Balwoo Gongyang (발우공양) - Area information - Korea travel information

Balwoo Gongyang (발우공양)

1.2Km    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)

1.2Km    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.

Gukje Embroidery - Insa-dong Branch (국제자수원 3호점 (인사동))

Gukje Embroidery - Insa-dong Branch (국제자수원 3호점 (인사동))

1.2Km    2020-05-07

41, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-723-0830

Opened in 1979, Kukjae Embroidery specializes in embroidered crafts using traditional Korean patterns. Every product is delicately and elegantly crafted by master artisans. Kukjae Embroidery is known as a frequent destination of foreign dignitaries. It offers a seminar where international tourists can learn how to make embroidered crafts.

Jogyesa Temple (조계사)

Jogyesa Temple (조계사)

1.2Km    2024-01-05

55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

As the main temple as well as the district head temple of the Jogye order in Seoul, Jogyesa Temple is the center of Korean Buddhism. The temple was built in the late 14th century during the Goryeo period but was completely destroyed in a fire. It was rebuilt under the name of Gakwangsa Temple in 1910 with the effort of many respectful monks, namely Han Yong-un and Lee Hee-gwang. The temple was given a role as the head temple of Korea’s Buddhism and renamed to Tegosa Temple in 1936. In 1954, a purification drive took place to eliminate Japanese influence and revive traditional Buddhism, which established the present day Jogyesa Temple as a result.

Jogyesa Temple plays an important role in Korean Buddhism as the head temple of the Jogye order. Jogyesa Temple’s Dharma Hall serves as the main venue for several Buddhist events, holding rituals, lectures, ceremonies, and other events all year long. The annual lantern festival in celebration of Buddha's birthday also takes place at this temple.

Omokjip  Sejong Center for the Performing Arts(오목집 세종문화회관)

Omokjip Sejong Center for the Performing Arts(오목집 세종문화회관)

1.2Km    2020-11-20

5-7 Saemunan-ro 5-gil Jongno-gu Seoul
+82-2-722-6882

It is a good store for office worker's group dinners. This restaurant's signature menu is braised pigs' feet. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Busan Sikdang(부산식당)

Busan Sikdang(부산식당)

1.2Km    2021-04-09

12 Insadong 11-gil Jongno-gu Seoul
+82-2-733-5761

It is a house where you can eat hot and spicy Daegutang (Codfish Soup). This restaurant's signature menu is codfish stew. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Korean Craft & Design Foundation Gallery Shop (KCDF 갤러리숍 공예정원)

1.2Km    2021-07-08

8, Insadong 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-9041

The Korean Craft & Design Foundation Gallery Shop displays and sells high-quality Korean handicrafts, stamped with the UNESCO Seal of Excellence for Handicrafts. The shop possesses handicrafts by renowed master craftsmen and artists. Crafts have both practical and decorative uses.

Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin (충무공 이순신 동상)

Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin (충무공 이순신 동상)

1.2Km    2024-03-04

175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin can be found at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Admiral Yi Sun-shin (1545-1598) was a naval commander who served during the Japanese invasion of Korea (also known as Imjin War: 1592-1598). The undefeated admiral achieved 23 victories against the Japanese navy using innovative tactics, and he is thus considered as one of the greatest generals in the history of Korea. Admiral Yi’s likeness can be found on the 100 won coin.

Sanchon (산촌)

Sanchon (산촌)

1.2Km    2019-06-13

30-13, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-0312

Founded and opened by Monk Jeongsan, Sanchon is a vegan-friendly restaurant that mainly serves temple foods. The dishes found here are a results of Kim Yun-sik, who was inspired by the simple, clean and healthy diet that a Buddhist practitioner taught him years ago. Now, being a top authority on vegetarian food in Korea, Kim Yun-sik helped perfect the standard and quality of temple food.  

The dishes are made with all natural ingredients such as vegetables and mountain herbs, and are cooked without chemical additives. The actual dishes served vary by season, and in order to meet the tastes of the general public, the restaurant includes "five spices" (garlic, shallots, mountain leeks, etc.), which monks are typically not allowed to eat. Those who would like their food without these ingredients are asked to make their request at least one day prior to visiting.

Sejong Center (세종문화회관)

Sejong Center (세종문화회관)

1.2Km    2023-06-14

175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-399-1000

Sejong Center, officially known as Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, opened on July 1, 1999 to provide citizens with a cultural art space. Having completed a grand remodeling project in 2007, Sejong Center offers customer-friendly programs aimed at improving the quality of art performances in a comfortable resting area. Comprising the Grand Theater of Sejong Center, Sejong M Theater, Sejong Chamber Hall, Exhibition Hall, and other subsidiary facilities, Sejong Center is a multicultural art center.

Various genres of performances including traditional, classic, and crossover have taken place in the center, giving many opportunities for cultural nostalgia.

* Opened April 14, 1978