Food
Michelin Guide Korea marks 10th anniversary with cover design contest winner
haps Magazine Korea
February 12, 2026
Michelin Guide Korea (Photo by Michelin Guide Korea/courtesy of haps Magazine Korea)
Michelin Guide Korea has announced the winner of its guidebook cover design contest held to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the publication of the Michelin Guide in Korea.
The final winning entry was created by Kim Myeon, a design student at Baekseok University of the Arts.
The work will serve as the official cover of the 10th anniversary edition of Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan 2026.
The winner will receive a cash prize of 2 million won and an invitation to attend the publication ceremony.
The contest was organized to highlight the appeal of Korean cuisine and the value of the Michelin Guide from the perspective of the younger generation, while encouraging the creativity and passion of university and graduate students in Korea.
Kim Myeon’s design received high scores across all judging criteria, including suitability to the theme, creativity and originality, expression and communication, and adherence to design guidelines.
Judges unanimously selected the work, praising its clear planning direction and meticulous execution.
The design features major landmarks in Seoul and Busan combined with elements of street food and fine dining, visually capturing the dynamic culinary cultures of the two cities in a layered, three-dimensional composition.
“I am very happy that my design has been selected as the cover for the 10th anniversary of the Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan, a globally recognized brand,” said Kim Myeon. “I focused on the keywords ‘Korea’ and ‘gastronomy,’ aiming to express Korean sentiment in a restrained way rather than through overly popular imagery. Throughout the process, I tried to naturally reflect the time and meaning the Michelin Guide has accumulated in Korea over the past decade. I was also inspired by dishes created by a fine dining chef I have long admired.”
Michelle Zhu, Country Manager of Michelin Korea, who presented the award, said, “The selected cover design for Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan 2026 beautifully captures the identity of Korean culture and cuisine. The artistic journey of food expressed in this work meaningfully reflects the Michelin Guide’s 10-year journey in Korea. It is especially meaningful to look back on that journey through this design as we celebrate this milestone, and we sincerely thank the creator for the thoughtful expression.”
The publication ceremony for Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan 2026 will be held on March 5, 2026.
The anniversary edition will be available at major online and offline bookstores nationwide starting in the second quarter of 2026.