The Michelin Guide has announced its list of “Bib Gourmand” restaurants ahead of the publication of the “Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan 2026.” This year’s list includes 71 restaurants, with 51 in Seoul and 20 in Busan. Among these, 8 new restaurants have been added, including 5 in Seoul and 3 in Busan. The selection features a diverse range of culinary establishments, including traditional Korean dishes like Samgyetang and perilla seed seaweed soup, as well as 100% buckwheat dishes, vegan noodle dishes, and soba specialty restaurants.
The “Bib Gourmand” category, introduced officially in 1997, is awarded to restaurants offering high-quality food at a reasonable price. For the “Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan,” it applies to dining establishments where meals can be enjoyed for 45,000 KRW or less per person, based on the evaluations by Michelin Guide inspectors.
The complete list of Bib Gourmand restaurants can be accessed on the official Michelin Guide website and mobile application. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in Korea, the Michelin Guide will hold the “Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan 2026” publication ceremony on March 5 at Signiel Busan, where starred restaurants and new entries will be revealed.
Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the Michelin Guide, stated that this year’s selected Bib Gourmand restaurants showcase the depth and diversity of Korean cuisine. He noted the harmony among various genres, from traditional dishes to unique noodle and vegan offerings. He added that both Seoul and Busan continue to develop their distinct culinary identities, reflecting the dynamism and creativity of Korean gastronomy.