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According to KBS World and the Korea JoongAng Daily, the restaurant had been using dried ants as a garnish for sorbet served as part of a 15-course tasting menu for several years. The insects were imported from the United States and Thailand. The restaurant owner admitted to using the ants.
The investigation began after officials from South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety discovered photos of dishes containing ants and customer reviews online. According to investigators, the restaurant used approximately 49,000 ants over a four-year period.
The complaints stemmed from the fact that these insect species are not included in South Korea’s official list of foods approved for consumption. Authorities also reported that samples contained heavy metals, which, according to the investigation, exceeded the permissible levels for edible insects by 55 times.
The owner’s defense claims that the ants were merely an experimental addition to the menu. According to the restaurant owner, about 60% of guests chose the dessert option with insects, while the rest were offered alternatives—fermented vinegar or edible flowers.
In South Korea, only ten species of insects are permitted for consumption, including grasshoppers, locusts, and two-spotted crickets. However, in some countries in Asia and Latin America, ants are traditionally considered a delicacy.
The court is scheduled to issue a ruling on the case on September 2. The name of the restaurant and the owner’s name have not been officially disclosed. There are ten restaurants in Seoul that have been awarded two Michelin stars.
