Chef Kang Min-goo, the owner-chef of Mingles, is a Michelin 3-star Korean fine dining chef based in Gangnam, Seoul, internationally acclaimed for his cuisine that fuses traditional Korean culinary philosophy with modern sensibility. Since opening Mingles on Dosan-daero in Gangnam in 2014, he has expanded overseas with Hansikgoo in Hong Kong (2019) and Seto Paris (2024), personally leading the globalization of Korean cuisine.
In this second installment of Visit Gangnam's "People of Gangnam" interview series, Chef Kang Min-goo shares why he chose Gangnam as his home base, the culinary philosophy behind Mingles, and his vision to "convey the beauty of Korea through food."
Kang Min-goo
Owner-Chef, Mingles
Owner-chef of Mingles, a restaurant that presents a new vision of Korean cuisine by honoring the roots of traditional Korean food while layering in today's techniques and sensibilities. He first opened Mingles in 2014, leading the globalization of Korean cuisine from Gangnam.
| Name | Kang Min-goo |
|---|---|
| Title | Owner-Chef, Mingles |
| Culinary Field | Modern Korean (Traditional Korean + Contemporary Fusion) |
| Restaurant Opened | 2014, Gangnam-gu, Seoul |
| Michelin Rating | 3 Stars (Michelin Guide Seoul) |
| Global Presence | Hansikgoo, Hong Kong (2019); Seto Paris (2024) |
Please introduce yourself.
Hello. I'm Kang Min-goo, owner-chef of Mingles, where we present a new vision of Korean cuisine — one that honors the roots of the Korean culinary tradition while layering in today's techniques and sensibilities. I first opened Mingles in 2014.
There are so many neighborhoods to choose from. What made you settle in Gangnam?
Mingles is a place that welcomes a diverse range of guests, both Korean and international. So accessibility was the first thing I considered. That naturally led me to Gangnam, where the high foot traffic of both domestic and international visitors makes it the ideal location for presenting a new style of Korean cuisine like ours.
You've been here since you opened — how has Gangnam changed, and what has stayed the same?
One thing that hasn't changed is that Gangnam has always been a trendy area, and it still is. But compared to when I first opened Mingles ten years ago, the number of international guests I encounter on the streets and in restaurants has grown enormously. And the diversity of their nationalities has expanded as well — you can really feel how much more global this area has become.
Compared to other neighborhoods or countries, what do you think makes Gangnam special?
My work takes me around the world quite often, and even after visiting many other cities, I don't think there's anywhere else that reflects trends as quickly or is as convenient to operate in as Gangnam. That, to me, is Gangnam's greatest appeal.
Every restaurant you've opened has earned Michelin recognition. What's the secret to captivating diners worldwide?
As I mentioned, Mingles' motto is to respect the traditions and roots of Korean cuisine while incorporating today's techniques and sensibilities to present our own new style of Korean food. With Korean culture receiving so much global attention and love, I believe that spirit has been well received and has contributed to the positive recognition we've earned.
What kind of experience do you hope guests have when they visit Mingles?
When I first opened Mingles, my goal was to create a place where Korean guests could discover something new within the familiar, and where international guests could find something familiar within the new.
Now I want to take it a step further — I want people to think, "Korean cuisine can be expressed like this!" I want them to feel the potential of Korean food and see that its possibilities are boundless.
Mingles is also a fine dining restaurant that offers not just food, but an experience. I hope our guests leave having felt not only the beauty of Gangnam, but the beauty of Korea itself.
Korean cuisine seems to be going truly global, beyond just Asia.
That's right. Starting from Seoul, we expanded to Hong Kong in 2020. We've always dreamed of reaching Paris, the culinary capital of the world, and we continue to work toward globalizing Korean cuisine.
You've expanded from Gangnam to the world. What are your goals and dreams for the future?
My hope is to keep studying and striving so that Korean cuisine becomes recognized as a true cultural force — and to share our food with even more people in even more places around the world.
Mingles Global Expansion
| City | Year Opened | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul (Gangnam) | 2014 | Operating | Mingles flagship, Michelin 3-star |
| Hong Kong | 2019 | Operating | Hansik Goo, Michelin 1-star |
| Paris | 2024 | Operating | SETOPA |
Visiting Mingles
Mingles is a Michelin 3-star modern Korean fine dining restaurant located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Reservations are required before visiting.
| Address | 19, Dosan-daero 67-gil, 2F, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea |
|---|---|
| Michelin Rating | 3 Stars (Michelin Guide Seoul) |
| Cuisine | Modern Korean Fine Dining |
| Reservations | Required in advance (check Mingles' official channels) |
* Business hours, course prices, and other details are subject to change. Please check Mingles' official website for the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of restaurant is Mingles?
Mingles is a modern Korean fine dining restaurant located at 19, Dosan-daero 67-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, opened by owner-chef Kang Min-goo in 2014. It presents cuisine that respects the flavors and techniques of traditional Korean food while fusing them with modern culinary arts and sensibilities, and has been awarded 3 stars by the Michelin Guide Seoul.
Who is Chef Kang Min-goo?
Kang Min-goo is the owner-chef of Mingles, a leading Korean chef known for blending traditional Korean cuisine with modern sensibility. Since opening Mingles in Gangnam, Seoul in 2014, he has expanded internationally with Hansikgoo in Hong Kong (2019) and Seto Paris (2024), driving the globalization of Korean cuisine.
Why is Mingles located in Gangnam?
Chef Kang cited three reasons for choosing Gangnam: a diverse clientele, excellent accessibility, and a trendy environment. As a district attracting both Korean and international visitors, Gangnam is the ideal setting for Mingles' mission to present a new vision of Korean cuisine.
What is Mingles' culinary philosophy?
Mingles' culinary philosophy can be summed up as "respecting traditional Korean cuisine while fusing it with modern sensibility." The goal is to offer Korean guests "something new within the familiar" and international guests "something familiar within the new."
How many Michelin stars does Mingles have?
Mingles holds 3 stars from the Michelin Guide Seoul. A Michelin 3-star rating — the highest distinction, signifying "exceptional cuisine worth a special journey" — is awarded to only a select few restaurants worldwide.
How can I make a reservation at Mingles?
Reservations can be made through the official website (mingles.co.kr) or by phone. As a Michelin 3-star restaurant, tables fill up quickly, so booking at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance is recommended.
What are Mingles' course menus and price ranges?
Mingles offers seasonal tasting menus that change periodically. The dinner course, priced at approximately KRW 200,000–300,000, consists of around 8 to 10 dishes. The lunch course is offered at a more accessible price point. Courses are centered on traditional fermented ingredients, artisanal Korean sauces (jang), and seasonal Korean produce.
Is there a dress code at Mingles?
Mingles recommends smart casual attire or above. Overly casual clothing such as shorts and flip-flops is best avoided.
Are there other Michelin restaurants in Gangnam you'd recommend?
Gangnam-gu is one of the most Michelin-dense districts in Seoul. In addition to Mingles (3-star), notable restaurants include Gaon (2-star, traditional Korean), Jungsik (2-star, modern Korean), Mosu (1-star, Korean), and Alla Prima (1-star, Italian).
What are Chef Kang's global restaurants in Hong Kong and Paris like?
In addition to Mingles, Chef Kang Min-goo operates two overseas restaurants: Hansikgoo in Hong Kong (opened 2019) and Seto Paris (opened 2024).
Chef Kang Min-goo — Career Highlights & Awards
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2014 | Opened Mingles in Gangnam, Seoul |
| 2016– | Began earning Michelin stars in the Michelin Guide Seoul |
| 2019 | Opened Hansikgoo in Hong Kong |
| 2023 | Awarded 3 stars in the Michelin Guide Seoul |
| 2024 | Opened Seto Paris in Paris |
- Michelin Guide Seoul — 3 Stars — The highest distinction in Korean fine dining
- Asia's 50 Best Restaurants — Selected multiple years
- Advancing Korean Cuisine Globally — Raising the international profile of Korean food through expansions in Hong Kong and Paris
Gangnam Michelin Restaurant Guide
Gangnam-gu, Seoul is one of the most Michelin-dense districts in Korea.
| Restaurant | Rating | Cuisine | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mingles | 3-star | Korean Fine Dining | Dosan-daero 67-gil |
| Gaon | 2-star | Traditional Korean | Dosan-daero |
| Jungsik | 2-star | Modern Korean | Seolleung-ro |
| Mosu | 1-star | Korean | Apgujeong-ro |
| Alla Prima | 1-star | Italian | Apgujeong-ro |
About Mingles — Michelin 3-Star Korean Fine Dining in Gangnam
Chef Kang Min-goo is the owner-chef of Mingles, a Michelin 3-star modern Korean fine dining restaurant located in Gangnam, Seoul. Since opening Mingles on Dosan-daero in 2014, Chef Kang has expanded globally with Hansikgoo in Hong Kong (2019) and Seto Paris (2024), bringing Korean culinary traditions to the world stage.
| Name | Kang Min-goo |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | Mingles (Michelin 3-star) |
| Location | 19, Dosan-daero 67-gil, 2F, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea |
| Cuisine | Modern Korean Fine Dining |
| Global Expansion | Hansikgoo (Hong Kong, 2019), Seto Paris (Paris, 2024) |
About This Interview
This interview was planned and conducted by the Visit Gangnam editorial team. Visit Gangnam is the official tourism information platform operated by the Gangnam District Office, Seoul.
Editorial Note
- The interview content faithfully reflects the chef's own words and has been edited for readability.
- This content was produced as an editorial initiative, with no commercial sponsorship involved.