Michelin Guide to publish Seoul edition in late 2016

The Michelin Guide, an international benchmark of good food, said Thursday it will publish a guide of restaurants and hotels in Seoul later this year to introduce the dynamic Korean culinary scene and talented chefs. 

The guidebook for Seoul 2017 will be Michelin's 27th edition globally and the fourth in Asia, following Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong. 

Michelin officials said the guide would highlight the dynamic culinary scene in the bustling capital city and boost food tourism in search of new culinary experiences.

"Michelin will soon visit the country to evaluate restaurants in Seoul," Kim Bo-hyung, the country manager of Michelin Korea, said in a briefing. "Korea has a vibrant food culture that has much growth potential. The world has been paying attention to the traditional, unique Korean food."

Bernard Delmas, vice president of Michelin Group and the representative of Michelin Travel Partner for Asia-Pacific, said the latest addition reflects the gastronomic boom in the nation, hoping France's famed restaurant bible could highlight quality Korean restaurants and emerging chefs to the global audience.  

"The Korean gastronomy has enjoyed popularity with the spread of the Korean Wave," Delmas said. "Michelin leaders will discover the best hotels and restaurants in Seoul. The guide will reveal the new culinary trend and emerging chefs here."

Michelin said it will publish the book in Korean and English as well as a digital version, without elaborating on the specific schedule. (Yonhap)