Jongno-gu is the historic heart of Seoul, containing Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Insadong's antique street. The area balances ancient and modern — traditional Korean restaurants, teahouses, and street food vendors operate alongside contemporary galleries and specialty coffee shops. Eating here feels like a connection to centuries of Seoul food culture.
This is my very first time in Seoul, and I’ve decided to try fine dining for the first time too. Choosing Korean food felt like the only right choice for me. I highly recommend this place for to everyone, especially when they’re first-timers like me! The chef has managed to present the charm of Korean cuisine and ingredients through the menu. I don’t even like chestnut, but the chestnut porridge is one of the best things I have ever eaten… it’s amazing This is a meal that would stay in my heart for a long long time.
Had dinner here & thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The cuisine beautifully elevates traditional Korean flavours into a refined fine-dining format. Each course felt thoughtful & well-executed, showcasing seasonality & depth while staying true to its roots. The ambience is elegant yet understated, allowing the food to take centre stage. Service was attentive & professional, making the overall experience smooth & comfortable. A place worth visiting when you’re looking for something memorable & refined — especially if you appreciate Korean cuisine interpreted at a higher level.
Restaurant Jueun, located behind Gyeonghuigung Palace in Seoul, is an elegant, Michelin-recognized fine dining establishment led by Chef Park Ju-eun, formerly of Hansikgonggan. Known for its refined interpretation of traditional Korean cuisine, the restaurant features seasonally changing tasting menus that highlight fermented sauces, delicate flavors, and artistic, traditional ceramics. The World's 50 Best Restaurants The World's 50 Best Restaurants +2 Culinary Philosophy and Menu Chef Park Ju-eun, who honed her skills under renowned Chef Cho Hee-sook, focuses on an authentic, understated approach, avoiding overly ornate, modern trends in favor of deep, traditional tastes. The backbone of the menu is built on fermented sauces ("jang"), ensuring a natural, harmonious depth of flavor in every course. MICHELIN Guide MICHELIN Guide +1 Signature Dishes: The menu often features Tarakjuk (a traditional milk porridge once served to Joseon Dynasty royalty), Goryeo-era inspired dried persimmon rolls with nuts, and seasonal pumpkin rice served in earthen pots. Dining Experience: Meals are designed as a,, thoughtful progression, culminating in a traditional Korean table setting. The restaurant is highly praised for its clean, sophisticated, and, serene atmosphere, often described as a, cozy art gallery. The World's 50 Best Restaurants The World's 50 Best Restaurants +2 Ambiance and Service Situated on the 8th floor of the Gyeonghuidang building (36 Gyeonghuigung-gil), the venue blends modern design with heritage elements. The dining experience is enhanced by: Artisanal Tableware: Food is served on curated ceramics, including Buncheong, white porcelain, and onggi pottery, creating a,, functional art experience. Atmosphere: The interior features subtle media art and is noted for being quiet and elegant. Service: The service is described as professional, attentive, and non-intrusive. MICHELIN Guide MICHELIN Guide +1 Operational Details Location: 8F Gyeonghuidang, 36 Gyeonghuigung-gil, Seoul, South Korea. Hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch (12:00-15:00) and dinner (18:00-22:00); Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Reservations: Highly recommended as it is a, popular, high-end, destination. Features: Offers a, full bar with curated, pairings of traditional Korean spirits and wines. MICHELIN Guide MICHELIN Guide +3 Restaurant Jueun has earned acclaim for providing one of the most refined Korean fine dining experiences in Seoul, offering a,, deep dive into the, nuances of Korean, culinary history.
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