6 Restaurants In Seoul You Need To Visit That Have Michelin Stars

It’s no secret that Seoul has a myriad of good restaurants, each with its unique takes and secrets, and avid followers.

But which ones are truly the best? — Michelin Guide Seoul 2018 answers this question with these 6 restaurants.

La Yeon

Shilla Hotel’s pride and jewel, La Yeon, passed Michelin Star’s scrutiny with flying colors and continues its Three Star status this year.

Time-honored traditions of Korean cuisine are prepared with a contemporary approach at La Yeon.

Detail to comfort and elegance are noteworthy, from the fine tableware to attentive service.

— Michelin Guide 2018

Reservations are a must at La Yeon as its list is often full for months, even though a dinner here can cost upwards of 250,000 Won.

Gaon

Gaon kept its focus on the ingredients and presentation and maintained its spot on the top of the list as one of the best in Seoul.

“The food, made with the best ingredients each season has to offer, is meticulously presented on custom-designed GwangJuYo ceramic vessels.”

— Michelin Guide

Gaon recently increased its seating capacity, but a reservation is a must, as it’s highly sought after. A dinner set at Gaon ranges from 220,000 to 290,000 won.

Gotgan

At Gotgan, you can enjoy both delicate Korean noble cuisine prepared by chef Choi Eun Mi with a stunning view of Yeouido.

Prepare in advance for Gotgan: it is tricky to get to as it’s only open for 4 hours a day — from 12 to 1:30 for lunch, and from 6 to 8:30 for dinner — and offers private dining rooms only. Both lunch and dinner range from 150,000 to 300,000 Won.

Kwon Sook Soo

Kwon Sook Soo, well known for its use of both common and rare seasonal ingredients, kept its second Michelin Star for two years in a row.

“Chef Kwon Woo Joong interprets traditional Korean cuisine with a decidedly modern flair, using both rare and readily-available seasonal ingredients to create unconventional flavors.”

— Michelin Guide

Dinner at Kwon Sook Soo will set you back anywhere from 135,000 to 180,000 Won.

Jungsik Seoul

Chef Yim Jung-sik behind Jungsik is a household name for international foodies as his New York branch of Jungsik is a hotspot for elevated Korean food.

“What Yim does best is drawing inspiration from the familiar–kimbap, bibimbap, gujeolpan and bossam—and creating something unexpected yet surprisingly evocative and authentic.”

— Michelin Guide

Jungsik Seoul maintained its two Michelin Star status this year. Dinner at Jungsik ranges from 100,000 to 180,000 Won.

Kojima

The only non-Korean cuisine to grace the two Michelin Star list is Kojima.

 “The freshness of the ingredients is the life of this restaurant and veteran chefs take great care in handling the pristine seafood.”

— Michelin Guide

Kojima is a luxurious hideaway in the bustling Cheongdamdong area. Dinner at Kojima ranges from 280,000 to 350,000 Won.

With such great restaurants already in its roster, Seoul is soon bound to be an even bigger food destination than it already is!