Balwoo Gongyang (발우공양)

563.5367616955151m 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)

563.5367616955151m 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.

Sanchon (산촌)

571.5448765747959m 35899 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.

Changdeokgung Injeongmun Gate (창덕궁 인정문)

571.6543390977961m 27032 2022-08-29

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3668-2300

Serving as the main gate of Injeongjeon Hall, Injeongmun Gate was established in 1405 (5th year of King Taejo’s reign during the Joseon dynasty). Later on, the gate was destroyed by multiple fires during the Imjin War (Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592), therefore current form of the establishment displays designs that are more often seen in the late 19th century's. In addition, a lot of subsidary marks and buildings are removed from the original places and relocated passing the time, however, still remains to represent prestigious ambience.

Injeongmun Gate served as the place for several coronation ceremonies of kings, prince's succession of throne, and many other national affairs celebrated by the royal members who gathered and aligned around this gate.

Restaurant DAM (레스토랑담)

583.5578949123677m 144 2021-03-30

30-7, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-730-3624

It is a gallery-like restaurant where you can enjoy paintings by famous artists. This restaurant's signature menu is pork shoulder steak. This Western dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Insa-dong PR Center (인사동홍보관)

584.2142986676834m 9502 2017-07-26

19 Insadong 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-82-737-7890~1

Insa-dong PR Center opened in 2006 with the goal of providing accessible education for both domestic and international visitors to understand Korean traditions and history. It was built in what was once the private residence for Prince Uichin (1877-1955), one of the sons of Emperor Gojong (1852-1919).

Insa-dong PR Center also introduces the traditions and culture of Insa-dong, and provides tour pamphlets and tourist assistance in multiple languages (English, Japanese and Chinese). Visitors can try on hanbok (traditional costumes) and enjoy Wi-Fi within the facility.

Dolsilnai - Insa Branch (돌실나이 (인사점))

586.4141449267862m 14783 2022-12-26

35, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-737-2232

To popularize hanbok, Dolsilnai offers modified hanbok suited for daily use. Focusing on simple elegance, Dolsilnai hanbok is known for all-cotton fabrics and pigment dyeing. While it doesn't ignore the beauty of traditional hanbok, Dolsilnai hanbok also emphasizes functional and practical qualities essential for modern daily living.

Theatre Changdeokgung (창덕궁 소극장)

587.1681376945467m 9647 2021-12-07

88-1, Donhwamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-742-7278

Theatre Changdeokgung is located across from Changdeokgung Palace in the Gugak-ro Special Cultural Zone of Seoul. To recreate the traditional Korean entertainment setting and offer a better view of the stage, the theater is designed with floor seatings facing a platform stage. The theater offers a wide array of performances including samulnori (traditional Korean percussion quartet), traditional Korean music, and madanggeuk (a play infused with traditional music and performances). First time visitors often find the creative and cozy experience create a lasting memory of Korean culture and arts. Also nearby the theater are a number of tourist attractions including Changdeokgung Palace, Unhyeongung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine, and Insa-dong.

Tteul Gwa Dawon (뜰과다원)

587.1600388310812m 3475 2019-11-12

6-4, Insadong 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-5310

Tteul Gwa Dawon (literally "yard and tea garden") is an up-scale hanok-style tea and coffee house where you can enjoy a tranquil garden in the center of Seoul.

The tea and coffee shop offers traditional Korean tea made of 100% natural ingredients, as well as organic coffee. It is equipped with large private rooms which can accomodate a large number of guests, making it the best place to hold seminars or other types of social gatherings.

Tea, rice cakes, and other traditional snacks served here can be a good alternative for when you're in between meals.

Museum Kimchikan (뮤지엄 김치간)

589.8518036708076m 17278 2024-03-18

(4-6th floor, Maru Art Center), 35-4, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6002-6456

Museum Kimchikan is a museum dedicated to kimchi in Insa-dong’s Maru Art Center. The exhibition details the culture, history, trajectory, and efficacy of kimchi and teaches the visitors how to make kimchi through videos. Visitors can also sample different types of kimchi. The museum offers both individual and group experience programs, which require reservation via email.

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