Jungsik Seoul is Chef Yim Jung Sik’s two-Michelin-star New Korean restaurant at 11 Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul 06014. Since opening in 2009, it has recast familiar Korean flavors and forms as a formal seasonal tasting-menu experience, drawing travelers for precise plating, inventive technique and a distinctly Seoul view of contemporary fine dining.
What to Expect at Jungsik Seoul
Lunch and dinner unfold as multi-course tasting menus rather than à la carte meals. Chef Yim’s cooking takes references such as gimbap, bibimbap, fried chicken and jang-based seasoning out of their everyday setting and reworks them with exacting sauces, textures and presentation. Sea urchin bibimbap is among the dishes closely associated with the Jungsik approach: Korean rice-bowl logic interpreted with luxury seafood and fine-dining restraint. Course sequences change with seasonal ingredients, so return diners should expect evolution rather than a fixed greatest-hits menu.
The setting is composed and contemporary, matching the food’s controlled visual language. Service is formal but attentive, with each course offering an entry point into the ingredient or Korean culinary reference behind it. This is a dinner to linger over rather than a quick Cheongdam meal; reserve time for the full progression and consider the beverage pairing if you want the kitchen’s flavors framed by wine. Jungsik’s Seoul restaurant is the original expression of a culinary idea that later reached New York, but its point of view remains rooted in Korean ingredients and dining rituals.
- New Korean tasting menu: A seasonal procession that translates Korean dishes, condiments and techniques into modern fine-dining courses.
- Sea urchin bibimbap: A celebrated Jungsik-style interpretation of the Korean mixed-rice bowl, enriched with uni and detailed finishing.
- Gimbap reference: Expect the familiar Korean roll to be reconsidered through texture, portion and polished presentation rather than presented as casual street food.
- Chef Yim Jung Sik’s cuisine: The chef’s 2009 Seoul opening helped define the international conversation around contemporary Korean gastronomy.
- Michelin distinction: The restaurant holds two Michelin stars in the Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan 2025, making advance planning essential.
Jungsik Seoul at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 11 Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul 06014, South Korea |
| Neighborhood / Area | Cheongdam-dong, near Apgujeong Rodeo and Dosan Park |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Fri and Sun, 12–3pm and 5:30–10pm; Sat, 5:30–10pm |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid seasonal tasting menus; $$$$ fine-dining price level |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 3 hours for a full lunch or dinner tasting menu |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Apgujeong Rodeo Station, Suin–Bundang Line; Cheongdam-dong street parking is limited |
| Official Website & Phone | jungsik.kr · +82 2-517-4654 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve well ahead, particularly for Friday and weekend dinner, through Jungsik’s reservation page. A weekday lunch is the most efficient way to experience the kitchen while keeping the rest of the day open for Gangnam. Arrive on time: a tasting menu is paced as a complete experience, and late arrivals can compress the meal. Smart-casual dress suits the room; this is polished fine dining, though not an occasion that requires formal eveningwear.
Apgujeong Rodeo Station on the Suin–Bundang Line is the most useful rail stop, followed by a walk through Cheongdam’s boutique-lined streets. Driving is possible but curbside parking in this part of Gangnam is scarce, so use a nearby paid parking facility or taxi rather than relying on street spaces. Jungsik is seated table service, with the meal experienced at a dining table rather than across galleries or multiple levels; guests using a wheelchair, traveling with a stroller, or needing a particular seating arrangement should flag requirements when reserving. Within roughly 5 to 15 minutes on foot are Dosan Park, the cafés and designer storefronts around Apgujeong Rodeo, and fellow destination restaurant Mingles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Jungsik Seoul’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
Jungsik opens for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday and Sunday, from noon to 3pm and 5:30pm to 10pm; Saturday is dinner only, from 5:30pm. Weekday lunch is generally the best choice for travelers seeking a more flexible Gangnam itinerary.
How much does Jungsik Seoul cost, and do I need a reservation?
This is a $$$$ restaurant with paid, seasonal tasting menus rather than casual walk-in pricing. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for prime dinner times; current menus and booking availability are shown through the official reservation page.
How long should I budget for a meal at Jungsik Seoul?
Allow two to three hours for the full tasting-menu format, including the pace between courses. Build in additional time if choosing a beverage pairing or if your party is celebrating a special occasion.
Is Jungsik Seoul suitable for dietary needs and families?
The restaurant is best suited to adults and older, food-curious teenagers who will enjoy a long formal meal. Communicate allergies, vegetarian requirements, gluten concerns and mobility needs while booking so the team can advise on what the seasonal menu can accommodate.
When planning your Seoul travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and korean restaurant in Seoul, pair this stop with standout local spots including Braai Republic, Maple Tree House, trenbe Luxury Pop-up 50%, and Mingles (0.3 km away).
