‘www.youtube.com/embed/egFd72aNfik’

“`html

La Yeon at The Shilla Hotel: Experience Michelin 3-Star Korean Fine Dining in Seoul

I recently had the pleasure of dining at La Yeon, the renowned Korean restaurant located in The Shilla Hotel, Seoul. Seoul boasts two Michelin three-star restaurants, and La Yeon is one of them, alongside Gaon in Cheongdam. While Michelin stars aren’t the definitive measure of a restaurant’s quality, they certainly provide a good benchmark. Sometimes you might stumble upon incredible food unexpectedly, but Michelin-starred establishments like La Yeon are generally reliable choices, offering a consistently high standard. Since Michelin’s arrival in Seoul in 2017, the dining scene has become even more vibrant, and La Yeon has consistently maintained its three-star status, solidifying its place as one of Korea’s most celebrated Korean fine dining experiences.

Ambiance and Setting

The entrance to La Yeon has recently changed due to ongoing renovations at the hotel. You now need to enter through the main entrance, which is a slight detour for those familiar with the previous access. Located on the 23rd floor of The Shilla Hotel, La Yeon shares the floor with Continental and the Executive Lounge, offering stunning views of Seoul. The restaurant’s interior is tastefully decorated, and what immediately stood out to me was the generous spacing between tables. This thoughtful layout ensures a sense of privacy and tranquility, contributing to a more relaxed and intimate dining experience. Such spaciousness is a luxury reflected in the price, as fewer tables mean a more exclusive and comfortable setting for guests.

Lunch Course Experience: A Deep Dive into Korean Flavors

La Yeon offers three lunch courses: ‘A Course,’ ‘La Yeon Course,’ and ‘B Course.’ I opted to skip the ‘B Course’ as it is vegetarian. The ‘A Course’ initially appears to be a more affordable option at ₩109,000, but it’s worth noting that this price excludes the main dish. Adding a main course, such as Tteokgalbi (grilled short rib patties) or Galbijjim (braised short ribs), incurs an additional ₩49,000 charge, bringing the total to ₩158,000. This structure felt a little unusual as the main course is almost essential for a complete dining experience. I chose the ‘La Yeon Course,’ which includes a comprehensive selection without hidden add-on costs. While you can add Sinseollo (royal hot pot), I decided against it this time as it hadn’t impressed me on a previous visit.

A Culinary Journey Through the La Yeon Course

The ‘La Yeon Course’ began with delightful amuse-bouches: dried jujubes and Gamtae (seaweed) crisps. The dried jujubes were particularly addictive, offering a sweet and crisp texture, reminiscent of a healthy yet indulgent snack. The Gamtae crisps had a subtle sweetness and a hint of the sea, a pleasant start to the meal. Next came a welcoming egg custard, a smooth and savory dish topped with Myeongran (salted pollock roe). The restaurant mentioned using free-range eggs and a specific type of Myeongran, though I couldn’t recall the exact details. The presentation was elegant, served in a traditional Korean earthenware bowl. The scallop ceviche was beautifully presented, with thinly sliced scallops layered with zucchini and garnished with edible flowers. While visually stunning and delicate, the portion size was on the smaller side. The Yukjeon (beef pancake) was exceptionally well-made, featuring high-quality beef thinly coated in a light batter and pan-fried to perfection, topped with scallions. This dish highlighted a recurring theme: La Yeon’s dishes are impeccably executed, often representing Korean classics at their finest. The grilled golden threadfin bream (Geumtae) was cooked to perfection, its rich, oily flavor balanced by a sauce made with golden threadfin bream broth, Hallabong (citrus), and a hint of gochujang (Korean chili paste). The sauce had a subtle citrusy note and a mild spicy kick, complementing the fish beautifully. The braised short ribs (Galbijjim), the main course, were truly exceptional – possibly the best I’ve ever tasted. The meat was tender, with a perfect ratio of meat to fat, and the sauce was flavorful without being overly salty. For the rice course, I chose the seasonal pot rice, which was sea bream (Domi) pot rice on this occasion. The pot rice was fragrant and flavorful, with perfectly cooked sea bream, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. Finally, dessert was a refreshing Hallabong and Yuzu ice confection, a palate cleanser that was subtly sweet and tart. The meal concluded with traditional Korean snacks, including Ssuktteok (mugwort rice cake) and Omija tea.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Dining at La Yeon is undoubtedly a premium experience. With a Shilla Hotel card, you can receive a discount, which helps to alleviate some of the price concerns. To fully appreciate the sophisticated flavors of La Yeon, I recommend avoiding Korean food the day before your visit to maximize your palate’s receptiveness. While La Yeon is undeniably expensive, the quality of ingredients, impeccable service, and refined atmosphere justify the price point for a special occasion. The Geumtae and Domi Sotbap were particularly memorable, and the Galbijjim is an absolute must-try. The service was flawless, as expected from The Shilla Hotel, and the generous table spacing provided an unparalleled level of privacy and comfort. If you are seeking an exceptional Korean fine dining experience in Seoul, La Yeon is a worthy destination.

Thank you for reading my review! If you found this post helpful, please consider liking and sharing. Your support is greatly appreciated!

“`