Who is Son Jong-won? The Michelin Dual-Star Master and “Good Vibe Man” of Seoul

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1. The Only Dual-Star Master in Korea

Chef Son Jong-won is a powerhouse in the global culinary scene. He holds a unique record in Korea: he is the only chef to maintain Michelin 1-star ratings in two different categories—French fine dining (L’Amant Secret) and Innovative Korean (Eatanic Garden)—simultaneously.

2. The Career Shift: From the Library to the Kitchen

His path wasn’t always paved with knives and fire. During his senior year of university, Son realized he couldn’t beat people who truly loved what they studied. While soul-searching, he visited the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in New York. Seeing students in white chef hats changed his life instantly, leading him to dive headfirst into the world of gastronomy.

3. A Resume Built in San Francisco’s Elite Kitchens

Son sharpened his skills in some of the world’s most demanding kitchens:

• Michelin 3-Star Pedigree: He served as a Sous Chef at Quince and Coi in San Francisco and gained invaluable experience at the world-renowned Benu.
• Global Recognition: He was the only Asian chef named “New Talent of the Year 2024” by La Liste and recently led Eatanic Garden to rank #25 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, winning the Highest New Entry Award.

4. The “Good Vibe Man” (느좋남) Phenomenon

Recently, Son became a household name through the variety show “Please Take Care of My Refrigerator 2024.” * The Vibe: Nicknamed “Good Vibe Man” (느좋남), he charmed audiences with his calm, aristocratic aura and his hilarious chemistry with cartoonist-chef Kim Pung.

• The Athlete-Chef: Off-duty, he is a fitness fanatic. A devotee of CrossFit and F45, his physical strength is legendary—once even surpassing actor Ahn Bo-hyun’s score on a punching machine.
• Fashion & Luxury: As a “Friend of Blancpain,” he is one of 12 global chefs representing the high-end Swiss watch brand, proving his influence extends into fashion and luxury lifestyle.

5. Signature Establishments in Seoul

• L’Amant Secret: Located at L’Escape Hotel, this is a romantic, witty French fine-dining spot that feels like a secret love letter to Paris.
• Eatanic Garden: Located at Josun Palace, this restaurant reinterprets Korean ingredients with breathtaking aesthetics, focusing on the “habitat of plants.”

💡 Blogger’s Insider Tip: Booking Your Seat

If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, these two restaurants are “must-visits,” but be warned—reservations disappear in seconds.

• How to Book: Use the Catch Table app (the most popular booking platform in Korea). – Click to Book
• Where to Stay: For the ultimate experience, I recommend staying at Josun Palace or L’Escape Hotel. You can enjoy Chef Son’s creations and head straight to your room for the perfect night in Seoul.