Michelin names two 3-star eateries in debut 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 Michelin stars, 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.