Mingles is crowned South Korea’s sole three-starred restaurant by the Michelin Guide

Modern Korean restaurant Mingles, touted as one of the pioneers of modern Korean cuisine, has been awarded the prestigious three-starred status in the Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan 2025.

The Gangnam restaurant, which was started by chef Kang Min-goo in 2014, is also the only dining establishment in South Korea to attain the coveted three stars. It also marks the first time a restaurant in the country received the coveted three stars in two years.

Mosu, by chef Sung Anh, who served as a judge on the wildly popular Netflix cooking contest, Culinary Class Wars, was the only three-starred recipient last year. However, the restaurant has been temporarily closed since last year and is slated to open later this year in a new location in Seoul. 

Mingles’ promotion from two to three stars cements its position as one of the top fine-dining restaurants in South Korea, which has seen an uptick in its high-end dining sector, fueled by a crop of internationally-trained chefs returning home to front contemporary Korean restaurants in recent years. Mingles was awarded a star in 2017, when the Guide entered South Korea, and was elevated to two-starred status in 2019. It has retained the two stars till this year. 

In a video produced by the Michelin Guide, where the win was announced by its international director, Gwendal Poullennec, Kang, who appeared visibly emotional, says: “I will keep working hard and keep challenging myself to make sure this restaurant is one that I can be truly proud of.”

According to the guide’s inspectors, they say: “Chef Kang Min-goo’s keen eye for detail shines with warm minimalism taking centrestage at Mingles, where the interior design highlights the understated elegance of Korean aesthetics. Complementing this ambiance are exquisite tableware and decor crafted by Korean artisans, further enhancing the refined charm of traditional Korean cuisine.”

“From the beginning, Kang has marched to the beat of his own drum, breaking down barriers by marrying the old with the new, but always with a deep respect for tradition. His journey and evolution continues, with dishes like Abalone and Cabbage Seon and Fish Mandu showcasing the creativity of the chef and his talented team.”

Evett, an innovative restaurant by Australian chef Joseph Lidgerwood was promoted to two stars after six years of attaining one-starred status. Lidgerwood, who also appeared as a contestant on Culinary Class Wars, is a fervent fan of using Korean ingredients in his adventurous cuisine. 

The guide’s inspectors say: “To the adventurous owner-chef Joseph Lidgerwood, who ventures out into the wild to pick ingredients or makes his own soy sauce and soybean paste from scratch, there is no such thing as an obvious or humdrum ingredient.”

From sikhye (sweet rice punch) sorbet with green tea syrup, which is garnished with handpicked ants for a touch of sour flavor, to tallow tart and perilla leaf juice, Evett’s menu brims with inventive dishes reimagined by the chef that perfectly reflect the seasonal sensibilities of Korea. When paired with its impressive selection of wines, those dishes become even more irresistible.” 

Seven restaurants received their first Michelin stars. They are Mediterranean restaurant, Gigas; Légume, which serves sensorial contemporary cuisine; modern Cantonese restaurant, Yu Yuan; contemporary restaurant Y’east; French restaurant, Tutoiement; sushi restaurant, Sosuheon and Mexican restaurant, Escondido. A total of 20 restaurants in Seoul and Busan received Michelin stars this year.