piece with my chopsticks, dipped it fully into the special sauce, and bit in — behind the crackling crunch of the batter, the lean tenderloin meat melted away with absolutely zero chewiness. Placing a piece of hire katsu on top of the curry rice and scooping them up together, the richness of the curry and the savoriness of the meat blended so perfectly that I cleaned the bowl to the very last bite without a hint of feeling full too soon. It was the kind of perfect meal that instantly explained why this place is packed at every lunch hour.

Final verdict

'Today's conclusion': This was the best Japanese restaurant in Sachang-dong for enjoying a premium karaage curry rice with warm, university-district value and deep sauce expertise, paired beautifully with hire katsu that melts softly in your mouth. 🍛

Who should visit

• Anyone looking for a hot spot near Chungbuk National University's back gate in Sachang-dong, Cheongju, for a deep, rich authentic Japanese curry rice bowl
• Anyone wanting to taste premium fried food quality with crispy-outside-juicy-inside chicken karaage and tender tenderloin hire katsu
• Anyone searching for a no-fail university-area meal spot that fills you up generously without breaking the bank
• Neighbors who want a hearty lunch in a clean setting with a fast, convenient tablet ordering system