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Michelin Star Dining in Seoul: A Review of Mosu Restaurant in Hannam-dong

Nestled in the trendy Hannam-dong neighborhood of Seoul, Mosu stands as a beacon of innovative Korean fine dining. Awarded with 2 Michelin stars, Mosu offers a unique culinary journey that blends traditional Korean ingredients with modern, often Western-inspired techniques. While Michelin stars are not the ultimate determinant of dining satisfaction, Mosu certainly provides an experience worth considering, especially for those seeking something beyond the conventional Korean restaurant.

Location and Accessibility

Mosu is conveniently located in Hannam-dong, positioned between Itaewon and Hangangjin subway stations (Line 6). While public transportation is reasonably accessible, expect a short walk from either station. For those driving, valet parking is readily available, making it a hassle-free option in busy Seoul.

Atmosphere and Interior

From the moment you step inside, Mosu exudes an air of refined elegance. The entrance leads into a welcoming courtyard, setting a tranquil tone. The interior is thoughtfully designed with a spacious layout, high ceilings, and tastefully chosen décor. Notably, the generous spacing between tables enhances the dining experience, offering a sense of privacy and comfort often absent in bustling city restaurants. The open kitchen allows diners to witness the culinary team in action, adding an element of entertainment without disrupting the peaceful ambiance. While the kitchen remains remarkably quiet, the reviewer noted a slight echo in the dining area.

Innovative Korean Cuisine and Menu Highlights

Mosu categorizes itself as “innovative Korean cuisine.” This means they creatively reinterpret Korean food using familiar Korean ingredients but employing novel cooking methods. While rice is served as the main course, grounding it in Korean culinary tradition, many dishes showcase techniques reminiscent of French and other Western cuisines. This approach makes Mosu ideal for diners who appreciate Korean flavors but are open to experiencing them in unconventional and exciting ways. It’s less about traditional “hansang 차림” (a full table of Korean dishes) and more about exploring unfamiliar culinary artistry.

Amuse-bouche

The meal commenced with a trio of exquisite amuse-bouche:

1. Sweet Shrimp and Potato: Delicate sweet shrimp atop creamy mashed potato, artfully wrapped in seaweed. A light and flavorful start.
2. Red Cabbage Tart: A miniature tart filled with turnip jelly, offering a burst of subtle sweetness and unique texture.
3. Abalone Taco: A Mosu signature, featuring tender, fire-roasted abalone nestled in a crispy yuba shell (tofu skin), akin to a taco. Garnished with shiso, mustard, and sea laver, and accompanied by a charred lime for an optional citrus zing.

Main Dishes and More

The culinary journey continued with a series of dishes highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients and inventive flavor combinations:

• Marinated Sea Bream ( 참돔과 숙성 광귤간장): Three-day aged sea bream sashimi with scallions, wasabi, and pickled radish, served with a citrus-infused soy sauce. The reviewer praised the excellent aging of the fish, comparing it to high-quality omakase experiences.
• Bamboo Shoot Tempura (죽순과 땅의 향기): Crispy bamboo shoot tempura served with ground parsley and a rich mushroom sauce. The dish evoked a subtle Chinese culinary influence.
• Grilled Mackerel (고등어): A standout dish featuring perfectly grilled, moist mackerel paired with a brown butter, lemon, and caper sauce. The reviewer declared this their favorite dish of the meal, praising the harmonious blend of flavors.
• Zucchini Rice with Grilled Korean Beef (애호박 솥밥이랑 한우 화덕구이 – 채끝 and 등심): The main course featured a flavorful pot of zucchini rice accompanied by grilled Korean beef sirloin and tenderloin. Served with two sauces: a plum sauce and a teriyaki-style sauce (less sweet). The rice, made with a blend of three types of rice, was praised for its taste and texture, although a slightly overcooked, crusty bottom portion was noted.

Desserts

Dessert was presented in four delightful stages:

1. Melon sherbet with semifreddo, offering a refreshing and creamy combination.
2. Lemon steamed bread served in a hollowed-out lemon rind.
3. Seaweed ice cream with cacao nibs and sea laver, a surprisingly savory and subtly sweet creation.
4. Yakgwa (traditional Korean honey cookie) served with coffee or tea.

Service and Overall Experience

The service at Mosu was consistently lauded as exceptional. The staff was described as attentive, friendly, and professional, akin to the high standards of service found in top-tier hotels. They struck a perfect balance of attentiveness without being intrusive, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed dining atmosphere. Small details, like providing chopsticks throughout the meal, added to the thoughtful and personalized experience. While the portion sizes were noted as being on the smaller side, especially for those with larger appetites, the overall quality and experience were undeniably impressive.

Price and Value

Lunch at Mosu is priced at 140,000 KRW, and dinner at 270,000 KRW. While it’s a significant investment, the price reflects the Michelin-starred status, the quality of ingredients, the innovative cuisine, the refined ambiance, and the impeccable service. It’s positioned as a fine dining establishment, where the overall experience, not just the food alone, justifies the cost.

Conclusion

Dining at Mosu is a memorable experience that extends beyond just a meal. It’s a journey into innovative Korean cuisine crafted with finesse and served with genuine hospitality. While the portions might be considered moderate, the quality, creativity, and overall ambiance make Mosu a worthwhile destination for special occasions or for anyone seeking to explore the cutting edge of Korean fine dining in Seoul. If you’re looking for a unique and refined culinary adventure in Hannam-dong, Mosu is definitely worth a visit.