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Hacky Tonkatsu, Korean Pork Cutlet Culture
If you’re a tonkatsu lover exploring Seoul, Hacky Tonkatsu (헤키) in Mangwon-dong should be on your must-visit list. Nestled in a neighborhood full of food gems, Hacky offers some of the most tender and well-balanced pork cutlets in the city. I visited this spot with my husband and was impressed not only by the flavor but also by the warmth and precision of the experience.
In this post, I’ll walk you through every tonkatsu menu item, how it compares to other famous spots in Seoul, and what makes Hacky so special—including how to line up, when to go, and a peek into why Koreans love donkatsu so much.
Why Koreans Love Tonkatsu (돈까스)
Though it originated from Japanese tonkatsu, Korea has made this dish its own. Korean-style donkatsu tends to be thinner, crispier, and often served with shredded cabbage, rice, pickled radish, and a sweet-savory brown sauce.
Over time, premium Japanese-style tonkatsu—with thicker cuts, delicate breading, and aged pork—has become a new culinary obsession, especially in Seoul. These refined versions are popping up everywhere, and foodies line up for hours just to try a perfectly pink-centered hirekatsu.
Tonkatsu isn’t just food here—it’s a comfort dish with nostalgic value and modern gourmet appeal. Hacky is one of the places leading this trend.
Hacky’s Tonkatsu Menu (Updated 2025)
Here’s a breakdown of the menu items and what makes each special:
| Menu Item | Description | Price (₩) |
|---|---|---|
| Hirekatsu Teishoku | Lean and juicy pork fillet cutlet. Comes with truffle oil & salt. | 13,500–14,000 |
| Rosukatsu Teishoku | Loin cutlet with more fat for added flavor. | ~12,500 |
| Sang Rosukatsu Set | Upper loin (gaburi cut), thicker and more marbled. | ~16,000 |
| Assorted Katsu Set | Combo of hire and gaburi/rosu cuts. Good for first-timers. | ~15,000 |
| Menchi Katsu | Ground pork patty-style cutlet, served as a side. | ~2,000 |
🧂 Every set includes rice, miso soup, cabbage salad, pickles, Himalayan salt, truffle oil, and house-made tonkatsu sauce.
My Experience at Hacky
We went around 4 PM on a weekend, which is usually their break time—but to our surprise, people were already lining up. Staff took our orders while we were in line, so once we got in, the food arrived quickly.
I ordered the Special Hirekatsu Set, and my husband got the Sang Rosukatsu. The hire was exceptionally soft and juicy—crispy on the outside, pink in the middle, and just melts in your mouth. The rosukatsu had a pleasant chew with rich flavor. We dipped our katsu in truffle oil, then salt, then the house sauce—each combination offering a different nuance.
This is comfort food elevated to fine art.
Comparing Hacky with Other Top Tonkatsu Spots in Seoul
Here’s how Hacky compares to other popular katsu places in the city:
| Restaurant | Highlight Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hacky (Mangwon) | Simple yet elevated; perfect fillet; no-fuss quality | ₩12,000–16,000 |
| Jungdon Premium (Sinsa) | Aged pork; truffle and lemon salts; soft as butter | ₩18,000–22,000 |
| KatsubyKonban (Dosan) | Sous-vide technique; elegant plating; Michelin-style taste | ₩17,000–21,000 |
| Anzu (Euljiro) | Retro Tokyo vibe; balanced cutlet with sesame dressing | ₩14,000–18,000 |
Hacky’s strength is its consistency, affordability, and tender fillet cuts. No frills, just great execution.
Visiting Tips – How to Line Up at Hacky
- No reservations available. Hacky operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
- 📋 When you arrive, put your name and order on the waitlist clipboard outside the entrance.
- 🕒 They take pre-orders while you wait, so food comes out quickly once seated.
- 🍽️ Best time to avoid long lines: right after they open at 11:30 AM, or after 5:00 PM on weekdays.
- 🧘 Wait time on weekends can be 20–40 minutes depending on the crowd.
Location on Google Maps
Hacky (헤키) 돈까스
📍 33 Donggyo-ro 9-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
🕒 Hours: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM / 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
🚫 Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays
Final Thoughts
Hacky isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. It simply delivers perfectly balanced tonkatsu—crispy, juicy, and comforting—with honest ingredients and good technique. It’s a place where both locals and food lovers come back again and again. If you’re looking for a tonkatsu experience that’s refined yet familiar, Hacky will leave you more than satisfied.