Mingles, helmed by Chef Kang Min-goo, has been named Korea's only three-star Michelin restaurant for the second consecutive year. Mosu, the restaurant of Chef Ahn Sung-jae who served as a judge on Netflix's culinary competition show "Culinary Class Wars," has newly joined the two-star category.
The Michelin Guide announced its "Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan 2026" restaurant selections at Signiel Busan on the 5th. This edition, marking the 10th anniversary of the guide's publication in Korea, features one three-star, 10 two-star, and 35 one-star restaurants.
Mingles maintained its three-star status for the second year, praised for "harmoniously combining tradition and modernity through cuisine presented in a space reflecting Korean aesthetics." A Michelin three-star designation signifies "exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey."
Mosu, which held three stars in 2023 and 2024, was excluded from last year's evaluation due to a temporary closure but returned this year with two stars. Two stars indicate "excellent cooking that is worth a detour."
"Although there was a brief hiatus, I am honored to be back among chefs I respect," Chef Ahn said. "I have always thought more about the identity and direction our restaurant pursues rather than the number of stars."
Sushi restaurant Sosuheon was also elevated from one star to two stars from last year.
For the one-star category, denoting "high-quality cooking," 31 restaurants in Seoul and four in Busan were selected. New additions include Gagen by Choi Jun-ho, Hakushi, Restaurant Jueun, Le Dohé, Collage, Giwaggang, San, and Sushi Kanesaka.
Gigas and Fiotto retained their Green Star designations for sustainable gastronomy, while Mitou and Gosari Express were newly added.
Lee Jung-in of Giwaggang received the Sommelier Award, while Chef Ian of Ian was selected for the newly established Opening of the Year Award. A total of 71 restaurants across Seoul and Busan earned Bib Gourmand recognition for high-quality cuisine at reasonable prices.
"Over the past decade, Korea's dining scene has grown extensively in both quantity and quality," said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide. "Seoul has established itself as a sophisticated culinary capital balancing tradition and innovation, while Busan is rapidly emerging as a dynamic gastronomic hub built on regional character and creativity."