Must-Try Foods In Bongeunsa Temple (Seoul) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Bongeunsa Temple, Seoul, South Korea

Bongeunsa Temple, located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea, stands as an emblem of tranquility and represents the country's deep-rooted Buddhist traditions. Historically, Korean Buddhist temple food, known as "Sachal eumsik," embodies a vegetarian diet, typically devoid of meat, fish, and strong flavors like garlic and onions. This practice aligns with the Buddhist principle of non-violence and the philosophy of living in harmony with nature. The temple food emphasizes natural flavors and seasonal ingredients, reflecting the monks’ way of life that upholds simplicity and mindfulness.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes Near Bongeunsa Temple

1. Kimbap (Veg) - A popular Korean snack similar to sushi rolls but without raw fish; commonly filled with vegetables and sometimes egg.
2. Bibimbap (Veg/Non-Veg) - A mixed rice dish with assorted vegetables. It can be made vegetarian or topped with meat for non-vegetarians.
3. Jeon (Veg/Non-Veg) - Korean style savory pancakes that can be made with various ingredients including seafood, vegetables and kimchi.
4. Japchae (Veg) - Stir-fried glass noodles usually with a mix of vegetables and sometimes eggs, with a sweet and savory sauce.
5. Dubu-jorim (Veg) - A dish made with tofu that's braised in a savory-spicy sauce with vegetables.
6. Yachae Hotteok (Veg) - Sweet Korean pancakes typically filled with a mix of brown sugar and nuts, but the savory versions are stuffed with vegetables.
7. Temple Food (Veg) - Seasonal vegetables, wild greens, and mushrooms prepared using traditional Buddhist methods.
8. Kongguksu (Veg) - A cold noodle dish with a broth made from ground soybeans; very refreshing during the summer.
9. Sujeonggwa (Veg) - A traditional cinnamon punch that is sweet, often served as a dessert drink with persimmon slices.
10. Yakgwa (Veg) - A traditional Korean sweet made with honey, sesame oil, and wheat flour, deep-fried and soaked in a syrup.

Top Famous Restaurants Near Bongeunsa Temple

1. SMILE Tofu Restaurant

   Address: Samseong-ro 96-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

   Famous for: Dubu-jorim (Veg) and various tofu-based dishes

2. Baru

   Address: Bongeunsa Temple, 531, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

   Famous for: Temple Cuisine (Veg) - offers a plant-based menu highly influenced by temple culinary traditions

3. Pyeongando Jokbal

   Address: 130, Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

   Famous for: Jokbal (Non-Veg) - a savory dish made of pig's trotters cooked with soy sauce and spices

4. Gangnam Myeonok

   Address: 26, Gangnam-daero 94-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

   Famous for: Naengmyeon (Veg/Non-Veg) - Korean cold buckwheat noodle dish which can be served with a variety of broths and toppings

5. Bongeunsa Galbi

   Address: 24, Bongeunsa-ro 4-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

   Famous for: Kalbi (Non-Veg) - grilled marinated beef ribs; note that a vegetarian option might not be available here