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Joo Ok Seoul: Exquisite Michelin Star Modern Korean Dining at The Plaza Hotel

Nestled within the prestigious The Plaza Hotel, right in front of Seoul City Hall, Joo Ok offers a modern and refined take on Korean cuisine. Originally located in Cheongdam-dong, Joo Ok relocated to The Plaza Hotel in 2019 and has continued to impress diners with its innovative dishes and commitment to traditional Korean flavors, earning it a Michelin star. My recent visit to Joo Ok was a delightful experience, showcasing the artistry and dedication of the chefs.

Accessible Location and Elegant Ambiance

The Plaza Hotel’s prime location in front of Seoul City Hall makes Joo Ok incredibly accessible by public transportation. Located on the 3rd floor of the hotel, Joo Ok boasts an elegant and serene atmosphere. While not all seats are window-side, requesting a window seat when making a reservation is highly recommended, as it offers pleasant views of Seoul Plaza. The interior is tastefully decorated, with partitioned spaces providing a sense of privacy without fully enclosing the dining area. The restaurant’s ambiance is perfect for a special lunch or dinner.

A Culinary Journey: The Lunch Course

Joo Ok offers a set lunch course, priced at 90,000 KRW, with a choice of main dishes. The menu is a testament to Chef’s dedication to using house-made Jang (Korean sauces) and vinegars, highlighting the foundational flavors of Korean cuisine. The experience begins with welcoming 산사 화채 (Sansha Hwachae), a refreshing traditional Korean punch, and savory 새우 매작과 (Shrimp Maejakgwa) crackers, reminiscent of shrimp chips. Guests are also offered a choice of house-made vinegar ade, apple or grape, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to crafting their own base ingredients.

Memorable Appetizers and Starters

The amuse-bouche selection included a delightful 한우 육회 (Korean Beef Tartare) with Gochujang and egg yolk jelly, and 간장 찜닭 크로메스키 (Soy Braised Chicken Croquettes). The 육회 was subtly spicy and beautifully presented, while the croquettes, inspired by Russian Kroket, featured flavorful Jjimdak (braised chicken) wrapped in perilla leaves and deep-fried – a unique and delicious bite. Next, a visually stunning dish of 제철 나물과 해산물 (Seasonal Vegetables and Seafood) arrived. This plate featured three types of seasonal spring greens paired with fresh seafood: squid with sea squirt sprout, scallops with asparagus, and charcoal-grilled tuna with deungchwi and gochu (pepper) sauce. The freshness of the seafood and the vibrant flavors of the spring vegetables were excellent.

Signature Dishes: 장어와 막걸리빵 (Eel and Makgeolli Bread) & 주옥의 맛 (Joo Ok’s Flavor)

One of the standout dishes was 장어와 막걸리빵 (Eel and Makgeolli Bread). Makgeolli bread, similar to sourdough bread but made with Korean rice wine, was grilled with butter and topped with grilled eel. One version was garnished with chives and sansho (Japanese pepper), and the other with squid ink breadcrumbs, offering subtle variations in flavor profiles. The combination of the sweet and savory bread, the smoky grilled eel, and the aromatic sansho was exceptional.

“주옥의 맛 (Joo Ok’s Flavor)” is truly a signature dish. This dish featured perilla oil, made in-house by the chef, poured over diced abalone and conch, topped with quail egg and a touch of caviar. The perilla oil was incredibly smooth and aromatic, without the heavy greasiness one might expect. It harmonized beautifully with the seafood, making it a memorable and unique dish.

Main Course and Dessert

For the main course, I opted for the 양갈비 (Lamb Ribs), which is included in the base lunch set price. The 숯불에 구운 양갈비 (Charcoal Grilled Lamb Ribs), dry-aged for two weeks, was perfectly cooked to medium-rare and presented with beautiful sear marks. While a single rib may seem small, the thickness was substantial, making it a satisfying portion. It was served with 밥 (rice) and 한우육장 (Korean beef sauce) to be mixed and enjoyed together as a flavorful bibimbap style side. Dessert was a refreshing 빙수 (Bingsu), Korean shaved ice. This version featured milk-based shaved ice with 딸기 소르베 (strawberry sorbet), jelly, and a vanilla Anglaise sauce. The bingsu was rich and creamy, highlighting the high milk content, and a perfect ending to the meal.

Overall Impression

Joo Ok at The Plaza Hotel provides a truly refined modern Korean dining experience. From the meticulously prepared dishes showcasing house-made sauces and ingredients to the elegant ambiance and attentive service, Joo Ok is a restaurant that impresses on multiple levels. While the main course options beyond the lamb ribs come with an extra charge, the overall quality and creativity of the lunch course make it a worthwhile splurge for those seeking a sophisticated and delicious Korean dining experience in Seoul. Highly recommended for Korean fine dining enthusiasts.

Location: The Plaza Hotel 3F, 119 Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Rating: Michelin Star

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