Balwoo Gongyang (발우공양)

749.5326322633391m 18673 2024-01-05

56 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Balwoo Gongyang, located in front of the main gate of Jogyesa Temple, is a temple food restaurant operated by the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism. It was selected as a 1-star restaurant by the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019 and it is so popular that reservations must be made a month in advance. “Balwoo” refers to meals for monks and it means that the act of eating is also a process to realizing the truth. The restaurant offers five types of course menus inspired by Buddhist teachings that are served in the order of Suljuksim, Juksang, Sangmi (嘗味), Dammi (噉味), Seungso (僧笑), Youmi (愈味), and Ipgasim. The menu is made with seasonal ingredients to bring out the best flavor of each season. The course meal starts with appetizing kimchi stew according to the traditional Korean meal culture. Then it is followed by porridge, seasonal salad, rice and stew, side dishes, tea, and dessert, satisfying both the taste buds and health. Those who wish to experience an authentic temple meal are recommended to try the Beop Course.

Templestay Information Center (템플스테이 홍보관)

749.5326322633391m 17533 2022-10-17

56, Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2031-2000

Templestay Information Center offers various information and services regarding templestays and temple meals for domestic and international visitors. The center also operates traditional cultural experiences, such as tea time with a Buddhist monk, traditional culture activities and more.

National Souvenirs Center [Tax Refund Shop] (한국관광명품점)

749.4893106216477m 0 2024-04-23

14, Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Seoul Former Russian Legation (서울 구 러시아공사관)

750.5648602021894m 12737 2020-06-18

21-18, Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3396-5882

The Russian Legation was built in a Renaissance style in 1890. Russian architect, A. J. Scredin Sabatine designed the structure. In 1895, during the Joseon dynasty, the Eulmisabyeon Incident took place as a show of force by the Japanese.

Empress Myeongseong-hwanghu was emerging as a strong figure in Korea at a time when a power struggle between Japan, China, Russia, and other powers were taking place. Japanese Minister, Miura Goro saw her as a threat and ordered her assassination. After hearing news of the Empress’s assassination, King Gojong and the Crown Prince sought refuge in the Russian Embassy for one year.

After 1945, the Soviet Union took over the embassy until it was almost completely destroyed by a fire during the Korean War [1950~1953]. The only remaining parts of the building are the tower and basement areas. The building was restored to its current condition in 1973 and is now enjoyed by many as a public park.

Cheongsongok (청송옥)

754.4716703907624m 18044 2024-02-20

14 Seosomun-ro 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Cheongsongok is a jangteo gukbap (rice soup) restaurant that opened in 1984. The signature menu is jangteo gukbap, a rice soup with green onions and radishes in beef bone broth. The kimchi served with the gukbap is homemade, known for its spicy flavor and crisp texture. Nearby is Deoksugung Palace, and the Seokjojeon Hall in Deoksugung Palace presents a picturesque landscape harmonized with the garden, making it a popular spot for photography.

Beautiful Tea Museum (아름다운 차박물관)

756.3030497266731m 40652 2022-07-26

19-11, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-6678

Located in Insa-dong, The Beautiful Tea Museum aims to promote Korean tea culture. It preserves and exhibits tea related utensils and items, featuring those from the ancient Gaya and Joseon period as well as items from abroad such as China and Tibet. The museum also displays original tea pots and other ceramics made by young artists and ceramists. Inside the museum is a tea house named "Tea Story," serving a wide variety of teas. Visitors can also purchase tea leaves from all over the world at the Tea Shop.