8 New Bib Gourmand Korean Restaurants in 2025 Michelin Guide

As a designer working in South Korea, I've had the privilege of exploring Seoul's vibrant food scene. When the 2025 Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan was released, I couldn't contain my excitement. The guide not only introduced a new three-star restaurant but also added 8 Korean eateries to its coveted Bib Gourmand list. For food lovers seeking authentic Korean flavors without breaking the bank, these spots are absolute must-visits.

The Rise of Korean Cuisine on the Global Stage

8 New Bib Gourmand Korean Restaurants in 2025 Michelin Guide

Korean cuisine has been gaining international recognition in recent years, and the 2025 Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan is a testament to this trend. With 186 recommended restaurants in Seoul and 48 in Busan, the guide showcases the evolving culinary landscape of both cities1. The addition of these 8 new Bib Gourmand Korean restaurants further highlights the depth and diversity of Korean gastronomy.

But what exactly makes these places special? Let's dive into the delicious details of each newcomer to the Bib Gourmand list.

1. Gomtang Lab: A Scientific Approach to Comfort Food

🕒 Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00–22:00 (Last order: 20:30)
💰 Price: 10,000 ~ 20,000 ₩
📞 Phone: +82 2-517-4656
🏠 Atmosphere: Modern, lab-like setting
⭐ Service: Professional, attentive

Imagine a bowl of soup so rich and comforting that it reminds you of a warm hug. That's exactly what you'll find at Gomtang Lab. Created by Chef Yim Jung-sik of the two-Michelin-starred Jungsik, this restaurant takes a scientific approach to the traditional Korean beef bone soup.

The signature dish here is a collagen-rich beef bone soup, simmered for over 10 hours until thick and gelatinous. The result? A bowl brimming with tender meat and a savory broth that's perfect for those chilly Seoul nights or as a hangover cure.

2. Neungdong Minari: A Fresh Take on Tradition

🕒 Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00–23:00 | Sat-Sun 10:30–23:00 (Last order: 21:50)
💰 Price: 10,000 ~ 20,000₩
📞 Phone: +82 02-790-1026
🏠 Atmosphere: Nostalgic, 1990s-style interior
⭐ Service: Warm, attentive

At Neungdong Minari, the star of the show is water celery, known as "minari" in Korean. The restaurant serves a unique gomtang topped with a generous portion of fresh minari, creating a refreshing and light flavor profile that's perfect for health-conscious diners.

Using freshly slaughtered hanwoo (Korean beef) and minari grown in clean water, this place offers a clean, crisp taste that lingers in your memory long after the meal is over.

3. Myeon Seoul: Noodles with an Italian Twist

🕒 Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00–20:30
💰 Price: 10,000 ~ 20,000₩
📞 Phone: X
🏠 Atmosphere: Casual, modern
⭐ Service: Knowledgeable about noodle varieties

For those who love fusion cuisine, Myeon Seoul is a must-visit. Chef Kim Do-yun of the Michelin-starred Yun Seoul brings his expertise to this casual noodle joint. The highlight here is the "saengdeulgirum-myeon" (fresh perilla oil noodles), which combines hand-pulled noodles with aromatic perilla oil for a uniquely Korean-Italian fusion experience.

4. Mipildam: North Korean Dumplings in the Heart of Seoul

🕒 Hours: Wed-Sun 11:30–20:30
💰 Price: 10,000 ~ 20,000₩
📞 Phone: +82 050-71366-5041
🏠 Atmosphere: Unpretentious, cozy
⭐ Service: Friendly, accommodating to both solo diners and groups

Craving some North Korean flavors? Mipildam offers authentic North Korean-style hand-made dumplings based on a recipe passed down from the owner's grandmother from Hwanghae Province. The thick, chewy dumplings swimming in a rich, meaty broth provide a comforting taste of home for many Korean diners.

5. Seokyo Nanmyeonbang: Korean-Italian Fusion at Its Finest

🕒 Hours:

Day	Hours
Thursday	11:30 AM – 2:30 PM / 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Friday	11:30 AM – 2:30 PM / 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Saturday	Closed
Sunday	11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Monday	11:30 AM – 2:30 PM / 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Tuesday	11:30 AM – 2:30 PM / 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday	11:30 AM – 2:30 PM / 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

💰 Price: 10,000 ~ 20,000₩ (Affordable)
📞 Phone: Not available
🏠 Atmosphere: A fusion of Korean and Italian influences
⭐ Service: Informative about seasonal offerings

Another fusion spot, Seokyo Nanmyeonbang, brings Italian cuisine sensibilities to Korean noodle dishes. Their signature "gueum-dak nanmyeon" (roasted chicken noodles) and "seokyo nanmyeon" (beef and chicken broth noodles) showcase the perfect harmony between Korean flavors and Italian techniques.

6. Seoryung: A Taste of Pyongyang in Seoul

🕒 Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00–21:00
💰 Price: 10,000 ~ 20,000₩ (Affordable)
📞 Phone: +82 050-71427-8766
🏠 Atmosphere: Comfortable dining space
⭐ Service: Dedicated, authentic

Located near Sungnyemun Gate, Seoryung specializes in Pyongyang-style naengmyeon (cold noodles). Using 100% buckwheat noodles and a deep, flavorful broth, this place offers a taste of North Korean cuisine that's hard to find elsewhere in Seoul. Don't miss their unique "seoryung-cho" (Seoryung vinegar) that adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

7. Okdol Hyeonok: Pyongyang Naengmyeon with a Twist

🕒 Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00–21:30
💰 Price: 10,000 ~20,000₩ (Affordable)
📞 Phone: +82 2-404-4824
🏠 Atmosphere: Traditional, popular among naengmyeon connoisseurs
⭐ Service: Allows wine with a corkage fee

Another Pyongyang naengmyeon specialist, Okdol Hyeonok, stands out for its 100% buckwheat noodles and rich broth. What sets this place apart is its wine pairing option – yes, you can enjoy your cold noodles with a glass of wine for a truly unique dining experience.

8. Bibijae: Bibimbap Reimagined

🕒 Hours: Fri-Wed 10:30–21:00
💰 Price: 10,000 ~20,000₩
📞 Phone: +82 70-8287-1035

Bibijae in Busan offers a modern take on the classic Korean dish, bibimbap. With a variety of unique ingredient combinations, this place allows diners to experience both traditional and innovative flavors in one bowl.

Why These Bib Gourmand Restaurants Matter

You might be wondering, "Why should I care about these Bib Gourmand restaurants?" Well, let me tell you why they're so special.

Firstly, the Bib Gourmand distinction is awarded to restaurants that offer exceptional value for money. In Seoul and Busan, this means a meal priced under 45,000 KRW (about $35) per person8. So, you're getting Michelin-approved quality at a fraction of the cost of a starred restaurant.

Secondly, these restaurants represent the true essence of Korean cuisine. While high-end restaurants often focus on modernizing traditional dishes, these Bib Gourmand spots stay true to their roots, offering authentic flavors that have been perfected over generations.

Lastly, exploring these restaurants is a fantastic way to discover hidden gems in Seoul and Busan. Many of these places are tucked away in neighborhoods you might not otherwise visit, giving you a chance to experience the cities like a local.

Beyond the Bib Gourmand: Exploring Seoul's Hidden Culinary Treasures

While these new Bib Gourmand restaurants are certainly worth visiting, they're just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Seoul's culinary scene. If you're looking to dive deeper into the city's hidden food spots, you might want to check out our guide to Hidden Seoul: 17 Secret Spots in Bukchon. This charming neighborhood is home to some of the city's best-kept culinary secrets, from traditional tea houses to modern fusion cafes.

Conclusion: A Feast for the Senses

The addition of these 8 new Korean restaurants to the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand list is a testament to the rich and diverse culinary landscape of Seoul and Busan. From comforting bowls of gomtang to innovative fusion noodle dishes, these eateries offer a wide range of flavors and experiences that showcase the best of Korean cuisine.

As someone who's had the pleasure of exploring Seoul's food scene, I can confidently say that these Bib Gourmand restaurants are just the beginning of your culinary adventure in Korea. So, whether you're a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and explore these hidden gems. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite dish in one of these unassuming eateries.

Remember, the joy of food isn't just in the eating – it's in the discovery, the experience, and the stories you'll have to tell afterward. So go ahead, dive into Seoul's culinary scene, and create your own food adventures. Happy eating!