Seoul’s dining scene is a treasure trove of culinary delights, where traditional Korean flavors meet innovative techniques and global influences. The city is home to a growing number of Michelin-starred restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience that showcases the best of Korean cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned gourmand or a curious traveler, these Michelin-starred restaurants in Seoul promise a memorable and refined culinary journey. Here’s a guide to the top Michelin-rated restaurants in Seoul, complete with their signature dishes and estimated pricing.
1. Gaon (3 Michelin Stars)
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Signature Dish: Hanjeongsik (Traditional Korean Set Meal)
Gaon is a prestigious restaurant that has held its three Michelin stars for several years, reflecting its commitment to showcasing the elegance of traditional Korean cuisine. The restaurant offers a refined version of hanjeongsik, a traditional Korean set meal, where each dish is meticulously prepared with seasonal ingredients.
Highlights:
Gujeolpan (Nine Delicacies Platter): A beautifully arranged platter with nine different ingredients, including vegetables, meats, and seafood, which diners can wrap in thin pancakes.
Galbi Jjim (Braised Short Ribs): Tender short ribs slow-cooked in a rich soy-based sauce, served with a selection of banchan (side dishes).
Estimated Pricing:
Lunch: ₩150,000 – ₩200,000 per person
Dinner: ₩250,000 – ₩300,000 per person
Gaon’s minimalist and elegant interior complements the restaurant’s philosophy of honoring Korean culinary traditions while embracing modern presentation.
2. La Yeon (3 Michelin Stars)
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Signature Dish: Gujeolpan (Nine Delicacies)
La Yeon, located in The Shilla Seoul, is another three-Michelin-starred restaurant that excels in offering a sophisticated interpretation of Korean royal court cuisine. The restaurant’s panoramic view of Namsan Mountain adds to the luxurious dining experience.
Highlights:
Gujeolpan: A dish that exemplifies the precision and artistry of Korean cuisine, with a variety of colorful ingredients meticulously arranged on a platter.
Pine Nut Porridge: A delicate and creamy porridge made from finely ground pine nuts, served as a starter to awaken the palate.
Estimated Pricing:
Lunch: ₩130,000 – ₩200,000 per person
Dinner: ₩280,000 – ₩350,000 per person
La Yeon’s dedication to seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques has made it a standout in Seoul’s fine dining scene.
3. Mingles (2 Michelin Stars)
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Signature Dish: Jang Trio (Fermented Sauces)
Mingles, led by Chef Mingoo Kang, offers a modern take on Korean cuisine by blending traditional flavors with global influences. The restaurant’s innovative approach has earned it two Michelin stars, and it continues to be a favorite among food enthusiasts.
Highlights:
Jang Trio: A tasting of three different fermented sauces—doenjang (soybean paste), ganjang (soy sauce), and gochujang (red chili paste)—served with seasonal vegetables.
Nurungji Soup: A comforting soup made with crispy scorched rice and a flavorful broth, showcasing the simplicity and depth of Korean cuisine.
Estimated Pricing:
Lunch: ₩90,000 – ₩150,000 per person
Dinner: ₩180,000 – ₩250,000 per person
Mingles’ warm and contemporary ambiance, combined with its creative menu, makes it a must-visit for those looking to experience the evolution of Korean gastronomy.
4. Jungsik (2 Michelin Stars)
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Signature Dish: Bibim (Mixed Dishes)
Jungsik is a pioneer of “New Korean Cuisine,” a movement that reinterprets traditional Korean dishes with modern techniques and global flavors. Chef Yim Jungsik’s innovative approach has earned the restaurant two Michelin stars, and it is widely regarded as one of the best fine dining experiences in Seoul.
Highlights:
Bibim: Jungsik’s signature dish, which reimagines the classic bibimbap with a luxurious twist. Ingredients like foie gras, truffle, and premium seafood are beautifully presented and mixed at the table.
Galbi: A modern take on the traditional Korean BBQ dish, featuring perfectly grilled short ribs served with creative side dishes.
Estimated Pricing:
Lunch: ₩100,000 – ₩160,000 per person
Dinner: ₩200,000 – ₩300,000 per person
Jungsik’s sleek and stylish interior, coupled with its inventive menu, offers a dining experience that is both sophisticated and uniquely Korean.
5. Soigné (1 Michelin Star)
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Signature Dish: Seasonal Tasting Menu
Soigné, which means “carefully crafted” in French, lives up to its name by offering meticulously prepared dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients. Chef Jun Lee’s approach to Korean cuisine is both artistic and thoughtful, earning the restaurant its Michelin star.
Highlights:
Seasonal Tasting Menu: Soigné’s menu changes every three months to reflect the best seasonal ingredients. Each dish is a work of art, with flavors that are balanced and harmonious.
Jeon (Korean Pancake): A modern interpretation of the traditional Korean pancake, served with a selection of dipping sauces that enhance its flavors.
Estimated Pricing:
Dinner: ₩120,000 – ₩180,000 per person
Soigné’s intimate setting and focus on seasonality make it a top choice for diners who appreciate the nuances of Korean cuisine.
6. Kwon Sook Soo (2 Michelin Stars)
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Signature Dish: Royal Court Cuisine
Kwon Sook Soo is celebrated for its elegant presentation of Korean royal court cuisine, a style that was once reserved for the nobility. Chef Kwon Woo Joong brings a contemporary twist to these historical dishes, resulting in a dining experience that is both luxurious and deeply rooted in tradition.
Highlights:
Bossam (Boiled Pork Wraps): Thinly sliced pork belly served with fermented vegetables and wraps, presented in a refined and elegant manner.
Juk (Rice Porridge): A delicate rice porridge made with abalone, which is a traditional dish served to Korean royalty.
Estimated Pricing:
Lunch: ₩100,000 – ₩150,000 per person
Dinner: ₩200,000 – ₩270,000 per person
Kwon Sook Soo’s dedication to preserving and innovating Korean culinary heritage has made it a standout on Seoul’s fine dining scene.
7. Evett (1 Michelin Star)
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Signature Dish: Tasting Menu
Evett is a Michelin-starred restaurant that brings an international perspective to Korean cuisine. Led by Chef Joseph Lidgerwood, Evett offers a creative tasting menu that fuses Korean ingredients with global culinary techniques.
Highlights:
Tasting Menu: Evett’s multi-course tasting menu is a journey through Korean flavors, with each dish designed to highlight the unique qualities of local ingredients. Expect unexpected combinations and artistic presentations.
Kimchi Ice Cream: A playful and surprising dessert that incorporates the iconic Korean kimchi into a sweet and savory ice cream.
Estimated Pricing:
Dinner: ₩150,000 – ₩220,000 per person
Evett’s innovative approach and focus on local ingredients make it a destination for adventurous diners looking for a unique take on Korean cuisine.
8. Zero Complex (1 Michelin Star)
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Signature Dish: Modern French-Korean Fusion
Zero Complex offers a unique dining experience that blends French culinary techniques with Korean ingredients. Chef Lee Chung-hu’s minimalist approach to cooking has earned the restaurant a Michelin star, and it continues to impress with its refined and thoughtful dishes.
Highlights:
Signature Tasting Menu: The menu at Zero Complex changes frequently, but always includes dishes that showcase the chef’s mastery of both French and Korean cuisine. Expect dishes like foie gras with Korean pear, or hanwoo beef with a red wine reduction.
Makgeolli Sorbet: A refreshing and creative dessert that incorporates Korea’s traditional rice wine, makgeolli, into a light and flavorful sorbet.
Estimated Pricing:
Dinner: ₩100,000 – ₩150,000 per person
Zero Complex’s focus on simplicity and elegance makes it a standout in Seoul’s Michelin-starred dining scene.
9. Alla Prima (1 Michelin Star)
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Signature Dish: Korean-Italian Fusion Tasting Menu
Alla Prima is a Michelin-starred restaurant that marries Italian culinary traditions with Korean flavors. Led by Chef Kim Jin-hyuk, the restaurant has become renowned for its innovative fusion dishes that beautifully blend the two cuisines.
Highlights:
Sea Urchin Pasta: A luxurious dish featuring fresh sea urchin with perfectly al dente pasta, combining the richness of the sea with a delicate, creamy sauce that has hints of Korean seasoning.
Hanwoo Beef Carpaccio: Thin slices of premium Korean hanwoo beef served with Italian truffle oil and parmesan, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Estimated Pricing:
Lunch: ₩90,000 – ₩120,000 per person
Dinner: ₩150,000 – ₩200,000 per person
Alla Prima’s elegant ambiance and expertly crafted fusion dishes make it a top choice for those looking to experience the best of both Italian and Korean culinary worlds.
10. L’Impression (1 Michelin Star)
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Signature Dish: Korean Ingredients with French Techniques
L’Impression is a Michelin-starred restaurant that masterfully combines French culinary techniques with the finest Korean ingredients. The restaurant’s refined approach to fusion cuisine has earned it critical acclaim, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Highlights:
Korean Ginseng Soup with Truffle: A luxurious interpretation of the traditional Korean ginseng soup, enhanced with the earthy richness of truffles. This dish is a perfect example of L’Impression’s ability to elevate traditional flavors with modern techniques.
Galbi-Jjim Ravioli: A unique fusion dish where tender braised short ribs (galbi-jjim) are encased in delicate pasta, served with a red wine reduction that bridges the gap between Korean and French cuisine.
Estimated Pricing:
Lunch: ₩100,000 – ₩150,000 per person
Dinner: ₩180,000 – ₩250,000 per person
L’Impression’s sleek, contemporary setting and its innovative approach to marrying French and Korean cuisines provide a dining experience that is both sophisticated and deeply satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Seoul’s Michelin-starred restaurants represent the pinnacle of culinary excellence, offering a wide range of dining experiences that cater to different tastes and preferences. From traditional Korean royal court cuisine to innovative fusion dishes, these restaurants showcase the diversity and creativity of Seoul’s food scene. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a luxurious meal or explore new and exciting flavors, these Michelin-starred establishments promise an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
