Joo052

The story

Joo052: Contemporary Korean Bistronomie in Seoul – Michelin Recommended 2026

A Name Rooted in Place

Joo052 – also known as Sool052 – takes its name from a fusion of “Sool” (the Korean word for alcohol) and “052,” the area code of Chef Yongjun Shin’s hometown, Ulsan. The restaurant opened in Seoul’s Wangsimni district with a clear vision: to reinterpret Korean culinary heritage through a youthful, modern lens. At the foot of Mt. Wolchulsan, Chef Shin personally ferments traditional vinegars and jang (Korean mother sauces), using them as the foundation for his cooking.

The Kitchen and the Cellar

Chef Shin leads the kitchen with a philosophy rooted in authenticity. He works directly with jang artisans, farmers, and fishermen to source heritage produce and forgotten staples, then melds ancestral techniques with modern culinary science. The result is a menu that changes with the seasons – capturing spring’s first shoots, summer’s vibrant harvests, autumn’s earthy roots, and winter’s deep, warming flavors. Guests can choose from à-la-carte dishes or curated tasting courses that showcase Korean ingredients at their peak.

Complementing the food is a beverage program overseen by FOH Director and Head Sommelier Jaehyun Shim, known as “Simba.” He curates layered pairings that span traditional Korean liquor, wine, and non-alcoholic creations – from mellow makgeolli brewed in Jeolla to refined soju distilled on Jeju Island, as well as artisanal fruit wines. His goal is to challenge the notion that traditional liquor is a dull drink, and to demonstrate its capacity to elevate fine Korean cuisine.

A Modern Korean Dining Experience

The restaurant’s Michelin Recommended status reflects the care placed into every detail – from the counter dining setup that invites interaction with the kitchen, to the walk-in-friendly policy that welcomes spontaneous visits. Joo052 is a place where Korean cuisine is both respected and reimagined, offering a concise yet ever-evolving snapshot of the country’s culinary calendar. Whether you come for the fermentation-driven dishes or the curated drink list, the experience is built around the honest expression of Korea’s diverse terroirs.