Seoul’s meteoric rise in the culinary world hits a spectacular milestone in 2025 as the Michelin Guide crowns Mingles with the city’s first-ever three stars. This achievement caps an extraordinary transformation that has established South Korea’s capital as Asia’s most dynamic food destination, with a total of 37 starred restaurants spread across its vibrant neighborhoods.
The first Korean three-star that’s redefining Asian gastronomy
Chef Kang Min-goo’s Mingles, nestled in upscale Gangnam, has completed its remarkable journey from one star to three through its revolutionary approach to Korean cuisine. The restaurant’s philosophy of “harmonizing mingling” seamlessly fuses traditional fermentation techniques with contemporary precision, creating dishes that honor Korea’s culinary heritage while boldly pushing boundaries.
“Our jang-aged Hanwoo beef represents everything we believe in—respecting ancestral wisdom while embracing innovation,” explains Chef Kang, whose training spans from Nobu Miami to intensive study of Korean fermentation.
Beyond the three stars: Seoul’s extraordinary culinary landscape
The 2025 guide showcases Seoul’s remarkable depth with nine two-star restaurants and 27 one-star establishments. This concentration rivals many European capitals and demonstrates how quickly Korea has emerged as a global culinary powerhouse, much like certain American cities that have recently experienced similar meteoric rises.
“Seoul’s restaurants are creating a new gastronomic language that draws from 5,000 years of culinary history yet feels unmistakably contemporary,” notes Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of Michelin Guides.
Affordable excellence: The Bib Gourmand revolution
Perhaps most exciting for travelers is Seoul’s impressive roster of 58 Bib Gourmand restaurants, offering exceptional value without breaking the bank. These establishments, where complete meals cost under 45,000 KRW (approximately $31), include 14 new additions for 2025.
Standouts include Gomtang LAB, perfecting clarified beef bone soup, and ALT.a, reimagining vegan Chinese-Korean fusion. These affordable gems provide visitors an authentic taste of Korea’s culinary soul without premium prices, similar to what’s happening in surprising European food capitals.
Beyond the restaurant: Immersive food experiences
Seoul’s gastronomic appeal extends beyond restaurants to immersive cultural experiences. Food tours through historic Gwangjang Market reveal street food treasures like crisp bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and addictive mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls). Interactive kimchi-making workshops connect visitors with Korea’s fermentation heritage, allowing you to bring authentic techniques home.
Where tradition meets innovation
What makes Seoul’s dining scene uniquely compelling is its balance between reverence for tradition and fearless innovation. At 7th Door, Chef Kim Dan explores the “seven tastes of food” through experimental fermentation techniques that would seem at home in the most otherworldly settings.
“Korean cuisine is experiencing its global moment because we’ve finally learned to embrace our identity while being unafraid to evolve,” says acclaimed food writer Park Ji-won.
Beyond Seoul: The expanding Korean food universe
The Michelin Guide’s expansion to include Busan (with 48 selected establishments) signals Korea’s broadening culinary footprint. This coastal city’s seafood-focused cuisine offers flavors distinct from Seoul, creating compelling reasons to explore multiple destinations on a Korean food journey, much like chasing natural phenomena that transform landscapes.
The essential Seoul food experience
A perfect Seoul gastronomy tour balances high and low: splurge on a tasting menu at Mingles or Jungsik, then balance with affordable excellence at Bib Gourmand spots like Geumdwaeji Sikdang for premium samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly). Complete the experience at traditional markets and intimate cooking classes to understand how Seoul, like certain alpine destinations, transforms familiar ingredients into something magical.
Seoul’s 2025 Michelin constellation reflects a culinary scene that’s simultaneously ancient and cutting-edge, accessible yet sophisticated. With its first three-star achievement, the city firmly establishes itself as an essential pilgrimage for food lovers seeking flavors they simply cannot experience anywhere else on earth.