The evaluation results of this year's Michelin Guide, which represents the domestic gourmet industry, have been announced. The Korean restaurant 'Mingles' has been upgraded from 2 stars to 3 stars, making it the only Michelin 3-star restaurant in the country. It is the first time in nearly 2 years that a Korean restaurant has received the Michelin's highest rating (3 stars).
During the announcement event for the 'Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan 2025' held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul on the 27th, a total of 234 restaurants were selected, including 29 new ones. Regionally, there are 186 in Seoul and 48 in Busan.
In particular, this announcement saw the birth of a new Michelin 3-star (Mingles) after 2 years. There had been no domestic restaurant that received the highest rating. 'Mosu', led by Chef Ahn Seong-jae, who appeared in the popular Netflix series 'Black and White Chef', reached 3 stars in the past but was subsequently closed, thus being removed from the list, leading to a vacancy for a while. According to the Michelin Guide, 3 stars indicate restaurants with outstanding cuisine that are worth a special trip.
A Michelin representative explained the reason for selecting Mingles as a new 3-star by stating, "It showcased refined dishes highlighting Korean aesthetics." They added, "It demonstrated a harmony of tradition and modernity while incorporating tableware and space that embody the essence of Korean cuisine." Notably, the remarkable dishes at Mingles include abalone, napa cabbage, and fish dumplings. Mingles has been consecutively selected in the Michelin Guide for 9 years since 2017.
Chef Kang Min-gu expressed his gratitude during the award remarks, saying, "Born in the 1980s, I have watched Korea's economic development and changes all along," and noted, "I was also here when the culture of fine dining was born, and I am grateful for being able to contribute to a restaurant culture that senior, colleagues, and juniors have built together."
A total of 9 restaurants in Seoul were selected for 2 stars. Ebit, led by Chef Joseph Lijewood, has been newly upgraded from 1 star to 2 stars. The Michelin Guide evaluated Ebit, stating, "It showcased creative dishes reflecting the seasonal flavors of Korea, such as the sweet rice sorbet made with hand-gathered ants." Two stars are awarded to restaurants "where the cooking is excellent and worth visiting."
For one star, a total of 30 places, including 7 new additions such as Tuituamong, Sosuhun, Escondido, Yu Yuan, East, Regum, and Gigas, were selected. A Michelin representative noted, "This announcement reflects the continuous growth and change of the Korean gourmet industry," and added, "I hope Korea will continue to become the center of the gourmet world in the future."
The following is the list of restaurants selected for this year's Michelin.
◇ 3 stars
▲Mingles (new)
◇ 2 stars
▲Ebit (new) ▲Allen ▲Jungsik ▲Kojima ▲Alafprima ▲Mitou ▲Kwon Sook-soo ▲La Yeon ▲Swanie
◇ 1 star
▲Kang Min-cheol Restaurant ▲Tuituamong (new) ▲Bi Chaena ▲Mori ▲Hobin ▲East (new) ▲Piozzo ▲Yun Seoul ▲Sosuhun (new) ▲Ramitier ▲Goryori Ken ▲Palette ▲Escondido (new) ▲Vinho ▲La Mang Secret ▲Muoki ▲Exquisite ▲Sosul Hannam ▲Regum (new) ▲Zero Complex ▲Soul ▲Itanic Garden ▲Muni ▲On Ji Heum ▲Seventh Door ▲Yu Yuan (new) ▲Solbam ▲Sushi Matsumoto ▲Hane ▲Gigas (new)