www.youtube.com/embed/9uWbpVSHfsA

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Gaon: Experience Exquisite Michelin 3-Star Korean Fine Dining in Sinsadong (Temporarily Closed)

Recently, I had the pleasure of dining at Gaon, a renowned restaurant located in Sinsadong, Seoul, near Dosan Park. For those primarily interested in the food, you can jump to 4 minutes 50 seconds in the video review (original Korean blog content). Gaon’s location is conveniently around Dosan Park, although it’s a bit of a walk from Apgujeong Rodeo Station, approximately 650 meters. This area around Dosan Park is known for being slightly distanced from subway stations, yet it’s a culinary hotspot.

Location and Atmosphere

Sinsadong and the adjacent Cheongdam-dong area are brimming with excellent restaurants, ranging from upscale to more affordable options like Katsu by Konban for Tonkatsu and various bagel shops. Apgujeong Rodeo Street, located just north of Gaon, is also experiencing a revival, making this entire neighborhood a great place to explore and dine. Gaon itself is situated within the Horim Art Center, on the M floor, offering a serene and artful ambiance. The interior is decorated with beautiful white porcelain and pottery, reflecting the restaurant’s connection to Kwangjuyo, a company famous for its ceramics and also the producer of Hwayo soju.

Michelin Star Status and Temporary Closure

Gaon has consistently held a Michelin 3-star rating in the Seoul edition since its inception in 2017, maintaining this prestigious status for seven consecutive years until the 2023 guide. It was previously one of two 3-star Korean restaurants in Seoul, alongside La Yeon at The Shilla Hotel, but La Yeon was downgraded to 2 stars in the latest guide. Meanwhile, Mosu, previously a 2-star restaurant in Hannam-dong, was newly elevated to 3 stars. Interestingly, Gaon remains the sole 3-star Michelin restaurant specializing in classic Korean cuisine, as Mosu is considered to have a more contemporary and genre-bending approach.

Sadly, Gaon has temporarily closed its doors after December 2022, with no confirmed reopening date. This makes the absence of a 3-star classic Korean restaurant in Seoul particularly felt. Gaon is operated by Kwangjuyo, also known for Bicena, a Michelin 1-star Korean restaurant in Signiel Seoul, and the popular Hwayo soju. Notably, Gaon offers Hwayo at a reasonable price compared to other fine dining establishments, making it a great choice to pair with your meal.

Exquisite Korean Course Menu

My dinner at Gaon was a delightful culinary journey through a meticulously crafted Korean course menu. Here are some highlights:

1. Omija Punch: A refreshing welcome drink made with 12-hour cold-brewed Omija juice and 3-year aged Omija syrup, garnished with a pear blossom.
2. Steamed Fig: A delicate steamed fig topped with burdock, pine nut, and yam sauce, a perfect bite-sized appetizer.
3. Mushroom Yukhoe: A creative dish featuring various mushroom preparations, including a crispy mushroom bugak (chip), finely chopped Korean beef sirloin inside, and a touch of truffle.
4. Squid Noodles: Finely sliced squid resembling noodles, topped with caviar and served in a flavorful smoked dried squid broth.
5. Yangji Broth Soup: A comforting 들깨 (Deulkkae – perilla seed) soup with a rich Yangji beef broth base, containing taro, shiitake mushrooms, and tender chicken breast.
6. Dohwa Shrimp: Delicious Dohwa shrimp served with pear, pine nut sauce, grapefruit segments, and truffle, showcasing the shrimp’s natural sweetness and texture.
7. Sea Cucumber Steamed Dish: Dried sea cucumber rehydrated and filled with minced prawn, abalone, and scallops, in a rich grilled shrimp head broth, reminiscent of bisque.
8. Steamed Tilefish (Okdom): Perfectly steamed Okdom (tilefish) with a savory and slightly spicy soy sauce-based sauce, infused with red chili pepper and ginger.
9. Marinated Crab: A visually stunning dish with marinated crab meat, shrimp, and soy sauce crab, topped with sea urchin and seaweed bugak. Served with a flavorful crab broth 된장 (Doenjang – soybean paste) soup.
10. Medicinal Herb Jelly: A palate cleanser made with medicinal herbs and chestnut honey, solidified into a jelly-like form, accompanied by refreshing white kimchi.
11. Charcoal Grilled Sirloin: 숙성 (aged) sirloin, lightly marinated in soy sauce and grilled over charcoal, offering a delightful smoky aroma and tender texture.
12. Pyeon-yuk S솥밥 (Sotbap – Pot Rice) with Sliced Beef: Flavorful pot rice with sliced Pyeon-yuk (pressed beef), served with various side dishes and Hwangtae (dried pollack) soup. Refills of the pot rice are available upon request.

Desserts and Farewell

The meal concluded with a delightful array of desserts:

1. 찹쌀 꽈배기 (Chapssal Kkwabaegi – Twisted glutinous rice doughnut)
2. Rice and soy milk 빙과 (Bing-gwa – frozen dessert) with ginger syrup
3. Five-flavor tea (Ogwacha) and three petit fours

Price and Value

Dinner at Gaon costs ₩260,000 per person for the single course menu. While seemingly expensive, considering the Michelin 3-star status and the quality of ingredients and preparation, it offers reasonable value for a special occasion. Lunch options are available from ₩130,000 to ₩169,000.

Conclusion

My experience at Gaon was truly memorable. The impeccable service, exquisite dishes, and elegant ambiance all contributed to a fantastic dining experience. It’s a highly recommended destination for those seeking authentic and refined Korean fine dining. The temporary closure is a significant loss to Seoul’s culinary scene, and I sincerely hope Gaon will reopen its doors in the future. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to revisit and experience their exceptional cuisine once again.

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