by KoreaJoongAngDaily
Chef Kang Min-goo, whose restaurant Mingles received the only three-star award, poses during the “Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan 2026” ceremony at Signiel Busan in Busan on March 5, 2026. [NEWS1]
BUSAN — Mingles received the highest honor in the "Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan 2026," earning three stars during its unveiling ceremony in Busan on Thursday.
Continuing on its three-star status from last year, Mingles is also the only three-star restaurant in Korea selected by the Guide this year.
Located in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, Mingles is a contemporary fine-dining restaurant that interprets traditional Korean flavors with modern twist.
It has ranked two Michelin stars for seven consecutive years until earning its third star last year.
Chef Anh Sung-jae of Mosu, left, and Chef Park Kyung-jae of Sosuheon, whose restaurants newly received two Michelin stars, pose during the “Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan 2026” ceremony at Signiel Busan in Busan on March 5, 2026.[MICHELIN]
Two restaurants in Seoul newly received a two-star nod this year by the Michelin.
Mosu, headed by celebrity chef Anh Sung-jae, won two stars after reopening in Itaewon-dong in Seoul last year. Mosu received three stars in 2024 with its previous outlet in Hannam-dong.
“I am honored to be here today with respectable chefs and those in the dining business. Our team members have worked hard. Thank you for recognizing our identity, our goal and the direction in which the restaurant is heading,” said Ahn during the ceremony.
Sosuheon, a high-end sushi restaurant run by Chef Park Kyung-jae, was also promoted to two-stars.
“I am 100 times happier than when I first received two stars a few years years ago,” said Sosuheon chef.
Michelin two-star chefs pose for a photo during the "Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan 2026" ceremony held at Signiel Busan in Busan on March 5, 2026. [NEWS1]
Jungsik, Evett, Restaurant Allen, Kwonsooksoo, Mitou, La Yeon, alla prima and Soigné also received two stars.
The “Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan 2026,” marking the guide’s 10th anniversary in Korea, covers two cities — Seoul and Busan — with Busan having debuted in the guide in 2023. Of 223 selected restaurants, 178 are in Seoul and 55 are in Busan.
This year's Guide recorded the highest number of new Michelin-starred restaurants since its launch in Korea.
Four restaurants in Seoul and one restaurant in Busan debuted on this year's one-star list: GiwaKang, Le DORER, SAN, Sushi Kanesaka, Collage and Le DORER. were newly added.
Le DORER chef Kim Chang-wook also received Young Chef, Korean contemporary in Busan, at this year’s award. SAN recently won the One To Watch Award 2026 by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants.
Among the restaurants promoted from Michelin’s Selected category to one-star status are Jueun, GAGGEN by Choi Junho, Hakusi and Le DORER. The Selected category recognizes restaurants worth an entry-level recommendation for high-quality food and service but fall just short of receiving a star.
Chefs of one-star restaurants pose during the “Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan 2026” ceremony held at Signiel Busan in Busan on March 5, 2026.[MICHELIN]
One Michelin Star awards went to 35 restaurants. The following restaurants are: 7th Door, Goryori Ken, Palate, Gigas, L'Amant Secret, Bicena, Fiotto, GiwaKang, Eatanic Garden, L'Amitié, Onjium, JUEUN, KANG MINCHUL Restaurant, Escondido, Muoki, Sushi Matsumoto, Tutoiement, Solbam, Le DORER, SAN, Muni, Sushi Kanesaka, Mori, Soseul Hannam, GAGGEN by Choi Junho, Légume, Zero Complex, YUN, VINHO, Yu Yuan, y’east, Hakusi, Collage, Exquisine and Soul.
This year, the Michelin Guide has added a new Opening of the Year award for its Korean edition, which went to IAán in Busan.
The award is given to new restaurants that have had a successful opening within the past 12 months, for their innovative concepts and creative approaches to cuisine.
Thursday's ceremony also announced special awards.
The Service Award, appreciating a restaurant's front-of-house hospitality, went to Kim Il-woo, manager of Italian Contemporary Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura in Gangnam.
GiwaKang sommelier Lee Jeong-in poses during the “Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan 2026” ceremony held at Signiel Busan iin Busan on March 5, 2026. [MICHELIN]
Head sommelier Lee Jeong-in from Korean Fine Dining GiwaKang received the Somelier Award.
The Green Star Award, given to restaurants practicing exceptional sustainability, went to four restaurants, including Fiotto, Gigas. Gosari Express and Mitou.
The Michelin Guide is a fine dining guide that lists restaurants and eateries that it recommends in various cities across the globe divided into four categories, from one-starred locations to three-starred, in addition to a Bib Gourmand selection for high quality meals at budget prices.
Reference
Written by WOO JI-WON [woo.jiwon@joongang.co.kr]
Provided by Korea JoongAng Daily
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