[Features-reporter] Korea Heritage Service to designate "temple food" as intangible national heritage

Monastic meals in temple cuisine, widely known as "temple food" embody Buddhist philosophy by preserving the natural flavors of ingredients.

This unique food culture may receive more recognition as the Korea Heritage Service has announced its plan to designate "temple food" as a new intangible national heritage.

Lee Eun-jin tells us more.

Each temple has its own variation of dishes for what makes up "temple food."

But one common foundation across all temples is that they share a vegetarian foundation that not only excludes meat and fish, but also five pungent vegetables: garlic, green onions, chives, leeks, and asafetida.

Buddhist culinary traditions not only include food but also the balwoogongyang, a formal way of eating in Buddhist practice.

Adhering to the Buddhist principle of non-violence and respect for life, hence not killing any living being, Korean temple food is particularly distinguished for using unique fermented ingredients, which perhaps sets it apart from similar temple food traditions in other countries.

"Temple food has the natural clean and original flavors."

"It's traditional food. It's light and easier to digest. I think that's why it's loved. And since it is traditional Korean food, wouldn't people want to experience it?"

This healthy and natural well-being cuisine is being designated as an intangible national heritage.

The Korea Heritage Service nominated the great value of temple food that contributes to cultural diversity by adding creativity to traditional meal preparation methods.

However, because the recipes that have been passed down vary from temple to temple, and because it is a tradition that is collectively transmitted rather than through specific individuals or organizations, there won't be an official holder of the tradition.

The designation will be finalized after a 30-day review period and deliberation by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee.

After its recognition as a national intangible heritage, the Buddhist community plans to promote temple food onto the UNESCO World Intangible Heritage list.

And for this, there will be a temple food festival held in June,

and temple food will be prepared for participants of the APEC Summit to experience in October, in Gyeongju.

Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.