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Jungsik Seoul: A Michelin 2-Star Journey into Modern Korean Fine Dining

Located in Seoul’s upscale Cheongdam-dong, Jungsik stands as a beacon of contemporary Korean haute cuisine. This Michelin 2-Star restaurant, conveniently near Apgujeong Rodeo Station, is globally recognized for its innovative approach to traditional Korean flavors, captivating diners with exceptional dishes and a refined atmosphere. Its reputation extends to a celebrated New York City branch, which earned its Michelin stars even before the guide came to Korea. While the NYC location offers a distinct experience, visiting Jungsik Seoul allows for a truly immersive culinary journey in its home country, at a more accessible price point than its $295 per person NYC counterpart.

Ambiance and Impeccable Service

Jungsik provides a seamless dining experience from the moment of arrival, with valet service available directly at the entrance. The interior features a main dining hall on the second floor and private rooms on the third, all tastefully carpeted to ensure a serene, noise-dampened environment. A significant advantage is the absence of a separate room charge for private dining, though reservations are essential. The staff’s service is exceptional – professional, attentive, and warmly approachable, mirroring the hospitality found in top-tier luxury hotels. Their detailed explanations of each dish further enrich the meal, contributing to an overall sense of pampered satisfaction.

The Culinary Journey: A Symphony of Modern Korean Flavors

The Signature “One-Table” Introduction

The meal commences with Jungsik’s iconic “one-table” amuse-bouche, a visually stunning and palate-awakening spread. This array includes delicate tofu with pollack roe, exquisite caviar atop tuna, perfectly seared scallops, savory Hanwoo beef tartare, tender octopus, and a unique sujeonggwa jelly paired with foie gras. Each bite offers a concise lesson in balanced flavors and varied textures, setting a high standard for the courses ahead.

Highlights from the Tasting Menu

• Caviar & Cuttlefish: Kaluga caviar paired with tender cuttlefish, served with a zesty sansho-based sauce.
• Langoustine: A well-cooked langoustine presented with a rich, bacon-scented bisque-like sauce and refreshing cantaloupe pickles.
• Signature Gimbap: A standout dish, offering scallop gimbap or an assorted version (additional 70,000 KRW). The assorted gimbap features caviar, sweet shrimp, tuna, scallop, yukhoe, and sea urchin on vinegared rice, wrapped in crispy fried seaweed (gimbugak). The basic scallop gimbap with egg yolk-mixed rice and dried mullet roe is also impressive.
• Truffle Naengmyeon: An innovative take on cold noodles, featuring truffle-infused noodles, winter truffle shavings, and a richer, subtly saltier broth than traditional Pyongyang naengmyeon.
• Okdom (Tilefish): Pan-fried tilefish with crispy skin, served alongside potato sujaebi, zucchini, and a butter-based sauce derived from smoked fish bones.
• Main Course – Duck vs. Hanwoo: My choice was the expertly prepared duck with crispy skin, glazed with honey and served with a bokbunja sauce. My companion’s Hanwoo beef sirloin (additional 30,000 KRW) was exceptionally tender and flavorful, a pleasant surprise.

Creative Dessert Conclusions

The dessert course offers a memorable finale:

• Soojigemi Sorbet: A refreshing sake lees sorbet, offering a delightful tang.
• Dolhareubang: Jungsik’s iconic “Stone Grandfather” dessert, a pistachio-based creation with a mandarin jam filling, which evolves in appearance.
• Ulleungdo Maple: An exceptional dessert resembling tree bark, paired with highly concentrated gorosoe (maple sap) water. This delightful pumpkin panna cotta with rich milk cream was a highlight of the meal.

The experience concludes with complimentary coffee or tea and a final selection of mini desserts.

Verdict: A Premier Destination for Modern Korean Cuisine

Jungsik Seoul, with its dinner tasting menu starting at 290,000 KRW (lunch from 195,000 KRW), delivers an unparalleled modern Korean dining experience. A 5-glass wine pairing, including Dom Pérignon, is available for 185,000 KRW. While individual dish preferences vary, the overall quality, creativity, and impeccable service truly set Jungsik apart. It masterfully blends traditional Korean culinary elements with innovative techniques, standing as a testament to Seoul’s fine dining excellence alongside peers like Mingles and Kwonsooksoo. Jungsik is a highly recommended culinary journey, eagerly anticipated for revisit.