The story
Perched on the 81st floor of the Lotte World Tower, Bicena offers an experience rooted in the traditions of Korean cuisine while looking forward. The restaurant’s name, a combination of “empty” and “fill,” reflects its philosophy: a vessel open to possibility, constantly seeking a more perfect flavor rather than resting on past achievements.
This commitment to quality has earned Bicena a Michelin star for nine consecutive years, a recognition that underscores its role in presenting Korean cuisine on a global stage. The restaurant is part of the same group behind the three-Michelin-starred Gaon, and it carries forward that legacy of precision and respect for ingredients.
Bicena’s culinary approach is defined by the “New Classic.” The kitchen researches disappearing local dishes and reinterprets them in a contemporary language, creating new memories from old roots. The menu is a study in seasonal harmony, with courses like the lunch Sancheon and dinner Guak that progress through a series of thoughtful compositions. Highlights include dishes such as grilled eel, braised short rib, and a clay pot rice with thistle, each prepared to let the core ingredient speak.
The team is led by Chef Jeon Gwang-sik, with pastry chef Lee Ji-woo crafting desserts that capture the essence of Korean seasons, and sommelier Lee Kwang-yeol curating wine pairings that complement the depth of Korean flavors.
The restaurant’s five private dining rooms—Ilwol, Sancheon, Baengnok, Juksong, and Guak—are named after classical Korean motifs. The interiors, designed in collaboration with artists and craftspeople, embody a distinctly Korean aesthetic of natural beauty and understated elegance. From the 81st floor, the panoramic views of Seoul provide a breathtaking backdrop to a meal that is both grounded in heritage and elevated in its execution.
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