Korean Temple Food: A Michelin-Starred Culinary Experience for Sustainable Travellers, What You Need To Know

Published on November 27, 2025

In a world that increasingly values sustainability and mindful living, Korean Temple Food is gaining recognition as a unique and deeply meaningful culinary tradition. With its roots in over 1,700 years of Korean Buddhist wisdom, this plant-based cuisine goes beyond food to reflect a philosophy that emphasizes respect for life, moderation, and a harmonious relationship with nature. Recently designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the South Korean government, Korean Temple Food is now gaining global attention and offering travelers the chance to experience a deeply spiritual and sustainable food culture.

The Global Rise of Korean Temple Food

Travelers from around the world are becoming more attuned to the principles of sustainable living, and Korean Temple Food offers an authentic way to experience these values through its simple yet profound preparation methods. The traditional temple food, which is vegan and prepared without the use of strong seasonings or artificial additives, is designed to highlight the natural flavours of seasonal ingredients. This focus on fresh, plant-based produce mirrors the global shift towards conscious eating and a more sustainable food culture.

To share this remarkable culinary culture, the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism has organized several international events, including large-scale festivals, academic symposia, and cultural diplomacy initiatives. These events aim to introduce the world to Korean Temple Food’s spiritual and culinary depth, fostering cross-cultural exchange and bringing a new audience to this time-honoured tradition.

Experiencing Korean Temple Food at Global Events

In 2025, the 4th Korean Temple Food Festival, held in Seoul, brought together over 20,000 visitors, many of whom were eager to learn about this sustainable food culture. The event featured six master monks and nuns (Sunim) from various temples across Korea, who led workshops, lectures, and hands-on demonstrations. This festival not only showcased the food itself but also underscored the growing interest in plant-based eating, particularly among younger generations, with nearly half of the attendees aged between 20 and 30.

Later in the year, an international academic symposium was held in Seoul, where experts from Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and Italy gathered to discuss the potential of Temple Food as a sustainable culinary practice. Events like these underline the importance of Korean Temple Food as more than just a regional speciality; it is now seen as an essential element of global sustainability and mindful living, appealing to both culinary enthusiasts and eco-conscious travelers.

Korean Temple Food in Paris and London: A Cultural Diplomacy Approach

The global spread of Korean Temple Food continues to grow through international cultural diplomacy. In Paris, the Korean Embassy hosted a reception where Temple Food Artisan Venerable Yeogeo Sunim presented dishes like ‘Deodeok Beomuri’ (a Korean bellflower root salad), which received enthusiastic praise. This event was part of the celebrations marking the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and France. Likewise, the UK saw the launch of ‘Korean Temple Food Week,’ co-hosted by the Korean Cultural Centre and Le Cordon Bleu London. During this week, guests had the chance to learn about temple food through lectures and culinary experiences, such as a pop-up restaurant hosted by the Michelin-starred chef Venerable Jeong Kwan Sunim.

These international events provide travelers with opportunities to not only enjoy the food but also gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual and philosophical principles behind each dish. For those visiting Paris and London, temple food now offers a unique culinary experience that is deeply connected to the Buddhist way of life.

Temple Food Experiences for Travellers in Korea

For those wishing to experience Korean Temple Food firsthand, a trip to Korea presents multiple opportunities. At the ‘Korean Temple Food Center’ in Insadong, Seoul, visitors can participate in workshops where they can learn the basics of this sustainable cuisine. These one-day workshops are designed for international guests, making it easier for travelers to immerse themselves in the culture and prepare temple food under the guidance of seasoned experts.

For a truly exceptional experience, travelers can visit ‘Balwoo Gongyang,’ the world’s first Michelin-starred temple food restaurant, located in the heart of Seoul. At Balwoo Gongyang, guests can enjoy carefully curated course meals made from seasonal ingredients that embody the principles of balance, restraint, and harmony that are central to the temple food tradition. This fine-dining experience offers a unique chance to enjoy the subtle, reflective nature of Korean temple food in an elegant setting.

Korean Temple Food: A Sustainable Model for Global Travel

With its emphasis on sustainability, respect for nature, and healthy living, Korean Temple Food presents an enriching opportunity for travelers who are looking for culinary experiences that go beyond mere consumption. For visitors to Korea and international destinations, this ancient food culture offers a chance to engage with a mindful, spiritual practice that aligns perfectly with today’s growing focus on eco-friendly and plant-based lifestyles.

As Korean Temple Food continues to gain recognition on the global stage, it provides travelers not only with a delicious and wholesome culinary experience but also with an opportunity to connect with the Buddhist values of respect, gratitude, and balance.

Korean Temple Food as a Global Culinary Movement

Korean Temple Food is much more than a culinary tradition; it is a way of life rooted in Buddhist principles that encourage sustainable living and mindful eating. As the world becomes increasingly interested in sustainability, this unique aspect of Korean culture is gaining recognition far beyond South Korea’s borders. Through cultural events, international symposiums, and firsthand dining experiences, travelers can now explore this rich culinary heritage and gain a deeper understanding of its spiritual significance. Whether at a festival in Seoul, a symposium in London, or a Michelin-starred restaurant in Korea, the journey through Korean Temple Food is an enriching experience that will resonate with all who seek a deeper connection with food, nature, and mindfulness.