24seasons

Who Should Book 24seasons; and When

If you're looking for a late-night Modern Korean option in Jongno District that has earned genuine critical recognition without requiring weeks of advance planning, 24seasons is worth serious consideration. The OAD Leading Restaurants in Asia 2023 recommendation puts it in a credible tier of Seoul dining; not at the very leading, but clearly above the generic. This is a good call for food-focused travelers who want context-aware Korean cuisine without the omakase formality of Mingles or the tasting-menu commitment of Jungsik.

The Venue

24seasons takes its name from the traditional East Asian calendar system that divides the year into 24 solar terms, a framing that signals ingredient seasonality as the organizing principle of the kitchen. Chef Tony Yu translates that concept into Modern Korean cooking at the Saemunan-ro address in Jongno, one of Seoul's more historically textured districts. The room is the first thing that registers: expect considered interiors rather than the exposed-concrete minimalism common in Seoul's newer restaurant openings. The visual identity leans into the seasonal concept, with the look of the space shifting to reflect the time of year. For an explorer-minded diner, this is genuinely useful context rather than decorative branding.

It's not a polarizing venue, the scores suggest consistent execution rather than occasional brilliance.

Late-Night and Timing

The editorial angle here matters: 24seasons is a viable option when you need a serious dinner that runs later than Seoul's more formal tasting-menu restaurants typically allow. Many of Seoul's leading Modern Korean tables run fixed-time seatings that effectively close by 10 PM. If your Seoul evening starts late, after a show, a gallery, or earlier drinks at one of the options in our full Seoul bars guide, this is a practical landing spot for substantive food rather than a compromise. Booking difficulty is rated easy, which means same-week reservations are realistic, the absence of a rigid tasting-menu format makes it more adaptable to flexible itineraries.

How It Fits Seoul's Modern Korean Category

Seoul's Modern Korean dining scene is competitive at every price point. 24seasons sits comfortably in the critically acknowledged mid-to-upper tier, past the OAD threshold, but not at the Michelin starred level of venues like Kwonsooksoo or Soigné. That positioning is actually useful: it means you can access serious Korean cooking with a seasonal philosophy, in a considered space, without the full logistical commitment of Seoul's most decorated tables. For diners who have already done the tasting-menu circuit, or who want to save that experience for venues like alla prima, 24seasons offers a more relaxed alternative with genuine credentials behind it.

If you're building a multi-day Seoul itinerary, 24seasons fits well as a second or third evening option. It's also worth considering if Jongno District is where you're staying, check our full Seoul hotels guide for properties in that area. And for travelers extending their Korea trip beyond the capital, comparable quality can be found at Mori in Busan. For Modern Korean in a New York frame of reference, Atoboy and Naro give useful comparison points for what the cuisine can look like in a different context.

Practical Details

24seasons is at 97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno District, Seoul. Booking is easy, no specialist reservation platform or months-out planning required. Price range is not confirmed in available data, so verify directly before budgeting. Hours are unconfirmed; check current schedules before building your evening around a late arrival. Dress code is not specified, but the venue's critical profile and seasonal concept suggest smart-casual at minimum. For broader Seoul planning, see our full Seoul restaurants guide, Seoul experiences guide, and Seoul wineries guide.