At the inaugural Michelin Guide Seoul 2017 launch today at The Shilla Seoul’s Dynasty Hall, La Yeon, The Shilla Seoul’s traditional Korean fine-dining restaurant, was awarded the prestigious three-star rating. Widely acclaimed for its authentic flavours, service, ambiance, and drink pairings, La Yeon is the only restaurant that is part of a hospitality brand to receive the highest honor of three Michelin stars.
Since opening in August 2013, La Yeon has offered reinterpretations of classic recipes using modern culinary techniques. The award-winning restaurant distinguishes itself with innovative research and development, and unique presentations of recipes dating back to ancient Korea. The restaurant’s tableware by renowned Korean artists La Ki-Hwan and Lee Ki-Jo are masterpieces that illustrate the beauty of traditional white porcelain with a contemporary touch. From the cutlery used to the elaborate table setting, every detail at La Yeon reflects a respectful understanding and appreciation of Korean culture.
Given Seoul’s evolving culinary scene, La Yeon’s recognition in the Michelin Guide is a testament to The Shilla’s long-standing commitment to quality and exemplary service. To continuously explore new heights, the restaurant regularly visits restaurants in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and New York for research and development. Committed to showcasing Korean gastronomy, La Yeon has welcomed many state leaders and dignitaries from around the world, as well as hosted international banquets.
To ensure purity of the dishes, La Yeon’s dedicated team of buyers, recipe developers, and food connoisseurs source authentic, seasonal ingredients and only 100 per cent Korean-made premium products. Every year, the team personally visits over 100 local suppliers to ensure quality standards are met. Some examples of ingredients used at La Yeon include grouper, codfish, bamboo shoots, pine nuts, edible wild plants, and Hanwoo (Korean beef). The restaurant also offers a wide selection of drinks, from traditional Korean wines to collectable red wines, which are carefully selected by La Yeon’s in-house sommelier to complement the dining experience.
“Since opening three years ago, we have continuously strived to recreate the best of Korean cuisine,” says Executive Chef Kim Sung Il. “It is an honour to be recognised in the Michelin Guide and to receive the highly coveted three-star rating. The recognition is a result of our combined teamwork and motivates us to further our vision of sharing the beauty of Korean culture to guests from around the world.”
The Michelin Guide Seoul 2017 is the fifth guidebook to be launched in Asia following Japan, Hong Kong & Macau, Singapore, and Shanghai.