Korean restaurants selected by the Michelin Guide
- zone tp
- Apr 22
- 5 min read
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The Michelin Guide is a series of annual restaurant and travel guides published by the French tire manufacturer Michelin.
Among them, the Red Guide, which evaluates restaurants based on their culinary standards, garners significant attention.
The Seoul edition of South Korea began in 2016 and showcases a variety of restaurants in Seoul, each highlighting their unique flavors.
From 3 stars to green stars, we present Korean restaurants that have consistently upheld their status in the Michelin Guide!
Let's begin😎
Mingles is the only Michelin 3-star restaurant in Korea that creates innovative Korean cuisine using distinctly Korean ingredients. A Michelin 3-star rating means the restaurant offers food so exceptional that it’s worth traveling specifically to experience it. Here, they use Korean fermented sauces, vinegars, a variety of herbs, and seasonal ingredients, presenting a modern interpretation of traditional Korean dishes. Particularly noteworthy are the dishes incorporating Korean fermented sauces, such as desserts, which serve as the foundation and roots of Korean cuisine. The signature Mingling Pot embodies the restaurant’s philosophy of harmony, where you can experience the rich tapestry of Korean culinary culture. In addition to the food, the Korean-style interiors and the craftsmanship of the tableware add to the overall experience. Mingles, which is also listed among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, continues to push the boundaries between tradition and modernity with its ever-evolving dishes.
Address: 2F, 19 Dosan-daero 67-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Work: 12–10PM (3–6PM, Break Time)
(Mon/Sun, Closed)
La Yeon is located within The Shilla Seoul and is a Korean restaurant that showcases the refined elegance of tradition. The dishes, which are made by combining seasonal ingredients sourced from all over the country with La Yeon’s unique authenticity and quality, captivate the hearts of its guests. The interior, which incorporates traditional Korean patterns, and the tableware, inspired by Joseon porcelain, create an atmosphere that feels more like stepping into a museum than a restaurant. From the large windows, you can also enjoy a refreshing view of N Seoul Tower, making the experience even more special. Each course is a modern reinterpretation of traditional cooking techniques based on seasonal ingredients, allowing you to experience the essence of Korean cuisine. If you’re truly curious about traditional Korean dishes, consider adding items like sinseollo or gujeolpan to your order! The Shilla Seoul, where La Yeon is located, has also earned a 5-star rating from the Forbes Travel Guide for seven consecutive years, so staying at this hotel would be a wonderful experience as well.
Address: 249 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Work: 12–9:30PM (2:30–5:30PM, Break Time)
Kwonsooksoo is a restaurant that uses ingredients like fermented sauces, salted fish, and vinegar, which are essential for achieving the fundamental flavors of Korean cuisine, and they make these ingredients in-house. Since the launch of the Michelin Guide Seoul, this place has consistently earned two stars every year, recognizing the dedication and quality of its offerings. The name "Kwonsooksu" comes from the old term 'Sooksoo' for a professional who specializes in making ceremonial feast dishes, combined with the chef's surname, Kwon Woo Jung. True to its name, Chef Kwon Woo Jung uses rare seasonal ingredients and creatively prepares more common ingredients. As a restaurant focusing on Korean cuisine, it also offers a unique experience, such as the kimchi cart. Choose two types of kimchi from a cart filled with various kinds of kimchi and enjoy the flavors! Pairing these dishes with traditional Korean liquors is another fun aspect of the experience here. To finish the course, traditional Korean sweets are served, allowing guests to savor the full depth of Korean flavors until the very end.
Address: 4F, 37 Apgujeong-ro 80-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Work: 12–10PM (3–6PM, Break Time)
(Mon/Sun, Closed)
Exquisine offers dishes made from herbs grown in-house and ingredients sourced directly from the producers. Unlike other restaurants that boast extravagant prices, this place is praised for being relatively affordable. The space is not overly luxurious but focuses on being cozy and comfortable. With both its prices and atmosphere being less burdensome, it’s a popular spot not just for major celebrations but also for casual meals, making reservations somewhat difficult. While using Korean ingredients, this restaurant explores a variety of dishes without being limited to Korean, Japanese, or Western cuisines. Due to the chef’s experimental approach and the practice of sourcing ingredients directly, the menu changes frequently depending on the availability of ingredients and kitchen circumstances. However, even with the changing menu, Exquisine’s dishes, which focus on bringing out the unique qualities of the ingredients to create new flavors, are worthy of recognition by Michelin!
Address: 6 Samseong-ro 140-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Work: 12–10PM (3–6PM, Break Time)
Onjium Restaurant serves dishes made with traditional cooking methods and ingredients that have been cherished for centuries, offering food prepared with great care. The chef, who is a holder of the intangible cultural heritage of the Joseon Dynasty’s royal court cuisine, aims to share the beauty of the past with the present, based on a deep respect for history. As the restaurant values traditional culture, the menu is accompanied by explanations of the meaning behind each dish, so if you take the time to read them, you can enjoy the food even more. Located next to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the view of Deoksugung Palace and the Blue House from the windows adds to the tranquil atmosphere of the restaurant. The menu changes every two months, showcasing seasonal ingredients that reflect the four seasons and offering a variety of dishes. No matter when you visit, you will be able to experience the true essence of neat and delicate Korean cuisine, and the food, which adds a touch of modernity to tradition, will surely be loved by everyone!
Address: 4F, 49 Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Work: 12–10PM (3–6PM, Break Time)
(Mon/Sat/Sun, Closed)
A Flower Blossom on the Rice is a Korean restaurant that provides a clean, wholesome meal using only eco-friendly, organic ingredients. The restaurant has been recognized for its efforts in ethical and sustainable sourcing of ingredients, winning the Green Star for five consecutive years and the Bib Gourmand for seven years in a row. The Green Star evaluates whether a restaurant practices sustainable gastronomy, while the Bib Gourmand recognizes places where you can enjoy excellent food for under 45,000 won. Catering to health-conscious modern diners, the restaurant highlights the beauty of plant-based Korean cuisine. Their signature dish, a lunch-only menu called bojagi bibimbap, is particularly eye-catching. When you unfold the yellow egg omelet that wraps the rice, it reveals colorful vegetables arranged beautifully on top, like flowers blooming, which is a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegan courses and menus, making it a great place for people from all walks of life to experience the beauty of Korean cuisine!
Address: 3-6 Insadong 16-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Work: 11:30AM–9PM (3–5:30PM, Break Time)
(8:10PM, Last Order)
