Solbam

The story

Solbam: Neo-Classic Korean Cuisine in Seoul – Chef Taejun Eom | Michelin-Starred Restaurant

Solbam: A Reimagining of Korean Tradition

In the Gangnam-gu district of Seoul, Solbam offers a dining experience that is deeply rooted in the Korean landscape. The name itself evokes the restaurant’s spirit—a place lying beneath moonlit skies and among pine trees, the hometown of Chef-Owner Taejun Eom. Here, the kitchen presents what it calls “Neo-Classic Korean Cuisine,” a thoughtful reimagining of time-honored traditions through a contemporary lens.

The philosophy is clear: to bring deep insights into Korea’s nature and ingredients to the table. This approach has earned Solbam a Michelin star, a recognition of its high-quality cooking that honors the past while looking firmly toward the future. The menu is a seasonal narrative, with dishes that capture the vibrant energy of spring or the harmonious notes of a particular season. Ingredients like Hanwoo beef, abalone, and sea urchin are treated with precision, while classic Korean elements such as doen-jang (soybean paste) and gan-jang (soy sauce) are woven into unexpected, elegant compositions—like a dessert pairing these fermented staples with vanilla.

The space itself is designed with the sensibility of an art gallery, where fine dining and visual art coexist. The restaurant regularly collaborates with artists, such as the young abstract painter Jeong Yunkyung, whose work was featured in the spring of 2025. This commitment to a holistic experience extends to the table, with collaborations like “THE SOUND TABLE” with Bang & Olufsen, exploring where taste meets sound. Solbam was also welcomed into the Dom Pérignon Society, a global community of chefs, further cementing its place in the world of fine dining.

The team, led by Chef Eom, includes a dedicated sommelier team and a kitchen brigade that has participated in international collaborations, such as a dinner with Michelin-starred Au Jardin in Penang. The restaurant also runs a K-Stage program with CJ CheilJedang, nurturing the next generation of Korean chefs. From the meticulous tasting menu to the wine pairing, every element at Solbam is designed to create a single, memorable experience—a contemporary expression of Korean cuisine that feels both personal and universal.