A Lucky Lunch in Seongsu-dong
I feel incredibly lucky to have my lunch every day here in Seongsu-dong, one of the trendiest hotspots in Seoul. Being surrounded by such a vibrant atmosphere is a huge advantage for my job, where catching the latest trends quickly is essential.
In Seongsu–dong, “hip” new spots pop up literally every single day. It feels like even if I visited a new place every day of the year, there would still be more to discover!
Today was our regular weekly lunch with my colleagues. We decided to check out a brand-new Tonkatsu (Japanese-style pork cutlet) restaurant that just opened near our office. There’s always an exciting buzz when a new place opens in this neighborhood, and we were thrilled to be among its first guests. (If you’re a K-POP fan, you’ll be excited to know that this place is located very close to the SM Entertainment headquarters. So, for those of you planning a visit to ‘KWANGYA’, definitely keep this spot on your radar!)
Katsume Seongsu – Where Cooking Becomes Art
The first thing I noticed at Katsume was the impeccable interior design. The restaurant features an open kitchen with all-bar seating (“Dajji” style). My four colleagues and I sat lined up in a row, which gave us a front-row seat to the culinary performance.
Watching the chefs move with such calm, calculated, and precise motions reminded me exactly of the Netflix hit “Culinary Class Wars” (Black and White Chef). ^^ Have any of you seen it? The chefs on that show seem like they are performing a musical symphony with their ingredients. Watching them create dishes so flawlessly makes you incredibly curious about the taste. (In fact, I’ve even tried booking a few restaurants from the show, though getting a reservation is quite the challenge!)
They say the profession of a “Chef” is one of the hardest for AI to replace, and I truly felt that as I watched them work. It felt like watching an artist at work. For a moment, I felt like a judge on Culinary Class Wars Season 3! Hahaha.
A Culinary Twist: The Snow-White Tonkatsu
I ordered the Sirloin Katsu (Rosu-katsu), and as you can see, the color is quite different from the golden-brown crust we usually expect.
They use a low-temperature frying technique here. Is that why the crust remains so pale and white? Just looking at it made me so curious about the taste (though I’ll admit, there was a tiny 5% worry in the back of my mind: “Is it actually cooked through?” ^^).
But the most surprising part? There was no smell of heavy grease and no sound of sizzling oil! Usually, when you walk into a Tonkatsu spot, you’re greeted by a thick aroma of frying oil and the loud “shhhhh” of the deep fryer. But here, it was incredibly quiet and clean. It was such a unique and fascinating experience!
“You Are Passed!”
So, how did it taste? If I were a judge on that cooking show, I would have given a confident nod and said, “You are passed!” The flavor was incredibly clean with no hint of that heavy “oily” smell you sometimes get with fried foods. Instead, it had a deep, nutty richness that was far more sophisticated than your average Tonkatsu. I’m convinced the secret isn’t just clean oil, but the magic of the low-temperature frying method itself.
While my colleagues tried the fried tofu and Katsudon, the consensus was clear: the original Tonkatsu was the star of the show! Oh, and I heard the fried shrimp was absolutely divine as well. ;)
A Hidden Gem About to Explode
Everything about this place—from the exquisite plating and carefully chosen tableware to the sleek interior and attentive service—was handled with such meticulous care. I have a strong feeling that this quiet sanctuary won’t stay a secret for long.
Seongsu–dong is fast, and once a place like this gets discovered, the lines will be out the door! I’m planning to visit as much as I can before it becomes the next big viral sensation. If you’re in Seoul, make sure to experience this artistic Tonkatsu before the secret is out!
The Perfect Sequel: Fluffy Soufflés at ‘5 to 7’
After that incredible meal, we moved to a cafe I’ve mentioned before, located right behind the restaurant building—‘5 to 7’. Even though it’s physically right behind us, the buildings are joined, so you’ll need to walk around the block to find the entrance.
This cafe is famous for its Soufflé Pancakes, and let me tell you, they are legendary. The best way to describe them? They are as soft, bouncy, and “pong-sil-pong-sil” (fluffy) as a baby’s bottom! Hahaha. Whenever I describe them that way, everyone immediately knows exactly what I mean. They are the ultimate cloud-like treat that melts in your mouth.
Located just a short stroll from Seoul Forest, this cafe features large, floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a front-row seat to the changing seasons. In the spring, you can enjoy the fluttering cherry blossoms, and in the winter, it’s the perfect, quiet spot to watch the snowfall.
And as for the soufflé? What more can I say? One bite and it vanishes like cotton candy on your tongue. Pairing that ethereal sweetness with a sip of rich coffee is the ultimate definition of a perfect dessert time. ;)
The Perfect Trinity: Eat, Dessert, and Walk
Even my boss, who joined me for lunch today, commented on how perfect this sequence was—the location and the balance of flavors were spot on.
If you start feeling a little too full after that fluffy soufflé, head straight to Seoul Forest! A long, refreshing walk through the park is the ultimate way to complete this course. I actually walked a full loop around the forest today to digest all that delicious food before heading back to the office. ^^;; It was the finishing touch to a flawless afternoon!
After completing that perfect loop around Seoul Forest, I couldn’t help but think how lucky I am to work in such a wonderful neighborhood every day.
How did you enjoy a “day in the life” of a Seongsu–dong office worker? I’m curious to know how lunch hours go in your corner of the world!
My lunch hour will come around again tomorrow, and I’ll be back to enjoy every delicious moment. If there’s a place in Seongsu-dong you’ve been dying to see or try, let me know! I’d be happy to visit on your behalf and bring back a vivid, firsthand review.
Signing off from Seongsu-dong,
MJay!
*Click here to see more Seongsu-dong guides!
If you want to discover even more hidden gems, trendy cafes, and must-visit restaurants in Seongsu-dong, don’t miss out on my other curated guides!
+ Check out the link below for more healthy, diet-friendly hot spots in Seongsu-dong!
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