La Yeon
A three-Michelin-starred restaurant offering a modern interpretation of traditional Korean royalty cuisine with breathtaking city views.
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La Yeon
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A three-Michelin-starred restaurant offering a modern interpretation of traditional Korean royalty cuisine with breathtaking city views.
"An unforgettable dining experience that pays tribute to Korea's culinary customs with a modern twist."
Book Far in Advance
Reservations are essential due to La Yeon's popularity as one of Korea's top restaurants.
Embrace the Tasting Menu
Appreciate the attention to detail in each meticulously crafted dish that showcases authentic Korean flavors.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Korean
Price
$$$
Phone
+82 2-2230-3367
Address
23층, 서울신라호텔, 249 Dongho-ro, Jangchung-dong, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
3 Michelin Stars
Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey. Distinctive dishes precisely executed using superlative ingredients
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High
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Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Three Michelin Stars
Experience authentic Korean cuisine with a refined touch at this two-Michelin-starred restaurant.
Breathtaking Views
Enjoy stunning views of Namsan Tower and Seoul from the 23rd floor for an intimate dining experience.
Innovative Korean Cuisine
Savor meticulously crafted dishes showcasing innovative ingredients and flavors in traditional Korean cuisine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
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Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Far in Advance
Reservations are essential due to La Yeon's popularity as one of Korea's top restaurants.
Embrace the Tasting Menu
Appreciate the attention to detail in each meticulously crafted dish that showcases authentic Korean flavors.
Expect Premium Pricing
Prices are higher than typical eateries, but expect exceptional quality food presented beautifully.
Window Table Request
Ask for a window table to enjoy the panoramic view of Namsan Park and the city below.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Far in Advance
Reservations are essential due to La Yeon's popularity as one of Korea's top restaurants.
Embrace the Tasting Menu
Appreciate the attention to detail in each meticulously crafted dish that showcases authentic Korean flavors.
Expect Premium Pricing
Prices are higher than typical eateries, but expect exceptional quality food presented beautifully.
Window Table Request
Ask for a window table to enjoy the panoramic view of Namsan Park and the city below.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Yeon consistently impresses with its exquisite, refined Korean cuisine and breathtaking city views, earning its Michelin stars. Diners rave about the innovative flavors and meticulous presentation of each dish, with many highlighting the quality of ingredients and the overall dining experience. However, some guests have noted occasional service missteps, including rushed pacing of courses and less-than-ideal attention to detail, which slightly detract from the otherwise high-end experience.
"An outstanding two-Michelin-starred restaurant in downtown Seoul, this spot offers authentic Korean cuisine with a refined touch, incorporating innovative ingredients and flavors.
Our meal began with a series of pre-starters, starting with beef tartare layered between crispy biscuits and topped with caviar—a delightful bite. The crab meat, delicately peeled and lightly seasoned, was incredibly refreshing, with the steamed outset adding a unique sauce that tied everything together beautifully—one of the best starters I’ve had. The second pre-starter featured a chestnut purée served with acorn jelly, which was rich and creamy, reminiscent of a thick, concentrated peanut soup. While a bit on the sweeter side for a dinner opener, it was undeniably delicious.
The real starters began with fresh sashimi sea bream, served with a white kimchi sauce blended with sour plum. It was light, refreshing, and thoroughly enjoyable. The Arctic surf clams with soybean pasta sauce, topped with crispy kelp, were another standout—the tender, perfectly cooked clams paired wonderfully with the umami-rich sauce and crunchy kelp.
A signature dish followed: poached eggs with mushroom crumbles and pine nut sauce, served alongside pumpkin bread to soak up every last bit. This dish was hearty, innovative, and absolutely delicious.
Next came a nourishing Korean ginseng soup, brimming with premium ingredients like abalone, sea cucumber, chicken, and seasonal fish, all served in a piping hot stone pot. While the broth was on the lighter side for my taste, it was still a well-executed and comforting dish for those who prefer a more delicate flavor profile.
The carb course featured noodles made from perilla seeds, cooked in perilla seed oil and sauce. Mixing everything together created a uniquely aromatic and flavorful experience.
For the main course, we had Korean charred beef ribeye, which was perfectly cooked to our preferred doneness. The meat was incredibly flavorful, complemented by mushrooms and a rich sauce. Alongside it, I also had the pan-seared pomfret, which was exceptionally delicious—the skin perfectly crisp while the flesh remained moist and tender. One of the best fish dishes I’ve ever had, especially for pomfret.
We wrapped up the meal with a small version of bibimbap made with four types of rice grains and mushrooms, followed by a standout chestnut ice cream for dessert—an exceptional finish to an unforgettable dining experience."
Andrew Goh
"We chose 2 Michelin restaurant for our Seoul visit. 羅宴 is one the better one.
We don't particularly like the grilled eel, there is nothing special.
Tofu dish is exciting, and tasty.
Though I like the Naenghoe, my companion didn't.
seafood salad, and Suran and fermented jinppang were all fine, though my companion thought the egg were okay.
The noodle dish, I can't quite make out of it.
The royal soup dish were rich in seafood flavor.
Though they highly recommend the marinated beef. I think hanwoo ribeye is more preferable.
You don't have to order raw beef for sot-bap. The portion is a bit too much.
The wine selection is great. I ordered the rice wine that taste like Tokaji."
J (J)
"I visited Celebrate with my mom and bestie for my birthday 🎉 The restaurant had a cozy and intimate atmosphere, and the view of Namsan Tower was breathtaking 🗼
All the dishes were of high quality and used fresh, authentic ingredients. They didn’t overdo it with the cooking, which is a common mistake when trying to make Korean food. Instead, they focused on preserving the authentic flavors 🇰🇷
I was thoroughly satisfied with my meal 👍
2025/01/30 lunch"
Sunny Shin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations are highly recommended and should be made well in advance due to La Yeon's popularity.
While not explicitly stated, a smart casual or formal attire is recommended for this upscale dining experience.
Dietary accommodations may be available, but it's best to inquire directly with the restaurant when booking.
La Yeon offers a tasting menu experience, and prices are reflective of its Michelin-starred status and upscale dining.
The restaurant offers breathtaking panoramic views of Namsan Park and the Seoul cityscape.
The primary offering is a multi-course tasting menu, designed to showcase the chef's culinary vision.
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An upscale Korean restaurant at the Shilla Hotel, La Yeon serves reconstructed, modern course meals that stay true to Korean traditions. La Yeon ranked 38th in the 2015 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Been there, done that?
Most Famous Ginseng Chicken In Seoul Korea! 🇰🇷
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A taste of Seoul | Diners Club Resources
Since Michelin launched its first guide to Seoul’s restaurants in 2017, La Yeon has held onto its award of three coveted stars. Located on the 23rd floor of luxury hotel The Shilla Seoul (249 Dongho-ro, Jangchungdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu), this refined dining room’s panoramic views over central Namsan Park complement executive chef Kim Sung Il’s creative and highly regarded reinterpretations of traditional Korean recipes. A meal here is a multi-course banquet of Korea’s finest seasonal produce that both pays tribute to local culinary customs while adding a modern twist.
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Perched on the 23rd floor of The Shilla Seoul, boasting panoramic views of the Namsan Mountain, La Yeon offers a luxurious take on Korean traditional cuisine. Awarded three Michelin stars, this restaurant is a haven for gourmands who appreciate a harmonious blend of flavors that pay homage to Korea’s ancestral cooking methods. La Yeon’s meticulous approach to crafting authentic flavors in a modern context has positioned it as a standard-bearer for high-end Korean dining within Seoul.
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For one of the best restaurants in Seoul with the view of the city, head over to La Yeon on the 23rd floor of Shila Hotel. Expect to be captivated by Namsan Park from above, alongside ten to eleven-course menus that include traditional Korean cuisine, such as: char-grilled Korean ribeye, galbi jjim (braised beef short ribs,) roulade haretail, gomtang (Korean beef soup)…and much more. It’s no doubt that La Yeon is often considered as one of the best restaurants in the world.
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La Yeon is one of the top restaurants in Korea and one of only two restaurants in the country to have 3 Michelin stars. Located in the famous Shilla Hotel in Seoul, La Yeon is an elegant French-Korean fusion restaurant with exquisite dishes crafted by award-winning chef, Kim Sung-Il. The restaurant serves a wide range of dishes, from classic French dishes such as foie gras and escargot to modern Korean dishes such as Korean-style steak and Korean-style creme brulee.
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La Yeon, situated on the 23rd floor of The Shilla Hotel, consistently holds three Michelin Stars since 2013, led by Chef Sung Il Kim. Despite mixed online reviews on its Michelin status, the restaurant offers breathtaking views of Seoul and serves Hansik cuisine, a contemporary take on traditional Korean royalty food. La Yeon provides an elegant dining experience with meticulous attention to detail, fine tableware, and attentive service.
The Best Michelin Starred Restaurants in Seoul – Korea Trip Guide
This multi- Michelin star restaurant is located on the 23rd floor of the Shilla hotel (신라 호텔), that provides a beautiful view of Namsan Park (남산 공원). This is one of Korea’s most prestigious restaurants serving some of the highest class, reconstructed Traditional Korean food paired beautifully with some of the finest wines and champagnes. Much like earlier entries, La Yeon has earned its place on the Top 50 best restaurants.
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This restaurant on top of the Shilla Hotel offers an experience of dining like a king. This three-Michelin-starred restaurant specializes in traditional Korean royal cuisine. Dishes, such as "Gujeolpan" (platter of nine delicacies) and "Galbi Jjim" (braised short ribs), are carefully prepared using premium ingredients, providing a luxurious experience that you’ll find nowhere else.
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Thirdly, one of the best Korean restaurants in South Korea to spend your Valetine’s Day in is La Yeon in Seoul. Situated in The Shilla Seoul, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers exquisite Korean fine dining with panoramic views of the city. You will also experience one of the most unforgettable Valentine memories, surrounded with the beauty of Seoul.
The 12 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Seoul for an Unforgettable Experience
La Yeon is an upscale Korean fine-dining restaurant located in Jung-gu, Seoul. It is situated in the Shilla Hotel and offers a modern interpretation of traditional Korean cuisine. La Yeon's reconstructed, modern course meals incorporate premium seasonal ingredients and techniques to create dishes such as the Abalone Porridge and Korean Beef Sirloin.
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Located on the 23rd floor of The Shilla, La Yeon is a contemporary fine dining restaurant in Seoul that offers the traditional taste of Korea. Experience Korean haute cuisine in the form of a Hanjeongsik style meal in a two-star Michelin restaurant as you enjoy the stunning view over Namsan Park. Kid’s chairs and vegetarian menu available.
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Chef Kim Sung II prepares authentic Hansik cuisine with a contemporary touch / ©La Yeon. Located on the 23 rd floor of the five-star Shilla Hotel overlooking Namsan park, La Yeon was South Korea’s first restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars. Head chef, Kim Sung II, prepares authentic Hansik cuisine with a contemporary touch.
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OL: A few of my favourite fine dining restaurants include Layeon, Mingles, and Jungsik. I enjoy introducing these places to my guests. For a more casual night out, we'll head to the eateries at the Noryangjin fishery wholesale night market to take a look at the huge selection of seafood from all over Korea.
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Located in the Dongguk University area at Jangchung-dong as part of The Shilla, La Yeon offers quintessential Korean fare. It’s the pinnacle of haute cuisine with impressive presentation and to-die-for hospitality. Their niche, however, focuses on a French type of display, which makes it very upscale.
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La Yeon has gotten 3 Michelin Stars for five consecutive years. The restaurant has very mixed reviews online for those that love it and for those that don’t consider it a 3 Michelin Star level restaurant. The restaurant has been open since 2013, and it is located inside Shilla Hotel (23rd floor).
Michelin names new 3-star restaurant for first time in 6 years
Since the Michelin published its first guide to Seoul in 2016, the city had only two three-star restaurants for all six years: Gaon and La Yeon. Mosu, which moved to Seoul from San Francisco five years ago and was awarded a single star in 2018, was awarded two stars for the past three years.
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Located on the 23rd floor of the Shilla Seoul Hotel, La Yeon is the other three-starred Michelin Restaurant found in Seoul. La Yeon serves a set course meal of traditional Korean-style dishes for lunch and dinner. Reservation to this restaurant is required.
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La Yeon sits high up on the 81st floor of The Shilla Seoul and shines as a top spot in the city. It offers amazing views of the Seoul skyline. This Michelin-starred restaurant is all about luxury dining with its stunning design and top-notch dishes.
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Chef Kim Byung-jin (L) from Gaon, Gwendal Poullennec (C), international director of the Michelin Guide, and Chef Kim Sung-il from La Yeon pose for a photo during an award ceremony at a Seoul hotel on Nov. 14, 2019.
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La Yeon La Yeon is a Korean restaurant representing Korea and has been awarded a Michelin star. It has also gained worldwide recognition, being selected four times in a row as one of the top 200 restaurants i
The MICHELIN Guide Seoul celebrates “The World in Seoul” with a selection of 169 restaurants, including 33 with Stars
Gaon and La Yeon keep their Three MICHELIN Stars, while Hwanggeum Kongbat and A Flower Blossom on the Rice retain their MICHELIN Green Stars for their inspiring initiatives for more sustainable gastronomy.
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He concentrates on the two three-star restaurants in Seoul, Gaon and La Yeon (sometimes Ra Yeon). He flat out states that they don’t deserve three stars. He’s saying this not as an expert on Korean food.
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Since 2016, when the first Seoul guide was published, Korean restaurants Gaon and La Yeon have had three stars, while Korean restaurant Joo Ok has risen from one star last year to two this year.
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The first time we tasted Hanwoo (한우) was several years ago at La Yeon, a Korean fine dining restaurant at the top floor of the fancy Shilla Hotel in Seoul.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit