Frieze and Kiaf are officially underway in Seoul, marking the beginning of a busy art season for South Korea. With thousands of people in town for the fairs, we’ve compiled a selection of our favorite Michelin-starred restaurants and internationally renowned cocktail bars throughout the city, including Bicena, Mingles, and many more.
Bicena
South Korea, Seoul, Songpa District, Sincheon-dong, Olympic-ro, 300 롯데월드 타워 81층
Courtesy of Bicena.
Bicena is officially the tallest traditional restaurant in the world, perched on the 81st floor of the five-star hotel Signiel Seoul. The restaurant focuses on honoring the traditions of Korean fine dining, centering elements like kimchi and fermented sauces known as jang in ever-changing seasonal dishes. Diners begin their meal with pine needle gamju (rice wine) and progress through courses of raw beef, abalone, sirloin steak before closing with a dessert of five dried fruits.
What we love: Opting for the Korean caviar and truffle add-ons for an even more indulgent experience.
Mingles
South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam District, Dosan-daero 67-gil, 19 힐탑빌딩 2층
Courtesy of Mingles.
Mingles earned two Michelin stars for its contributions to contemporary Korean cuisine, inspired by the culinary landscape of both Hong Kong and Europe. Using local ingredients, Chef Mingoo Kang (an alum of Nobu) creates meticulously refined dishes: one standout is the jeju fish, which sits upon a pool of dried fish porridge and is topped with golden puffed rice. Other delicacies include fish mandu, abalone, and cabbage seon, served in delicate ceramic ware. The warmly lit, wooden space is sparsely decorated, creating a distinctly modern, cozy atmosphere. Located in Seoul’s buzzy Cheongdam-dong district, this restaurant is not to be missed.
What we love: The potato rice cake with corn soup and black truffle.
Pierre Gagnaire à Séoul
South Korea, Seoul, Jung District, Eulji-ro, 30 롯데호텔 서울 Executive Tower 35F
Courtesy of Pierre Gagnaire à Séoul.
Since opening his eponymous restaurant in Seoul in 2008, French chef Pierre Gagnaire has garnered three Michelin stars and extensive acclaim on the culinary world stage. Pierre Gagnaire à Séoul champions timeless French cuisine, offering dishes like cœur de filet de boeuf and squash and foie gras soup; notably, 80% of ingredients used by the restaurant are local. With gold trim walls and Murano chandeliers adorning the space, it’s clear why Pierre Gagnaire à Séoul has been celebrated as the epicenter of French luxury in South Korea.
What we love: Exploring the extensive wine list—Pierre Gagnaire à Séoul has more than 250 labels in its cellar.
Charles H
97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Courtesy of Charles H.
Located in the Four Seasons Hotel, Charles H was ranked as one of The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2021 for its innovative offerings. This cocktail bar is sultry and intimate, serving cocktails inspired by London, Havana, Hong Kong, and New York; ingredients range from lotus root to mushroom butter to burnt caramel. A Destination Tasting Menu is also available, comprising one cocktail from each of the four cities; guests may choose to supplement their experience with 30 grams of Kaluga Queen Osetra caviar.
What we love: The caviar tower and the Destination Tasting Menu.
7th Door
South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam District, Hakdong-ro 97-gil, 41 4층
Courtesy of 7th Door.
Walk through a neon purple corridor and you’ll arrive at 7th Door, a Michelin-starred restaurant centered on the processes of fermenting and aging. During the three-hour tasting menu experience, Chef Kim Dae-chun takes diners through what he calls “the seven tastes of food”: the basic five senses, the taste of fermentation, and his own vision. Shark fin spring roll, marinated raw crabs, and dongchimi noodles are all to be found on the menu. 7th Door seats just 14 people at its counter, granting everyone a front-row seat to the open kitchen.
What we love: The caviar wraps, corn and cheese ice cream, and shark fin spring rolls.
