Food In Gwanumsa Temple

Food History of Gwanumsa Temple, Kaesong, North Korea

The Gwanumsa Temple in Kaesong is a historic Buddhist temple with origins that are deeply intertwined with local culture and traditions, including food. The temple's food history is reflective of the Buddhist practice of vegetarianism, as many monks adhere to a diet that abstains from meat. Traditionally, temple food in Korea is based on seasonal, local ingredients and avoids artificial flavors. Cooking is considered a meditative practice, and meals are prepared with mindfulness and simplicity, following the principle of Balwoo gongyang, which emphasizes not wasting food and considering the effort that went into preparing it.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes at Gwanumsa Temple, Kaesong, North Korea

1. Namul (Veg): A variety of seasoned vegetables, often served as side dishes. They showcase the natural flavors of locally-sourced produce and are a staple at temples.
2. Kimchi (Veg): Fermented vegetables, commonly cabbage or radish, mixed with chili pepper and other spices. A Korean classic with distinct flavors.
3. Gimbap (Veg/Non-Veg): Seaweed rice rolls that may contain a variety of fillings, including vegetables and sometimes fish or egg.
4. Japchae (Veg): Sweet potato noodles stir-fried with vegetables, sesame oil, and soy sauce. This is a popular dish during Korean festivals and often made vegetarian.
5. Tteokguk (Veg/Non-Veg): A traditional soup with sliced rice cakes, often served as a Lunar New Year celebration dish. It can be made vegetarian by using a vegetable broth.
6. Bibimbap (Veg/Non-Veg): A rice dish mixed with an array of vegetables, chili pepper paste, and sometimes includes egg or tofu as a protein source.
7. Yaksik (Veg): A sweet dessert made from glutinous rice, chestnuts, jujubes, and pine nuts, seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey or sugar.
8. Jeon (Veg/Non-Veg): Korean-style pancakes that can be made with vegetables, seafood, or tofu. A common temple food version would be vegetable jeon.
9. Temple-style Congee (Veg): A rice porridge dish often made with mushrooms and vegetables, eaten for breakfast or as a light meal.
10. Sujeonggwa (Veg): A traditional cinnamon and persimmon punch, served cold, often as a dessert or a refreshment.

Top Famous Restaurants in Gwanumsa Temple Area, Kaesong, North Korea

While specific restaurant details in Kaesong, North Korea, are not widely documented as they would be in other countries, tourists may find dining establishments within Kaesong city that offer traditional Korean cuisine. It's worth noting that foreign tourists in North Korea are typically only allowed to dine out at government-approved restaurants, which are designed to cater to tourists and offer a selection of traditional local dishes.

Tongil Restaurant (통일식당)
Address: Gwanumsa Temple area, Kaesong
Famous Food: Traditional Korean Course Meal (Veg/Non-Veg) – A set menu offering a range of Korean dishes that adhere to the authentic culinary style of the region.

Kaesong Folk Hotel Restaurant
Address: Minsok Hotel, Kaesong
Famous Food: Korean Table d'Hote (Veg/Non-Veg) – A collection of various traditional dishes, often served to travelers staying at the folk hotel.

Janamsan Hotel Restaurant
Address: Janamsan Hotel, Kaesong
Famous Food: Pyongyang Cold Noodle (Naengmyeon) (Non-Veg) – A dish that's popular throughout Korea. The vegetarian option can be requested, omitting the typical slices of meat.

Due to the nature of tourism in North Korea, visitors are usually accompanied by a tour guide, and it is advised to communicate dietary preferences well in advance to ensure vegetarian options are available.