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Dining Space Seoul: A 1-Michelin Star Experience with Changdeokgung Views

Nestled in the heart of Seoul, where the historic beauty of Changdeokgung Palace meets modern culinary excellence, lies Dining Space. This exquisite 1-Michelin Star restaurant and dining venue offers a unique blend of sophisticated ambiance and innovative Modern French cuisine, making it a beloved spot for couples and those seeking a memorable dining experience.

Seoul’s Michelin Journey: A Glimpse into Fine Dining

It’s been four years since the Michelin Guide first began recognizing South Korea’s vibrant culinary scene in 2016. What started as a humble guidebook by a tire company to encourage road trips has evolved into a global symbol of gastronomic prestige. Today, Korea boasts a rich selection of Michelin-recognized establishments, including two 3-star restaurants, five 2-star restaurants, and nineteen 1-star restaurants, alongside numerous Bib Gourmand and Michelin Plate selections. These distinctions aren’t just about the food; they encompass location, ambiance, service, and facilities, all contributing to the overall dining journey.

The Culinary Vision of Chef Noh Jin-ho

At the helm of Dining Space is Chef Noh Jin-ho, a culinary artist whose journey began in Korea before taking him to France. There, he honed his craft in prestigious Michelin 1, 2, and 3-star restaurants, deeply immersing himself in the art of Modern French cuisine. His return to Korea brings this wealth of experience and refined technique to Dining Space, creating dishes that are both innovative and deeply satisfying.

An Unforgettable Ambiance with Palace Views

Dining Space is strategically located on the 5th floor of the Arario Museum in Wonseo-dong, Jongno. Its most captivating feature is undoubtedly the floor-to-ceiling glass windows on three sides, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Changdeokgung Palace. This stunning backdrop, especially when bathed in soft light or during a gentle rain, creates an atmosphere of unparalleled romance and sophistication. It’s no wonder the restaurant is a favorite for special occasions and romantic dates. The Arario Museum itself is a cultural complex, allowing diners to enjoy art and coffee shops before or after their meal, extending the overall experience.

A Journey Through the Lunch Course

Our culinary adventure began with a thoughtful touch: upon booking, the staff inquired if it was a special occasion. For anniversaries or birthdays, a personalized menu with a beautiful logo and a delightful music box greeting add a truly special touch.

The lunch course unfolded with a series of meticulously crafted dishes:

• Amuse-Bouche: Green Apple Puree – A refreshing starter featuring a vibrant green apple puree topped with milk foam and a sprinkle of cinnamon powder. The initial burst of cinnamon gave way to a smooth, creamy texture, beautifully preparing the palate. This was thoughtfully paired with a sparkling Crémant wine, chosen for its apple notes, although the reviewer found the apple flavors slightly overlapping.
• Second Course: Mackerel Sashimi “Haru Palchieu” – A delicate sashimi dish featuring expertly prepared mackerel, served with a creamy mayo sauce, a zesty lemon cream vinaigrette, and fresh herbs. The dish leaned towards a savory profile rather than overly tangy, with the mayo sauce hinting at Chef Noh’s French culinary influences.
• Third Course: Seared Scallops – A fragrant dish of perfectly seared scallops, accompanied by delicate red potato gnocchi-like morsels. The star of this dish was the “Bang Blanc” sauce, a rich and savory creation made from clam broth, butter, and white wine. The combination of succulent scallops and the deeply flavorful sauce was exceptional, creating a harmonious blend that was further enhanced by an Italian Fantinel Collection Bianco white wine. (Note: The restaurant’s dishes tend to be well-seasoned; guests preferring lighter seasoning can inform staff beforehand.)
• Fourth Course: Mediterranean Sea Bass – A beautifully cooked sea bass served with a vibrant ratatouille, grilled paprika, and tender beetroot. The accompanying Ver Blanc sauce, a classic white wine and butter reduction, provided a rich counterpoint. While the ratatouille added robust flavors, the sauce alone was also incredibly satisfying, and the beetroot was prepared to perfection, tasting almost like a savory potato dish.
• Main Course: Steak – The highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the steak. Ordered medium rare, the sirloin was perfectly seared with a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. The staff even presented a small piece separately to confirm the doneness. The accompanying red wine, a Domaine Perraud “Les Briqonnieres” Pinot Noir (a thoughtful replacement due to an issue with the originally planned wine, showcasing their meticulous attention), was served at an ideal temperature, with balanced acidity and tannins that perfectly complemented the rich flavors of the steak. The reviewer declared it the best steak eaten recently, even among other Michelin restaurants, rivaling steak specialty establishments.

A Sweet Conclusion

The dessert phase began with a playful Yuzu Sorbet, adorned with fresh kiwi and a surprising base of popping candy. The delightful effervescence of the popping candy added an exciting twist to the refreshingly tart yuzu.

Following this, coffee or tea was served alongside a decadent Coffee Tart and creamy Vanilla Ice Cream. The coffee tart, like the steak, was noted for its exceptional quality, comparable to a specialty patisserie. The meal concluded with charming Petit Fours – small, delightful bite-sized desserts that added a final touch of sweetness and whimsy.

A Special Place for Special Moments

While the reviewer noted a personal preference for a slightly more “unique” modern French interpretation, the overall dining experience at Dining Space was highly praised. The breathtaking view of Changdeokgung, the personalized service for special occasions, and the consistently high quality of the dishes – especially the steak – make it a truly special destination. The restaurant even notes returning guests’ previous orders to ensure a fresh experience on subsequent visits, a testament to their dedication.

For those seeking to create cherished memories on a special day, Dining Space offers an unparalleled setting, exquisite cuisine, and attentive service that promises an unforgettable experience. As the rain cleared and the sun began to shine, our lunch at Dining Space concluded, leaving us with a feeling of warmth and satisfaction.

Location & Rating:

Location: Arario Museum, 5F, Wonseo-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Michelin Rating: 1 Michelin Star