Elevated Korean lands in the capital
Abu Dhabi’s dining scene is set to welcome a new cultural heavyweight. Hanbok, a contemporary Korean fine dining restaurant inspired by Korea’s iconic traditional dress, is preparing to open at Galleria Al Maryah Island in early 2026 – and it’s shaping up to be one of the capital’s most design-led restaurant launches.
Named after the traditional Korean garment, Hanbok isn’t just borrowing the name for effect. The concept draws deeply from Korean heritage, reinterpreting it through a modern, refined lens that blends cuisine, design and storytelling into one immersive experience.
Step inside Hanbok and expect a space that feels more like an art installation than a traditional restaurant. Designed by DBM Studio, the interiors feature cascading layers of suspended fabric that echo the soft movement and structure of a hanbok skirt. Gentle lighting shifts across the space, giving it a fluid, almost breathing quality.
The layout unfolds like a carefully curated journey: a sculptural bar sets the tone, followed by a softly lit corridor, an open kitchen showcasing culinary craftsmanship, and a dining room crowned with floral and textile installations that blur the line between fashion and architecture.
Korean Flavours, Reimagined
On the menu, Hanbok promises a refined take on Korean cuisine, balancing bold, emotional flavours with contemporary technique. Traditional elements are distilled and reworked with precision, offering dishes that focus on contrast – heat and delicacy, depth and restraint – rather than excess.
The aim is subtle luxury rather than spectacle, with each plate designed to tell a story rooted in Korean culture while appealing to an international, design-savvy audience.
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Hanbok is the latest concept from Fuse Holding, the group behind experiential dining destinations such as Kiyoshi in Dubai and the upcoming Isabel Mayfair Abu Dhabi. Founded by Yoann Grillet, Fuse Holding is known for creating venues that sit at the intersection of culture, design and hospitality.
“Hanbok was imagined as a sanctuary where the past and present meet in quiet conversation,” says Grillet, describing the restaurant as a deeply human, poetic interpretation of Korean heritage.
Image credit: Supplied
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
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