Chef Mingoo Kang’s culinary gem, Mingles, has maintained its crown as South Korea’s sole Michelin three-star restaurant for the second consecutive year. In an exciting twist, Chef Ahn Seong-jae, known for his judging role on Netflix’s hit show ‘Black & White Chef,’ saw his restaurant Mosu make a stellar debut in the two-star category.
The Michelin Guide unveiled its ‘Seoul & Busan 2026’ selection at a glittering event held at Signiel Busan on the 5th. Celebrating a decade of culinary excellence in Korea, this year’s guide features an impressive lineup: one three-star, ten two-star, and 35 one-star restaurants. Mingles earned high praise for its innovative approach, seamlessly blending Korean aesthetics with dishes that bridge tradition and modernity. The coveted three-star status, retained by Mingles, signifies “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”
After a brief hiatus, Chef Ahn Seong-jae’s Mosu made a triumphant return to the guide, securing two stars. This rating indicates “excellent cooking that is worth a detour.” Reflecting on the achievement, Chef Ahn shared, “Despite the brief pause, it’s an honor to stand alongside chefs I deeply admire. My focus has always been on our restaurant’s identity and direction rather than star counts.” In another culinary coup, sushi hotspot Sosuhen climbed the ranks from one to two stars.
The one-star category, recognizing “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” welcomed 31 restaurants in Seoul and four in Busan. Foodies will be thrilled to see newcomers like Gagen by Choi Junho, Hakushi, Restaurant Jueun, Le Dohe, Collage, Giwagang, San, and Sushi Kanesaka joining the prestigious list.
The Green Star, Michelin’s nod to sustainable gastronomy, saw Gigas and Piotto maintain their eco-friendly status, with Mitou and Gosari Express joining the green revolution this year. In a toast to exceptional service, sommelier Lee Jeong-in of Giwagang clinched the Sommelier Award. The inaugural “Opening of the Year” award went to the talented Chef Ian of restaurant Ian. For budget-conscious food lovers, the Bib Gourmand category highlighted 71 spots across Seoul and Busan that offer top-notch cuisine at wallet-friendly prices.
Gwendal Poullennec, Michelin Guide’s International Director, couldn’t contain his excitement about Korea’s culinary scene. “The past decade has seen Korea’s dining landscape evolve dramatically in both breadth and depth,” he gushed. “Seoul has blossomed into a sophisticated gastronomic capital, masterfully balancing tradition with cutting-edge innovation. Meanwhile, Busan is rapidly emerging as a dynamic culinary hotspot, infusing local flavors with creative flair.”
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