Michelin Awards Keys to Nine Hotels in South Korea

While restaurants are awarded stars, hotels receive keys from the Michelin Guide. This year, 2,832 hotels worldwide were recognized with Michelin Keys, including nine in South Korea. There are no three-key hotels in the country, with three hotels receiving two keys and six hotels receiving one key.

The evaluation criteria extend beyond facilities. Michelin assesses architecture and interior design, service quality and consistency, the unique character of the hotel, value for money, and the connection to the local environment. This means that the evaluation considers not only what the hotel offers but also the overall lodging experience.

According to the '2026 Michelin Key Selection' announced on September 18, there are 155 three-key hotels globally, 657 two-key hotels, and 2,020 one-key hotels.

A one-key hotel signifies 'a very special stay,' a two-key hotel indicates 'an exceptional stay,' and the highest three-key rating represents 'an extraordinary stay.'

In South Korea, Signiel Seoul, Signiel Busan, and Four Seasons Hotel Seoul received two keys. Signiel Seoul and Busan maintained their two-key status for the second consecutive year, while Four Seasons Hotel Seoul was upgraded from one key to two keys this year.

Located on the 76th to 101st floors of Lotte World Tower, Signiel Seoul offers stunning views of downtown Seoul and the Han River. Signiel Busan reflects the local character of Busan through its design and dining options, set against the backdrop of Haeundae.

Michelin highlighted the modern reinterpretation of Korean elements in the spaces and rooms of Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, along with views of palaces and mountains. The hotel also features the Michelin one-star restaurant Yu Yu An, a spa, and various art pieces throughout the property.

There has been an increase in foreign guests as well. According to hotel data, foreign visitors at Signiel Seoul rose by about 20% in July and August compared to the same period last year, while Signiel Busan saw an increase of approximately 60%.

There are six one-key hotels in South Korea. Among them, Paradise City Art Paradiso and JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa retained their one-key status for the second consecutive year.

Paradise City, located in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, is an adult-only boutique hotel with all 58 rooms designed as suites, featuring contemporary art throughout the space. In July, it was also included in the 'La Liste 2026' of the world's top 1,000 hotels published by the French hotel and gourmet guide.

JW Marriott Jeju incorporates architectural and design elements inspired by Jeju's natural environment, designed by Bill Bensley. The hotel also utilizes local ingredients and the traditional practices of Jeju's haenyeo (female divers) in its dining offerings.

Yuwonjae in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province, received its first one key this year, bringing the total number of Michelin Key hotels in South Korea from eight last year to nine this year.

Internationally, 'Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve' in Ubud, Bali, received the highest three-key rating for the second consecutive year.

Mandapa is surrounded by the Ayung River and tropical rainforest, designed based on traditional Balinese villages, featuring 35 suites and 25 pool villas that reflect Ubud's natural environment.

In Thailand, 'Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort' and 'Banyan Tree Lang Co' in central Vietnam both retained their two-key status for the second consecutive year.

Dusit Thani Bangkok upgraded from one key to two keys this year, having reopened after a major renovation since its original opening in 1970.

Vietnam's Regent Phu Quoc and FCC Angkor by Avani in Cambodia both maintained their one-key status for the second consecutive year.

Garrya Mu Cang Chai, a mountain resort in northern Vietnam known for its terraced rice fields, received its first Michelin one key this year.

The Michelin Key does not solely evaluate the size or facilities of hotels. It also considers architecture and design, service, value for money, and the connection to the local environment.

The selected hotels vary widely, from high-rise hotels in Seoul to coastal resorts in Jeju and tropical hotels in Bali. In South Korea, the number of Michelin Key hotels increased from eight last year to nine this year, with Yuwonjae in Chungju receiving its first one key and Four Seasons Hotel Seoul moving from one key to two keys. The number of two-key hotels also rose from two to three this year.

Currently, there are no three-key hotels in South Korea. While the Michelin rating system is one way to assess hotel competitiveness, the connection between the lodging experience and the natural, cultural, and historical aspects of the hotel's location is becoming a key evaluation criterion.

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