Have you ever seen a plate where steamed white rice and a small swirl of tomato spaghetti sit side-by-side next to a crispy fried pork cutlet?
To Western diners, serving pasta and rice on the exact same plate might feel like double-carbohydrate overkill. But in Korea and Japan, this combination carries deep nostalgia. It represents Gyeongyangsik (경양식)—a distinct Korean retro adaptation of Western comfort food that flourished throughout the late 20th century.
During a recent visit to central Seoul, I stopped by Keebo Atsu Atsu (키보 아츠아츠), located right beneath the prominent KT Gwanghwamun Building West.
Finding the Place: Search Tip for Foreign Travelers
If you search for "Atsu Atsu" on Google Maps, Naver Map, or KakaoMap, results can be tricky because the sign reads "keebo 아츠아츠".
- Korean search query (Naver/Kakao): 키보아츠아츠 광화문
- Address: B108-1, B1F KT Gwanghwamun Building West, 178 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 세종대로 178 KT광화문빌딩 West동 B1)
- Subway: Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 2 (Direct underground connection or a short 1-minute walk into the KT West Building basement).
Through the dark window frames, soft beige curtains and cozy retro sofa booths welcome you. The ambiance feels somewhere between a Tokyo kissaten (vintage cafe) and a classic Seoul diner.
Starting Fresh: Caesar Salad
Before diving headfirst into deep-fried indulgence, we started with a salad to balance the meal.
Tossed with leafy greens, savory dressing, generous shredded cheese, and seasoned chicken chunks with crispy croutons, this wasn't just a token garnish—it was a proper dish served with tongs to share. It provided a crisp, refreshing start before the hearty mains arrived.
The Main Event: "Atsu Atsu Special" Platter
The centerpiece was the Atsu Atsu Special (아츠아츠 스페셜)—a quintessential Korean-style retro comfort feast piled high on a single large platter.
The plate features:
- A generous, golden-fried pork cutlet draped in rich brown demi-glace sauce
- A colossal, crispy fried king prawn drizzled with white tartar sauce
- Warm steamed rice alongside that nostalgic swirl of ketchup-tomato spaghetti
- Shredded cabbage salad with retro pink thousand-island dressing and creamy potato mash
Price & Portion Reality Check
- Price: 24,000 KRW (approx. $17–$18 USD) per platter.
- The Verdict: 24,000 KRW is definitely on the premium side for comfort cutlets in Seoul. However, the serving size is massive. Between the pork, giant prawn, rice, and pasta, you will definitely leave completely full. The crust retains a satisfying crunch along the edges even under the rich savory sauce.
Menu & Price Overview
If the Special platter feels a bit heavy or pricey, the standard menu offers great single alternatives:
- Brown Pork Cutlet (브라운 돈카츠): 17,000 KRW
- Rosu Katsu (로스카츠, Loin): 15,000 KRW
- Original Omurice (오리지날 오므라이스): 15,000 KRW
- Atsu Atsu Omurice (아츠아츠 오므라이스): 16,000 KRW
- Combo (Cutlet + Omurice): 20,000 KRW
- Other options: Hamburg Steak, Kimchi Fried Rice
Practical Tips for International Visitors
- Operating Hours & Break Time:
- Mon–Fri: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM (Lunch L.O. 2:00 PM) / 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Dinner L.O. 9:00 PM)
- Sat–Sun: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (L.O. 8:00 PM)
- Note: Keep in mind the weekday afternoon break time (2:30 PM – 5:00 PM).
- Payment:
- Major international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are accepted via standard IC terminals. Cash and mobile pay are also available.
- English Friendliness:
- While the staff may not be fluent in English, the menu at the entrance clearly shows pictures and Korean names. You can easily point or use Google Translate / Papago photo scan to order without trouble.
- Sightseeing Nearby:
- Because it is situated directly on Gwanghwamun Square, this is an easy lunch or dinner stop when visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, or walking down toward Cheonggyecheon Stream.
If you are exploring central Seoul and want to experience East Asia's unique retro take on Western cutlets and pasta, Keebo Atsu Atsu offers an authentic, satisfying bite.