I visited Bukcheon, a donkatsu (pork cutlet) restaurant that has steadily built a solid reputation in the Yongsan district. The area near Yongsan and Shin-Yongsan Stations is bustling with office workers, and while there’s no shortage of restaurants, finding a truly satisfying donkatsu spot can be a challenge. Amid this landscape, Bukcheon distinguishes itself with its remarkably thick cuts of pork and one-of-a-kind sauces.
A More Comfortable Dining Experience in a Renovated Space
Bukcheon recently underwent a renovation, significantly improving the dining environment. Previously, the space was somewhat cramped, leading to long lines during peak hours and a generally less comfortable experience.
However, the newly renovated restaurant is more spacious with additional seating, offering a much more pleasant atmosphere. The interior is clean and modern, and the addition of an in-store restroom has greatly enhanced convenience. Thanks to these changes, I can now enjoy my meal in a more relaxed setting.
Bukcheon’s Signature Dishes: Brown Donkatsu and Rosu-katsu
The menu is centered around two main types of donkatsu. Each has a distinct character, making it enjoyable to choose based on your preference for the day.
Brown Donkatsu (₩17,000)
The “Brown Donkatsu” is Bukcheon’s signature dish, served Gyeongyang-sik (Korean Western-style), where the sauce is poured directly over the cutlet. However, it sets itself apart from typical Gyeongyang-sik donkatsu. The most notable feature is the thickness of the meat. It’s not the thin, wide cutlet style seen in places like Namsan, nor is it made from minced and formed pork. Instead, Bukcheon uses a thick, premium cut of pork, allowing the texture of the meat to shine.
The sauce has a crowd-pleasing base flavor that is unlikely to be divisive, yet it incorporates a slight fusion twist that feels both familiar and new. The rich juices from the thick pork meld perfectly with the sauce. That said, if you’re not a fan of pre-sauced cutlets, you might want to consider the other option.
Rosu-katsu (₩16,000)
The “Rosu-katsu” is served in the Japanese tonkatsu style, with the fried cutlet and sauce provided separately. The key to this dish is the sauce. It is entirely different from standard tonkatsu sauce, featuring a special house-made blend based on soy sauce and garlic. This sauce is a clear testament to Bukcheon’s unique identity, offering a savory, deep umami flavor that elevates the pork cutlet.
Like the Brown Donkatsu, the pork is exceptionally thick, yet it has an impressively tender texture without being chewy. Bukcheon makes its own panko (breadcrumbs), which gives the coating an extraordinarily crispy and savory quality. The contrast between the tender meat and the crunchy breading provides a delightful experience with every bite. Personally, I prefer the Rosu-katsu, as dipping the cutlet myself allows me to fully appreciate the flavor of the pork and the texture of the fried coating.
Location Info
- Name: Bukcheon
- Type: Restaurant
- Known for: Thick-cut pork cutlets (donkatsu) and unique house-made sauces.
- Address: 17 Hangang-daero 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Break time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM) / Closed: Every Sunday
Bukcheon is about a 10-minute walk from Yongsan and Shin-Yongsan Stations. It’s situated in a quiet alley behind the LG Uplus headquarters and the HYBE office building, making it a popular lunch spot for employees from nearby companies. The restaurant has also recently opened a new branch in Euljiro, expanding its reach.
If you’re in the Yongsan area and craving a distinctive donkatsu made with thick, high-quality pork, Bukcheon is a choice that is sure to satisfy. With its newly renovated and comfortable environment, it is now an even more highly recommended destination.