SOUTH KOREA | Emerging as a global culinary hotspot for travellers, South Korea has highlighted its growing demand for top cuisine.
As culinary travel reaches new heights in 2025, South Korea has become one of the world's premier food destinations, proudly home to 40 MICHELIN-starred restaurants featured in the latest MICHELIN Guide Seoul & Busan 2025. During a visit to Korea, travellers will experience a dynamic dining scene where traditions and innovation meet.
The global culinary tourism market size is projected to grow from USD 1174.27 million in 2025 to USD 3766.67 million by 2032. With this rising interest, South Korea's culinary landscape offers not just meals, but meaningful cultural experiences. From centuries-old fermentation practices to groundbreaking plant-based cuisine and sustainable temple food traditions, the 2025 MICHELIN Guide affirms that Korea is not just keeping up with the global food movement, it's leading it.
In a recent survey, 64 percent of travellers to South Korea shared that the destination's culinary delights are their main reason for visiting.
At home, Korea blends its rich culinary heritage with contemporary expressions. The recent inclusion of jang-making practices (fermented soybean-based sauces) on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, following kimjang (kimchi-making), underscores the rich, enduring traditions that define K-Food.
In total, the 2025 edition highlights 186 restaurants in Seoul and 48 in Busan across Starred, Bib Gourmand, and Selected categories. With 29 new entries, the guide reflects a vibrant, evolving culinary landscape.
"This year's selection showcases a great diversity of restaurants with new styles of cuisine and unique offerings, reflecting the steady development of the Korean dining scene," said Gwendal Poullennec, the international director of the MICHELIN Guide.
"As Seoul has established itself as a culinary destination, we are confident that Busan will also see an increase in outstanding restaurants and chefs over time."
The Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) is a public organisation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) of the Republic of Korea. KTO serves the interests of Korea's tourism economy by marketing the country as an all-season destination.
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