Craving delicious, handmade pork cutlets in South Korea? The hidden gem 'Achatach' (아찾찾), located in Wonju's Jungang Market, offers a unique dining experience with its signature crispy yet tender cutlets, spicy chewy noodles (jjolmyeon), and flavorful fried kimchi rice balls. Their cheese pork cutlet, in particular, is a must-try, packed with a rich, milky cheese filling.
Where to Find the Best Pork Cutlet in Wonju's Jungang Market?
Nestled in the basement of the Wonju Jayu Market, 'Achatach' (meaning 'The Place Hard to Find No Matter How Much You Search') is a culinary treasure. You can find it at Gangwon-do, Wonju-si, Jungang Market-gil 11, Basement Floor 1, Unit 8. To locate it, head down the clock tower stairs in the Jayu Market basement, go straight to the right, and you'll find it tucked away in the back corner with a distinctive yellow sign. Parking is convenient with 30 minutes of free access to the underground lot. The restaurant is open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with the last order at 7:55 PM. Note that they are closed on Sundays, and Thursdays have an earlier closing time of 4:00 PM. This popular spot, often recommended by locals, uses a convenient kiosk ordering system.
What Are the Must-Try Menu Items and Prices at 'Achatach'?
Related Articles
The star of the show at 'Achatach' is their signature set menu, which includes a juicy pork cutlet, spicy jolmyeon noodles, and a side of fried kimchi rice balls. The 'Special Codonbro' set, featuring two cheese pork cutlets, jolmyeon, and rice balls, is priced at $9.00 (₩12,000). For a slightly smaller portion, the 'Jolko' set (one cheese pork cutlet, jolmyeon, rice balls) is $6.75 (₩9,000), and the 'Jjondon' set (pork loin cutlet, jolmyeon, rice balls) is $6.25 (₩8,500). A large cheese pork cutlet as a single order starts at $7.75 (₩10,500), while the pork loin cutlet single order begins at $4.75 (₩6,500). They also offer creative combinations like the 'Kotteok' (cheese pork cutlet with tteokbokki) for $6.50 (₩8,900), providing a wide variety of choices to satisfy any craving.
Exploring Other Food Options in Wonju Jayu Market's Basement?
Wonju Jayu Market's basement is a fantastic spot to explore a variety of delicious and affordable eats, especially during colder months. Beyond 'Achatach', you'll find numerous dumpling shops where you can watch skilled vendors expertly craft handmade dumplings. The hearty meat and kimchi dumplings are a local favorite. The area is also packed with stalls offering classic Korean comfort foods like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and jeyuk deopbap (spicy stir-fried pork over rice). Don't miss popular spots like 'Ttolli Tteokbokki' as you wander through. The market is conveniently located near other attractions like the Miro Art Jungang Market and Gangwon Gamyeong, making it easy to combine your culinary adventure with some sightseeing.
Honest Review: The Taste and Sauce Style of 'Achatach' Pork Cutlets
The pork cutlets at 'Achatach' boast a satisfyingly crispy exterior, but they are served with sauce already poured over them, resulting in a tender, moist texture as time passes. While this 'bukk-eum' (sauce-on-top) style is delicious, those who prefer to dip their cutlets ('jjik-meok') might find it a bit different from their usual preference. However, the soft texture makes it incredibly easy for children and older adults to enjoy. The spicy and chewy jolmyeon noodles perfectly cut through the richness of the pork cutlet, and the sweet fried kimchi rice balls add another layer of flavor. Be aware that the tteokbokki can be quite spicy, so proceed with caution if you have a low spice tolerance. Overall, 'Achatach' offers a generous and satisfying meal for its price, though the sauce style might be a matter of personal preference.
For more details, check the original source below.
