Our influencer ate at a Michelin-starred restaurant, you wouldn't believe how much the food costs.

A Croatian travel influencer recently visited one of Seoul's most famous restaurants, Myeongdong Kyoja, which appears in the Michelin guide but does not hold a star rating. The restaurant, known for its traditional Korean dishes such as kalguksu (hand-cut noodle soup), has become a popular destination among both locals and tourists due to its reputation for quality food and efficient service. The visit was documented by Nikola Brzak, a well-known travel influencer with nearly 32,000 followers on Instagram under the profile "Brzi putopis," who shared his experience online. Myeongdong Kyoja, located in the bustling commercial district of Myeongdong, has been around since 1966 and operates under family ownership. It has built its reputation on a simple concept, offering a limited menu, large portions, and quick service. Despite being listed in the Michelin guide for Seoul, the restaurant carries the Bib Gourmand designation rather than a Michelin star, highlighting its value for money. According to Michelin, the restaurant serves only four main dishes, with kalguksu being the most renowned. Other popular items include mandu (traditional Korean dumplings), bibim guksu (spicy cold noodles), and seasonal kongguksu (cold noodle soup made with soy broth). The restaurant is particularly noted for preparing its signature kimchi with an unusually high amount of garlic. The influencer and his companion, Hrvoje, visited the restaurant on Tuesday evening. They arrived around 6 PM and waited approximately 10–15 minutes in line before being seated. Nikola described the process of ordering and paying before receiving the meal, emphasizing how quickly the food arrives once seated. He noted that water is free and guests can help themselves from a cooler. This system is designed to accommodate the high volume of customers throughout the day. The pricing of the meals is another notable aspect of the restaurant. For 2026, kalguksu costs around 12,000 won, with other dishes priced similarly. Nikola gave the restaurant a score of 7.5 out of 10, praising the taste and portion size while noting that the noodles were slightly softer than he preferred. He expressed willingness to return despite this minor critique. His companion, however, had a more critical view, finding the texture of the noodles unappealing and suggesting that there are better options available at half the price. The contrasting experiences highlight that even a Michelin recommendation does not guarantee universal satisfaction with the food. Kalguksu is known for its soft, hand-cut wheat noodles, and their texture might not appeal to everyone. The restaurant continues to attract visitors due to its combination of reasonable prices, generous portions, and recognition in the Michelin guide. As the restaurant maintains its position as a staple in Seoul’s culinary scene, it remains a point of interest for travelers seeking authentic Korean cuisine.