Palsun - The Shilla

Palsun specializes in Korean-Chinese cuisine and is located in the Shilla Hotel in Seoul. Korean-Chinese food is derived from traditional Northern Chinese cuisine with a strong Korean influence (analogous to Chinese-American cuisine). Typical Korean-Chinese dishes include Jajangmyeon (Noodles with Black Bean Paste), Jjamppong (Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup), and Tangsuyuk (Sweet and Sour Pork).

The Shilla is one of Seoul's premier hotels and Palsun, in my opinion, represents the pinnacle of the Korean-Chinese dining experience. The menu consists of prix-fixe courses ranging from $50/head to $300/head (USD). This is in stark contrast to typical Korean-Chinese restaurants in Seoul, where Jajangmyeon is roughly $3(due to government mandated price controls) and the main dishes are ~$20 - $30. Of course, the Palsun menu offers a much wider range than the typical Korean-Chinese restaurant, as it offers modern Korean-Chinese fusion courses that don't really exist at other places in Seoul.

I've been here several times over the years and the food is sublime. In addition to the exquisite execution of standard Korean-Chinese dishes, I was particularly impressed with the Braised Sea Cucumber with Pork and the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (Fo tiao qiang in Chinese - a complex soup that takes 1-2 days to cook). Given the significant difference in price, I would recommend that you try this place for lunch.

In short, if you're in Seoul and you want to try the best that Korean-Chinese cuisine has to offer, regardless of budget, Palsun is the way to go.