Chungmuro Restaurant, Pildong Katsu: If you’re looking for a perfect solo dining spot in the Chungmuro area, Pildong Katsu is a must-visit. Known for its delicious katsudon, this cozy eatery is ideal for anyone who wants a simple yet satisfying meal. Conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from Chungmuro Station Exit 1, it’s easy to find even for first-time visitors. With its laid-back vibe and tasty dishes, Pildong Katsu is the go-to spot for a quick, hearty meal.
Overview, Chungmuro restaurant, delicious katsudon, Pildong Katsu
If you’re looking for an easy and accessible restaurant in Chungmuro, especially one where solo dining is comfortable, I highly recommend Pildong Katsu. This spot is well-suited for those searching for a simple yet satisfying meal in the Chungmuro area.
Location
Pildong Katsu is conveniently located near Chungmuro Station, just a 3-minute walk from Exit 1. Even for first-timers, it’s only about 5 minutes away. After exiting the station, walk straight until you see the Shinhan Bank. Turn right, and when you spot the GREEN FROG sign (listed as 청개구리 on Naver Maps), take the nearby alley, and you’ll arrive at Pildong Katsu.
For those arriving by car, there’s paid parking available right across the street from the restaurant, near Daehan Theater. It’s pretty spacious, and the rate is 1,000 won per 10 minutes.
Business Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM (last order at 8:00 PM)
- Closed on Sundays.
more info: Official Instagram
Interior Space of Chungmuro restaurant, delicious katsudon, Pildong Katsu
Upon entering Pildong Katsu, you’ll immediately feel like you’ve been transported to a small, cozy eatery in Japan. Just like many Japanese ramen shops, you’ll order from a kiosk outside the restaurant before entering. This system keeps things streamlined for both customers and staff, especially during peak hours.
Once inside, you’ll find a small, charming space with Japanese-style decor. The interior includes a mix of four-person tables and counter seating, making it ideal for solo diners as well as those dining with friends.
Each seat also comes with a basket for your bag, showing the thoughtful touch in maximizing comfort and space—truly reminiscent of Japanese hospitality.
Menu
True to its reputation, Pildong Katsu is known for its delicious katsudon (pork cutlet bowl). When I arrived before the evening rush, the Mega Katsu Don, which combines several items like tenderloin and menchi-katsu, was already sold out! It shows how popular this place is, especially among Dongguk University students and locals.
In the end, I opted for the Tonkatsu Don and added an Earl Grey Highball for a casual drink pairing.
- Tonkatsu Don: 12,000 won
- Earl Grey Highball: 5,000 won (on special)
Food Experience at Chungmuro restaurant, delicious katsudon, Pildong Katsu
While admiring the Japanese-style decor, my order arrived—tons of delicious food packed into a single tray. The presentation was spot-on, with a huge portion that had me prioritizing what I wanted to eat first.
The location of my seat was also perfect—right next to the water station, making it easy to grab a drink anytime. Each seat came with condiments like salt, shichimi pepper, and mustard, so you could customize the flavors to your liking.
The Earl Grey Highball was refreshing and surprisingly strong for those expecting a light drink. It paired well with the crispy tonkatsu, which was perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside, while remaining tender and juicy inside.
The side dishes, such as pickled radish (kkakdugi), were also a great complement, balancing out the rich flavors of the tonkatsu. The warm miso soup, served alongside the meal, added an extra layer of comfort on a rainy autumn day.
Conclusion
As I left, I noticed that more solo diners were coming and going—it’s clear that Pildong Katsu is a popular spot, especially for solo diners or those looking for a quick but fulfilling meal. Whether you’re busy with work, just visiting the area, or in the mood for a delicious Japanese-style meal, this place should be high on your list.
If you’re looking to experience:
- A quick solo meal reminiscent of Japan,
- A fast yet high-quality meal,
- A quiet, cozy restaurant to visit while exploring Chungmuro, then I definitely recommend Pildong Katsu.
related post about katsu you might enjoy: Wangsimni Restaurant: Delicious Mazesoba, Tonkatsu, and Cold Soba at Baek So Jeong Wangsimni Branch