What is Gyeongyangsik?

Korea has developed its own localized versions of Western cuisine.

Pork cutlet & Hamburg Steak set (14,000 won)

Today, let’s explore one of them: Gyeongyangsik.

Gyeongyangsik refers to a casual Western-style course meal,
typically consisting of two or three dishes rather than a full formal course.

The word “gyeong (輕)” means “light” in Chinese characters,
reflecting its simple and approachable nature.

A typical Gyeongyangsik meal begins with a soup appetizer,
followed by a main dish, and sometimes ends with coffee or dessert.
Dessert, however, is often omitted.

Common main dishes include:

• Pork cutlet (Donkatsu)
• Beef cutlet
• Hamburg steak

Each dish reveals its ingredients and cooking method through its name.

• Don (豚) means pork, and katsu refers to a fried cutlet
• Beef cutlet comes from the pronunciation of “beef”
• Hamburg steak originates from the German-style minced meat dish

Among these, pork cutlet is the most popular,
thanks to its crispy texture and rich flavor.
Today, it is widely available beyond traditional Gyeongyangsik restaurants.

Retro Dining Experience

Dawon Restaurant

Located in Yeomchang-dong, Gangseo-gu,
Dawon Restaurant has been operating since 1991.

After passing down the stairs to the basement level where the restaurant is located, you will find a small pond with goldfish swimming in it.

The restaurant tables are separated by partitions, allowing for a private dining experience.

Its retro atmosphere has made it a popular filming location
for movies and TV shows set in the 1990s.

The menu is similar to other Gyeongyangsik restaurants.

Side dishes include:

• Cubed radish kimchi (kkakdugi)
• Pickled radish

The meal begins with a soup appetizer.
Unlike the typical instant soup commonly found in Korean restaurants,
this one has a sweeter taste and thicker texture,
enhanced with powdered peas.

As you finish the soup, the main dish arrives.

Cheese Pork cutlet(14,000 won)

The pork cutlet here differs from the thick Japanese-style tonkatsu
that is currently popular in Korea.

Instead, it features:

• Thin meat
• Light batter
• A crispy texture

The sauce on top is slightly sweeter than standard commercial sauces.

The richness of the cutlet is balanced by
rice and cabbage salad served on the same plate.

Signature Dish: Hamburg Steak

The highlight of this restaurant is its Hamburg steak.

It appears to be hand-made by the chef,
resulting in a soft texture and juicy flavor.

This is something you simply cannot get from frozen patties.

A Hidden Charm

One unique feature of this restaurant
is that customers can cook their own fried eggs.

A burner, frying pan, and raw eggs are provided,
allowing guests to prepare eggs themselves.

A warm fried egg, especially when you are hungry,
makes for a perfect additional appetizer.

A Taste Remembered by Memory

Just as Marcel Proust recalled his past
through a madeleine dipped in tea,

food has the power to awaken memories.

For many Koreans in their 40s and older,
Gyeongyangsik is more than just a meal.

It is a nostalgic reminder
of a past that is slowly fading away.