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Donkachun: a reliable tonkatsu lunch spot near Gangnam & Yangjae Station, Seoul
Donkachun (돈카춘) is a busy, dependable tonkatsu restaurant between Gangnam and Yangjae Station, where office workers pack in at lunch for handmade katsu, mazesoba and a fiery kimchi katsu nabe. If you want a no-fail lunch near Gangnam Station, this is an easy pick.
Where it is
Donkachun sits at the Baengbang Intersection, at 111 Dogok-ro, Gangnam-gu, within walking distance of both Gangnam Station and Yangjae Station. Tempting menu photos posted right at the entrance pull you in. We came at lunch and the place was packed, almost entirely with nearby office workers — usually a good sign that a spot delivers.
Opening hours
Open daily 10:30 to 21:20 (last order 20:40), with a break time from 15:00 to 16:00.
What to order
You order from a kiosk at the table, and the menu is wide. Tonkatsu alone comes as double loin, tenderloin, gyeongyangsik (Western-style), cheese roll, and half-and-half — the half-and-half is a quiet highlight when you want a bit of cheese tonkatsu too. There is mazesoba (regular or spicy, with the option to add tonkatsu), curry (kima curry looked popular at nearby tables), plus donburi, nabe, cold soba and udon.
We ordered the mazesoba with loin tonkatsu and the kimchi katsu nabe. The nabe arrived bubbling hot — spicy, well-balanced, and generous enough that even a hungry adult leaves full; you sweat a little as you eat. The mazesoba noodles are thick and chewy (I personally prefer a thinner noodle, but my companion loved the bite), with a generous amount of sauce that mixes well. The tonkatsu is made by hand and the pork is noticeably thick. Finishing by stirring rice into the leftover sauce was the perfect close.
The vibe
The space is large but was nearly full at lunch. Kkakdugi and danmuji are self-serve, and the table is stocked with kelp vinegar (dasima vinegar), black-sesame dressing, tonkatsu sauce, sweet hot mayo, pink salt, sesame and chili powder, so you can season to taste. A splash of the kelp vinegar mid-meal cuts the richness nicely.
Verdict
The menu is varied and the food is solidly good — the kind of place you can return to without getting bored. If you want to eat well without any risk near Gangnam Station, Donkachun is worth a stop.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Donkachun?
Donkachun (Baengbang Intersection branch / 돈카춘 뱅뱅사거리점) is at 111 Dogok-ro, 1st floor, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, between Gangnam Station and Yangjae Station.
What are Donkachun's opening hours?
Open daily 10:30 to 21:20, with last orders at 20:40. There is a break time from 15:00 to 16:00.
What should I order at Donkachun?
The handmade loin tonkatsu, the mazesoba (regular or spicy), and the kimchi katsu nabe — a bubbling hot, spicy hotpot that is generous enough to fill up even a big eater.
Is Donkachun good for a solo or office lunch?
Yes. It is mostly office workers at lunch, you order from a kiosk at the table, and the menu is wide enough that it works for solo dining and repeat visits.