Michelin names two 3-star eateries in first Seoul guide

Seoul : The Michelin food guide unveiled its first Seoul edition on Monday, with two upscale Korean restaurants receiving the coveted three stars, but recognition also for a more humble diner serving up vegetarian temple food.

A total of 24 restaurants in the South Korean capital received Michelinstars, reflecting the city's ambitions as a fine-dining hub and the emergence of Korean cuisine from the well-established shadows cast by those of Asian neighbours China and Japan.

"I think it's widely seen as one of the hidden gems of world cuisine," said Michael Ellis, the international director of Michelin guides.

Of the two three-starred restaurants, Gaon in Seoul's upmarket Gangnam area offers two multi-course menus based on the daily meals enjoyed by the kings of the Joseon era (1392-1910) and priced at 180,000 won (US$157) and 250,000 won.

The guide cited Gaon for its "meticulously-prepared dishes" and commitment to promoting a "better understanding" of Korean food. 

Gaon's executive chef Kim Byoung-Jin said he was stunned and "extremely honoured" with the three-star rating, crediting his kitchen team and an insistence on the finest seasonal produce.

"All good food starts from fresh ingredients," he told AFP.