‘Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan 2025’ Unveiled: ‘Mingles’ Elevated to 3 Stars
The “Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan 2025” was revealed at a ceremony held at the Westin Chosun Seoul on the 27th, with representatives from Michelin Korea and awardees in attendance.
[Seoul Economy] This year’s Michelin Guide has newly awarded the 3-star status to the restaurant ‘Mingles’. Following the temporary closure of ‘Mosu’, the only 3-star restaurant last year, the rise of ‘Mingles’ draws attention. Restaurants that have been promoted to 2-star status are also in the spotlight.
On the 27th, a total of 234 restaurants were listed in the guide across Seoul and Busan—186 in Seoul and 48 in Busan.
The 1-star rating, indicating “a restaurant with excellent cooking”, was awarded to 27 places in Seoul and 3 in Busan. The 2-star rating, meaning “excellent cooking that is worth a detour”, was given to 9 places solely in Seoul.
‘Mingles’, which previously held 2 stars, has now ascended to 3-star status, becoming the only 3-star restaurant in the Korean Michelin Guide. The 3-star accolade signifies “exceptional cuisine worth a special journey”. Michelin praised Mingles for its atmosphere enhanced by traditional Korean handmade tableware and decorations, combining tradition with modernity, creating dishes like abalone and cabbage wraps, and fish dumplings. Chef Kang Min-goo of Mingles expressed gratitude stating, “Thanks to the environment created by the previous generations and the mentors in the culinary world, I was able to pursue this restaurant culture.” Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, remarked, “We’re particularly proud to bestow our highest rating on Mingles, led by Chef Kang Min-goo, who’s continually featured in the guide for nine years since its first edition in 2017,” adding that the accolade results from the team’s unwavering commitment.
A total of 9 restaurants earned the 2-star distinction. The prior 1-star restaurant ‘Evett’ was promoted to 2 stars and drew significant attention. Michelin commended Chef Joseph Lidgerwood of Evett, noting that he transforms ordinary ingredients through an adventurous approach, crafting innovative dishes like ants and sikhye sorbet and beef fat tart, enriching them with impressive wine selections.
In the 1-star category, 27 restaurants were included, with 3 new additions: ‘Soosuhwon’, ‘Escondido’, and ‘Tutuamoung’. Meanwhile, 4 restaurants, including ‘Gigas’, ‘Legume’, ‘Yu Yuan’, and ‘East’, were elevated to Michelin status. ‘Tutuamoung’ was described as offering sophisticated French cuisine in a relaxed, comforting environment. As for ‘Soosuhwon’, it was lauded for bringing traditional Korean flavors to the heart of Seoul, and ‘Escondido’ was highlighted for its unique twist on authentic Mexican cuisine.
The Bib Gourmand category, which recognizes “restaurants offering remarkable food at reasonable prices”, added 10 new selections, totaling 58. Newly selected venues include ‘GomTangLab’, ‘NeungdongMinari’, ‘NishiMuraMen’, and others. The Green Star category, highlighting “restaurants practicing sustainable gastronomy”, retained its two honorees from last year: ‘Gigas’ and ‘Flower Ssprout on Rice’. Michelin commended ‘Gigas’ for using organic ingredients from the chef’s family farm and staying committed to sustainability.
Special awards included the ‘Sommelier Award’ to Kim Min-jun of ‘Jeongsikdang’, the ‘Mentor Chef Award’ to Kim Seong-il of ‘Rayeon’, and the ‘Service Award’ to manager Lee Eun-ju of ‘Soosuhwon’.