By Jung Min-ho
The Michelin Guide, the world's best-known restaurant "bible," published its Seoul edition for the first time last year, creating a buzz among foodies and eateries owners.
But its credibility came into question during a National Assembly audit last week. Rep. Song Ki-seok of the People's Party accused Michelin of evaluating restaurants without even visiting them.
As evidence, the lawmaker pointed out that an Italian restaurant, which was included in the edition, permanently closed in August 2016, three months before its publication.
Also, unlike what the guide says, another restaurant does not have a terrace, he noted.
In an email to The Korea Times, a Michelin Guide Seoul official denied the accusations.
"It is true that the restaurant, Chef's Note, closed before its publication. But its owner didn't mention anything about the plan when we tried to confirm all the information," the official said. "By the time we found out, it was too late to change it."
Also, owners often renovate their restaurants. This, the official said, may explain why the terrace is no longer at the other restaurant.
Other than the two obvious errors, some people, including those in the food industry, question its credibility more broadly.
A famous chef who runs a restaurant in Seoul said she has doubts about its fairness in terms of evaluation.
When the Seoul edition came out, she said many chefs were surprised to see some names in the guide.
"I really don't understand the standards they use to evaluate restaurants," she said. "Some of my customers also told me they were disappointed in Michelin-starred restaurants. As a customer, whether some restaurants have stars wouldn't matter to me when I choose one to visit."
Another owner said she even received a suspicious offer from a person, who tried selling her consultation services to help her restaurant win Michelin stars.
She signed a contract with the consultant introduced by the man but canceled it later for financial reasons.
When asked, Michelin denied any connection with the man.
Michelin is also accused of accepting payment from the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) in exchange for publishing its edition in the country.
A ranking KTO official said it started making efforts for the publication of a Michelin Red Guide for Seoul in 2011 but refused to reveal details about money.
According to Song, however, the contract between the two requires the KTO to pay 2 billion won ($1.8 million) to Michelin until 2020.
Last year, 24 restaurants in Seoul received Michelin stars. Nineteen received one star, three received two stars and two won the highest honor — three stars.
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| Michelin Guide Seoul |
But its credibility came into question during a National Assembly audit last week. Rep. Song Ki-seok of the People's Party accused Michelin of evaluating restaurants without even visiting them.
As evidence, the lawmaker pointed out that an Italian restaurant, which was included in the edition, permanently closed in August 2016, three months before its publication.
Also, unlike what the guide says, another restaurant does not have a terrace, he noted.
In an email to The Korea Times, a Michelin Guide Seoul official denied the accusations.
"It is true that the restaurant, Chef's Note, closed before its publication. But its owner didn't mention anything about the plan when we tried to confirm all the information," the official said. "By the time we found out, it was too late to change it."
Also, owners often renovate their restaurants. This, the official said, may explain why the terrace is no longer at the other restaurant.
Other than the two obvious errors, some people, including those in the food industry, question its credibility more broadly.
A famous chef who runs a restaurant in Seoul said she has doubts about its fairness in terms of evaluation.
When the Seoul edition came out, she said many chefs were surprised to see some names in the guide.
"I really don't understand the standards they use to evaluate restaurants," she said. "Some of my customers also told me they were disappointed in Michelin-starred restaurants. As a customer, whether some restaurants have stars wouldn't matter to me when I choose one to visit."
Another owner said she even received a suspicious offer from a person, who tried selling her consultation services to help her restaurant win Michelin stars.
She signed a contract with the consultant introduced by the man but canceled it later for financial reasons.
When asked, Michelin denied any connection with the man.
Michelin is also accused of accepting payment from the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) in exchange for publishing its edition in the country.
A ranking KTO official said it started making efforts for the publication of a Michelin Red Guide for Seoul in 2011 but refused to reveal details about money.
According to Song, however, the contract between the two requires the KTO to pay 2 billion won ($1.8 million) to Michelin until 2020.
Last year, 24 restaurants in Seoul received Michelin stars. Nineteen received one star, three received two stars and two won the highest honor — three stars.
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