Why Tourists from China, Japan, Taiwan, United States, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Philippines, Australia: Are Coming to South Korea for the Sustainable Delights of Korean Temple Food

Published on November 27, 2025

South Korea, is home to one of the most unique and sustainable culinary traditions in the world—Korean Temple Food. Recently designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Korean government, this remarkable cuisine, with its roots in 1,700 years of Buddhist wisdom, is quickly gaining international recognition. Korean Temple Food is not just about food; it is a philosophy that emphasizes respect for life, moderation, and a deep connection with nature.

As the global interest in plant-based and sustainable living continues to rise, Korean Temple Food provides a perfect blend of spirituality and sustainability. Whether you are a food enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or someone passionate about mindful living, Seoul’s Korean Temple Food offers a profound journey into the essence of Buddhist culture and philosophy. The unique preparation methods and use of seasonal ingredients highlight the natural flavors of the food, making it an essential experience for visitors looking for more than just a meal, but a culinary awakening that honors nature’s gifts.

Korean Temple Food: A National Intangible Cultural Heritage

Korean Temple Food is more than just a vegetarian cuisine; it is a reflection of Buddhist values that have been passed down through generations. The Korean government’s recognition of this culinary tradition as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage underlines its significance not only in Korean culture but also in the global conversation about sustainability and mindful eating.

At the heart of temple food is a deep respect for all forms of life, moderation in ingredients, and a gratitude-filled approach to preparing and eating food. The cuisine showcases seasonal, plant-based ingredients that are thoughtfully prepared to bring out their natural flavors. This is more than a trend; it’s a way of life that resonates with today’s environmental and ethical concerns.

Global Recognition and Expansion of Temple Food Culture

In recent years, Korean Temple Food has made a significant impact globally. Through a series of high-profile events and cultural diplomacy, the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism has worked to bring this unique culinary tradition to the international stage. Not only has it captured the attention of food lovers, but it has also become a cornerstone of global sustainability efforts.

• Korean Temple Food Festival: The 4th Korean Temple Food Festival held at the aT Center in Seoul in June was a landmark event, attracting more than 20,000 visitors over two days. With 47% of attendees being in their 20s and 30s, the festival demonstrated the growing interest in sustainable, plant-based food culture among younger generations. Visitors participated in hands-on workshops, attended lectures, and enjoyed live demonstrations by master monks and nuns specializing in temple food.
• International Academic Symposium: In August, the Temple Food International Academic Symposium brought together experts from around the world to discuss the potential of temple food as a model for sustainable living. Hosted at the National Palace Museum of Korea, the event saw participation from scholars and culinary professionals from Korea, the U.S., the U.K., Italy, and China. The symposium highlighted Ogwan-ge (Five Contemplations), the Buddhist reflection recited before meals, emphasizing its relevance to modern culinary practice.
• Cultural Diplomacy in Europe: From late October to early November, Temple Food International Cultural Diplomacy events took place in Paris, France, and London, UK, where the spiritual essence of temple food was shared with international chefs and food influencers. In Paris, the Korean-style salad, Deodeok Beomuri, received rave reviews at a dinner reception hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. In London, Korean Temple Food Week at Le Cordon Bleu London saw Venerable Yeogeo Sunim give a lecture and Venerable Jeong Kwan Sunim, a renowned temple food master, host a pop-up restaurant, offering guests a chance to experience the meditative character of this unique cuisine.

Why Korean Temple Food is More Relevant Than Ever

Korean Temple Food is increasingly seen as a perfect model for the sustainable future of food. With the global rise in demand for plant-based diets and sustainable living, this culinary tradition offers practical solutions for addressing the world’s environmental challenges.

Here’s why Korean Temple Food is becoming more relevant than ever:

• Plant-Based and Sustainable: Temple food is rooted in Buddhist values, which promote moderation, simplicity, and balance. The plant-based diet, free from meat, garlic, and onions, aligns with modern-day calls for environmentally-conscious eating and reducing carbon footprints.
• Focus on Local and Seasonal Ingredients: Ingredients used in Korean temple food are carefully chosen according to seasonality and local availability. This not only enhances the flavor but also supports local farming practices, further strengthening its sustainability ethos.
• Mindful Eating: Temple food encourages mindful eating—a practice that fosters gratitude, awareness, and reflection on the interconnection between food, nature, and the human body. This practice appeals to modern consumers seeking a deeper connection with the food they consume.

Experiencing Korean Temple Food in Seoul

For travelers seeking to experience Korean Temple Food firsthand, Seoul offers several places where you can dive into this profound culinary tradition. The Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism operates a number of temple food centers that offer visitors the chance to explore temple food’s cultural and spiritual significance.

• Korean Temple Food Center: Located in Insadong, Seoul, this center offers introductory workshops on Korean temple food. Visitors can learn about the philosophy behind the cuisine and try their hand at preparing dishes using the ingredients and techniques taught by temple chefs.
• Balwoo Gongyang: For a truly extraordinary experience, visitors can dine at Balwoo Gongyang, the world’s first Michelin-starred temple food restaurant. Located in Seoul, the restaurant offers a variety of course meals that highlight the best of seasonal ingredients and the meditative quality of temple food. Dining here isn’t just about eating; it’s about experiencing the peaceful essence of Buddhist culture through every bite.

Korean Temple Food and the Future of Sustainable Living

As Korean Temple Food gains global recognition, it is being positioned as a model for sustainable living and mindful eating practices. With its deep respect for nature, focus on health, and commitment to environmental sustainability, temple food is poised to play a leading role in the global shift towards ethical and plant-based cuisine.

• UNESCO Recognition: The Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism has set its sights on having Korean Temple Food officially recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This would cement its status as a global culinary treasure and ensure its preservation for generations to come.
• Global Cultural Diplomacy: Through its international events and ongoing cultural diplomacy efforts, Korea is helping the world understand the value of mindful eating and spiritual nourishment. These efforts contribute to the growing global movement towards sustainability and healthy living.

Conclusion: A Culinary Journey into Sustainability and Spirituality

Korean Temple Food offers much more than a meal—it provides a profound cultural and spiritual experience that resonates with today’s global focus on sustainability and mindful living. As this ancient tradition continues to expand its influence through cultural diplomacy and global events, it is becoming a central part of the conversation about the future of food.

For those visiting Seoul, the opportunity to experience Korean Temple Food firsthand offers a unique way to connect with the sustainable, spiritual, and cultural values that shape modern Korean society. Whether through dining at Balwoo Gongyang, participating in workshops, or attending one of the many international events that showcase this remarkable cuisine, Korean Temple Food is a culinary journey that nourishes both the body and soul.