Seoul’s splurge list grows
Seoul’s 2026 Michelin selections have expanded the city’s ‘splurge list’ — new stars pushing a mix of Korean heritage and global techniques, and critics now advise budgeting for at least one high‑end meal on any Seoul trip. The guide signals the city’s continued shift toward unforgettable, reservation‑required dining experiences. (seoulkoreaasia.com)
The MICHELIN Guide Seoul & Busan 2026 names 233 restaurants in total, with 178 in Seoul and 55 in Busan; Seoul’s starred count is 42 — one three‑star, ten two‑star and 31 one‑star establishments. (guide.michelin.com) This edition recorded 10 newly awarded or promoted MICHELIN stars — a record for Korea since the Guide’s 2017 debut — bringing the countrywide total of starred restaurants to 46. (guide.michelin.com) Mingles retained its three‑star status while Mosu and Sosuheon sit now in the two‑star category after this year’s announcements. (chosun.com) New one‑star entries include Collage, GiwaKang, SAN, Sushi Kanesaka and Hakusi, names highlighted on Michelin’s official “All the Stars” list as part of the 2026 expansion. (guide.michelin.com) The Guide also expanded its Bib Gourmand selections by eight additions, lifting the Bib total to 71 overall — 51 in Seoul and 20 in Busan — alongside a larger pool of MICHELIN Selected restaurants. (koreajoongangdaily.joins.com) Local guides and planning pieces advise securing reservations weeks in advance for tasting‑menu spots and budgeting for one splurge meal when visiting Seoul, framing Michelin seats as trip‑shaping experiences. (seoulkoreaasia.com) Course pricing and booking signals reflect that advice: Mitou lists a tasting menu at about ₩300,000 per person on booking platforms, and Sosuheon is listed as reservation‑only with a high price band on VisitSeoul’s listing. (catchtable.net)
