[K-wave] Korean Temple Food Festival returns after 10 years drawing crowds seeking tasty cultural experiences

Korean temple food was officially listed as a National Intangible Heritage last month, and a Korean Temple Food Festival took place this past weekend to celebrate that designation.

The festival, in fact, returned after a decade, hopeful of a future UNESCO listing.

Our Park Jun-han was there.

From traditional steamed tofu to yuzu-flavored sweet rice, and shiitake mushroom stew.

These foods are not just tasty vegetarian dishes — they also embody core Buddhist values.

Temple food, known for creating mental and physical energy during training, respects life and avoids the use of the 'five pungent vegetables, namely, onions, garlic, chives, green onions, and leeks, which are believed to hinder spiritual clarity and inner peace.

"I am currently at the Korean Temple Food Festival.

Come along as I dive into the unique flavors and the timeless value of temple food."

People from assorted backgrounds and a variety of countries gathered here in Seoul to celebrate and experience the excellence of temple food.

They sampled dishes and even tried making some themselves.

Some 20 thousand people took part in the event, over two days from Saturday to Sunday, with the majority of attendees in their 20s and 30s.

With its health-forward approach and mild flavors, temple food has become a popular alternative for those avoiding strong flavors.

"There's a recent trend like the slow aging diet and low-sodium diet.

People these days want to live a healthy life, so I think these are the parts of what makes temple food so appealing."

Of course, temple food is not just healthy, it is tasty and flavorful.

"I was actually surprised because I've never tried temple food before.

So I thought it would be like very bland, but it actually was very flavorful."

Now that Korean temple food gained recognition as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in May, efforts are underway to expand its reach globally.

"Korean temple food, now recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, is ready to inspire people around the world with its universal appeal, transcending religious boundaries, which is why we are actively promoting it overseas."

Aiming for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage recognition, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism is strengthening its global presence through cultural exchanges, Templestay programs, and academic initiatives, while championing core Buddhist values.

Park Jun-han, Arirang News.