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

Balwoo Gongyang (발우공양)

5.8Km    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)

5.8Km    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.

Seonggyeong Mndu Yori Jeonmunjeom - Jongno Branch(성경만두요리전문점 종로)

Seonggyeong Mndu Yori Jeonmunjeom - Jongno Branch(성경만두요리전문점 종로)

5.8Km    2021-04-14

88, Supyo-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2273-9233

White jeongol (Korean-style hot pot) is soup cooked with dumplings and vegetables. The best menu at this restaurant is dumpling hot pot. This is a Korean cuisine located in Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul.

Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (수문장 교대의식)

Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (수문장 교대의식)

5.8Km    2024-10-29

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3210-1645

In the Joseon dynasty, the royal guards of the palace were gatekeepers who were responsible for guarding the the main gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace as well as the main gates of the city such as Heunginjimun Gate and Sungnyemun Gate. The royal guards worked in shift duties and were in charge of opening and closing Gwanghwamun Gate. Before the royal guard system was enforced in 1469, the palace gates were protected by soldiers of the central army. The Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held at Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Gwanghwamun area reenacts the guard-changing procedure that took place during the Joseon dynasty, along with the reproduction of costumes and weapons, based on historical records.

Kumkang - Jongno Branch (금강제화 (종로지점))

Kumkang - Jongno Branch (금강제화 (종로지점))

5.8Km    2021-07-19

89, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-2744

Kumkang Shoes is Korea's leading fashion retailer specializing in formal, casual and athletic footwear, as well as trendy clothing and accessories. Located in central Seoul, Kumkang Jongno is easily accessible from major shopping areas such as Insa-dong and Dongdaemun Market. Moreover, this Kumkang branch has a tailor shop that provides tailoring and repair services.

Seungdong Church (승동교회)

Seungdong Church (승동교회)

5.8Km    2020-04-02

7-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-732-2340

Seungdong Presbyterian Church was designated Tangible Cultural Asset No. 130 by the Seoul Metropolitan Government on April 6, 2001. Originally known as “Gondanggol Church,” the church was established by Samuel Foreman Moore (1860-1906) in 1893. In those days, the church was known as a “baekjeong church” since it primarily drew Korea’s social underdogs such baekjeong (the butchers), the untouchable class of Joseon society.

Following a number of relocations and name changes (called “Gondanggol,” “Jungang,” and finally “Seungdong”) the church was moved to its current location in Insadong. After Moore died in 1906, Charles Allen Clark became the pastor of the church and Mongyang Yuh Woon-hyung, a key figure in the political history of Joseon, became active in the church. The church was attended by many other activists as well. In fact, the large student demonstration that took place during the March 1st Independence Movement in 1919 was organized by a group of young church members. The church once again made its mark on history with the establishment of the Joseon Theological Seminary in 1939.

Seungdong Church (B1-2F) covers a total of 660 square meters. No record has been found on its architect or builder, but the building is said to have been one of the more magnificent buildings in the area before its beauty was obscured by newer structures.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Jagyeongjeon Tea Ceremony (경복궁 자경전 다례체험행사)

Gyeongbokgung Palace Jagyeongjeon Tea Ceremony (경복궁 자경전 다례체험행사)

5.8Km    2020-03-12

161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-3210-4683

This traditional tea ceremony experience takes place at Jagyeongjeon Hall in Gyeongbokgung Palace every Saturday and Sunday. Participation is by reservation on a first come, first serve basis.

The ceremony includes a tea culture demonstration and experience, making honey cakes, traditional etiquette introduction, and lectures related to tea culture. To participate in the tea ceremony, download the application form from the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation website and submit the form through email.

Baeksasilgyegok Valley (백사실계곡)

Baeksasilgyegok Valley (백사실계곡)

5.8Km    2020-08-31

115, Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1114

Baeksasilgyegok Valley in Seoul is a well preserved cultural and natural site, being home to Baekseokdongcheon, Historic Site No. 462, as well as a habitat to diverse animals, including salamanders, frogs, minnows, and crayfish. The preservation value of this area is especially high as the valley is home to a large colony of salamanders, which are indicator species of the clean water and a protected wildlife species of Seoul.

The valley gets its name from the site of a villa of Yi Hangbok. The path along the area’s thick forest and natural valleys provides an excellent getaway. Since the area is a habitat to several protected species, visitors are asked to refrain from dipping their feet in the valley’s waters while exploring the scenery. The entrance to the valley is located past the Sanmotungi Café.

Jongno Yugane Yukoebindaetteok(종로유가네육회빈대떡)

Jongno Yugane Yukoebindaetteok(종로유가네육회빈대떡)

5.8Km    2021-04-10

86, Supyo-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2266-0999

A restaurant with over 30 years’ tradition. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is sliced raw beef.

Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival) (연등회)

Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival) (연등회)

5.8Km    2025-04-09

55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2011-1744~7

Started approximately 1,200 years ago during the Silla dynasty and continued through the Goryeo Yeon Deung Hoe and Joseon lantern festival, the Yeon Deung Hoe Festival is a traditional festival registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The lanterns at Yeon Deung Hoe Festival brighten the heart and the world!