Busan’s Culinary Potential, With its Natural Marine Environment Seduced Michelin Inspectors

Known for its diverse culinary scene, highlighting among many local products, fresh seafood, Busan’s food culture provides a positively extraordinary edge that immediately captivates the taste buds of the most conscientious epicurean, both locally and abroad.

Confirming South Korea as a strong culinary destination, the MICHELIN Guide extends its coverage to Busan, South Korea’s second largest city. This upcoming MICHELIN Guide selection will be unveiled in February 2024.

Confirming South Korea as a strong culinary destination, the highly anticipated expansion of the prestigious MICHELIN Guide to Busan, South Korea’s second largest city, is set to take place in February 2024. Busan, renowned for its natural marine environment and abundant supply of fresh ingredients from its famous port, is poised to establish itself as a premier gourmet city. This expansion not only recognizes the best culinary talents and restaurants in Busan but also highlights the city’s potential to attract discerning travelers seeking exceptional gastronomical experiences.

Busan, evaluated as a vital component of Korea’s national tourism strategy, boasts a myriad of attractions such as its coastal beauty, diverse festivals held throughout the seasons, and rich cultural heritage. With the arrival of the MICHELIN Guide, the spotlight will be firmly placed on Busan as a global tourism city that seamlessly integrates food, culture, and tourism.

The MICHELIN Guide Seoul, first published in 2016, has consistently showcased the vibrancy and passion of South Korea’s culinary scene. Featuring a total of 176 restaurants, including 35 MICHELIN-starred establishments (including 2 three-star restaurants) and 57 Bib Gourmand recommendations in 2023, the guide has played a pivotal role in promoting Seoul as a culinary destination and has witnessed a significant increase in visitors engaging in K-food tourism.

The publication of the MICHELIN Guide in Busan will mark an important milestone in the city’s journey towards global recognition. Internationally acclaimed as a rigorous restaurant rating system, the guide’s presence will naturally stimulate the culinary industry in Busan, fostering job creation and driving quality improvement. Joeng-sil Lee, the President of Busan Tourism Organization, expressed his optimism for the guide’s arrival, highlighting its potential to propel Busan towards becoming a self-sustaining gourmet tourism city.

As in all the destinations it covers, the MICHELIN Guide Busan will emphasize the city’s diverse gastronomy and provide recommendations for the best restaurants. Anonymous and independent inspectors, who possess extensive experience in the industry, will evaluate local establishments based on the guide’s renowned methodology. This methodology evaluates five key criteria: the quality of ingredients, the mastery of cooking techniques, the harmony of flavors, the chef’s culinary personality, and consistency over time and across the entire menu.

The full selection of the MICHELIN Guide Seoul and Busan 2024 will be unveiled during the prestigious MICHELIN Guide Ceremony in February 2024.

Diners and enthusiasts can access the selection on the official MICHELIN Guide website and the free mobile app available for both iOS and Android platforms.

With the imminent arrival of the MICHELIN Guide in Busan, the culinary landscape of South Korea’s second largest city is poised to experience a significant transformation. The guide’s presence will not only elevate Busan’s reputation as a culinary destination but also contribute to the city’s overall tourism growth. As travelers and food enthusiasts eagerly await the unveiling of the MICHELIN Guide Busan 2024, the city stands ready to showcase its vibrant culinary complexity and solidify its position as a must-visit gourmet city on the global stage.