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Michelin Guide Seoul 2025: TOP 7 Restaurants You Must Experience
South Korea's culinary scene reached a historic milestone in 2025 when Mingles became the country's first-ever three-Michelin-star restaurant. The MICHELIN Guide Seoul & Busan 2025 showcases Korea's evolution from preserving traditional flavors to reimagining them through contemporary techniques. This guide covers the seven most prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants in Korea, with practical reservation strategies and insider tips to help you secure a table at these coveted dining destinations.
1. Mingles — ★★★ (Korea's Only 3-Star Restaurant)
Location: 2F, 19 Dosan-daero 67-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Cheongdam)
Chef-Owner: Kang Mingoo
Michelin History: Elevated to three stars in 2025, making it the highest-rated restaurant in Korea
Core Identity: Redefining traditional Korean fermentation and jang (fermented sauces) through modern tasting menus
Signature Dishes & Elements
- Jang Trio: A dessert course featuring doenjang (soybean paste), ganjang (soy sauce), and gochujang (chili paste) that intuitively demonstrates the artistry of fermentation
- Mingling Pot: The centerpiece of the tasting menu, condensing umami from dried seafood and vegetables
- Seasonal Abalone/Dumpling Series: Dishes that perfectly balance tradition with contemporary execution
Reservation Strategy
- Book through the official website for the fastest access. Reservations typically open monthly—log in within the first 10 minutes of the release time
- The menu changes frequently, so notify the restaurant in advance of any allergies or dietary restrictions
- Wine and traditional liquor pairings are meticulously curated; set your budget beforehand and consult with the sommelier
Official Website: https://www.restaurant-mingles.com
Tel: +82-2-515-7306
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mingles_restaurant/
2. Evett — ★★ (Promoted to 2 Stars in 2025)
Location: Seoul
Chef: Joseph Lidgerwood
Michelin History: Elevated to two stars in 2025
Core Identity: Ingredient exploration through foraging, fermentation, and in-house production (including homemade meju)
Signature Dishes & Elements
- Meju Doughnut: A savory creation featuring meju cream, anchovy dalgona, and black garlic that creates striking umami contrasts
- Pine Needle Oil & Yakju Pairings: Modern interpretations of distinctly Korean aromatics
Reservation Strategy
- Check the official reservation page (integrated with Catch Table). During peak seasons (spring and fall), secure weekend bookings 3-4 weeks in advance
- Due to the foraging-based menu, expect significant variation—avoid visiting with expectations of specific ingredients
- Request your preferred seating (counter vs. table) as the atmosphere differs significantly
Official Website: https://www.restaurantevett.com
Reservations: https://www.restaurantevett.com/reservation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restaurantevett/
3. La Yeon — ★★ (The Shilla Seoul)
Location: 23F, The Shilla Seoul, 249 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Chef: Kim Sung-il (2025 Michelin Mentor Chef Award recipient)
Michelin History: Maintained two stars in 2025
Core Identity: Refining traditional Korean cuisine with a modern touch while prioritizing flavor precision
Signature Dishes & Elements
- Charcoal-grilled Hanwoo Bulgogi and seasonal fish preparations showcasing meticulous technique
- Hotel-level Service & Views: Sophisticated pairings combined with breathtaking panoramic vistas
Reservation Strategy
- Book through the hotel's dining channels. Guest priority time slots may apply—inquire in advance
- Window seats book quickly; specify your preference in the reservation notes
- For business dinners, account for 2-2.5 hours when scheduling
Official Website: https://www.shilla.net/seoul/dining
Tel: +82-2-2230-3367
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshillaseoul/
4. Jungsik — ★★
Location: 11 Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Chef-Owner: Yim Jung-sik
Michelin History: Maintained two stars in 2025
Core Identity: "New Korean"—expressing familiar Korean flavors through an innovative culinary language
Signature Dishes & Elements
- Opening Banchan Presentation: An impactful introduction that sets the tone for the meal
- Refined Reinterpretations: Sophisticated approaches to classic ingredients like abalone and duck
Reservation Strategy
- Prioritize booking through the official website. With a high proportion of international guests, English service is seamless
- The wine list is a particular strength—provide a budget range and consult with the sommelier
- For private groups, inquire about separate dining rooms
Official Website: https://www.jungsik.kr
Tel: +82-2-517-4654
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jungsik_inc/
5. Alla Prima — ★★
Location: 13 Hakdong-ro 17-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Chef: Kim Jin-hyuk
Michelin History: Two stars in 2025
Core Identity: Balanced cuisine that honors the inherent flavors of ingredients, enhanced by the intimacy of counter seating
Signature Dishes & Elements
- Precision Herb & Vegetable Design: Courses that meticulously architect aromatic profiles
- Restrained Originality: A culinary flow that's inventive without being excessive
Reservation Strategy
- Request counter seats in advance if preferred
- Secure weekend evening slots 2-3 weeks ahead
- Use Catch Table's waiting list feature to catch cancellations
Official Website: https://www.allaprima.co.kr
Tel: +82-2-511-2555
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restaurant_allaprima/
6. Kwon Sook Soo — ★★
Location: 4F, 37 Apgujeong-ro 80-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Chef: Kwon Woo-joong
Michelin History: Maintained two stars in 2025
Core Identity: Contemporary restoration of traditional recipes within a minimalist aesthetic space
Signature Dishes & Elements
- Doksang-Style Presentation: Main courses served in traditional individual table format
- Kimchi Cart: Systematic introduction to Korea's fermented heritage
Reservation Strategy
- Use the official reservation page
- If considering traditional liquor pairing, arrange public transportation or designated driver in advance
- Allow 2-3 hours for the full experience
Official Website: https://www.kwonsooksoo.com
Tel: +82-2-542-6268
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kwonsooksoo/
7. Onjium — ★
Location: 4F, 49 Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (near Gyeongbokgung Palace)
Key Figures: Chef Cho Eun-hee & Park Sung-bae team
Michelin History: One star in 2025
Core Identity: Research-based modernization of royal court and traditional recipes
Signature Dishes & Elements
- Seasonal Courses Based on Restored Traditional Recipes: Historically informed contemporary Korean cuisine
- Serene Counter-Focused Space: An environment designed for culinary concentration
Reservation Strategy
- Historical context explanations can be extensive—allocate sufficient time
- Near Gyeongbokgung Palace, weekend traffic can be congested
- Cross-reference both the official site and Catch Table to maximize booking opportunities
Official Website: https://www.onjium.org
Tel: +82-2-6952-0024
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onjium_restaurant/
Pre-Visit Checklist (All Restaurants)
- Notify restaurants of allergies and dietary restrictions in advance
- Confirm dress code (smart casual minimum)
- Allocate 2-3 hours for the full tasting menu experience
- Set a pairing budget beforehand
- Understand cancellation policies (typically 48-72 hours prior)
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