Netflix's Love Affair with Korean Temple Food: Journey to Jeong Kwan and Baekyangsa Temple
Baekyangsa Temple in Jangseong, Jeollanamdo - beautiful in all four seasons
Hello! Last weekend, after being completely captivated by Netflix's 'Chef's Table,' I spontaneously visited Baekyangsa Temple. I wanted to share my experience and the story of Jeong Kwan, who has become a global star of Korean temple cuisine. I have friends from abroad planning trips to Korea, and I hope they don't miss this special experience!
Korean Temple Food and Jeong Kwan: Global Recognition
When Netflix featured Korean Buddhist nun Jeong Kwan in their popular series 'Chef's Table' in 2019, viewers worldwide were deeply moved by her philosophy and food. Suddenly, Korean temple cuisine, with its thousand-year-old Buddhist wisdom, emerged as a global food trend.
"Food contains the mind of the person who prepares it. Food prepared with gratitude and sincerity becomes medicine in itself." - Jeong Kwan
This simple yet powerful message seems to have resonated with modern audiences. Especially now, with growing concerns about environmental issues and healthy eating habits, the philosophy behind temple food is gaining more appreciation.
Netflix Chef's Table - Jeong Kwan Episode
Temple Food: More Than Just Vegetarian Cuisine!
Many foreign friends think temple food is simply vegetarian cuisine, but there's actually a much deeper philosophy behind it. Temple food, also called "Jeongsin Yori" (meditation food), is part of Buddhist practice.
Temple Food Characteristics:
- No use of five pungent vegetables - No green onions, garlic, chives, wild chives, or leeks. These are avoided to maintain a peaceful mind.
- Seasonal ingredients only - Only ingredients in season are used, following the flow of nature.
- Zero waste approach - Every part of each ingredient is utilized. Even yesterday's rice transforms into something new today!
- Natural fermented seasonings - No artificial flavors are used; taste comes from naturally fermented seasonings.
Jeong Kwan has reinterpreted traditional temple food in a modern way, making it more accessible to everyone. That's probably why she's been able to capture so many hearts.
Jeong Kwan's beautiful temple food arrangement
Baekyangsa: Jeong Kwan's Stage
Baekyangsa Temple in Jangseong, Jeollanamdo is where Jeong Kwan practices and researches temple cuisine. This temple has over 600 years of history and is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage.
When I visited on a weekday, there were still quite a few visitors. I heard that the number of foreign visitors has noticeably increased since the Netflix feature. The serenity and grandeur you feel from the temple entrance was truly impressive.
Baekyangsa Visit Information
- Location: 1239 Baekyang-ro, Bukha-myeon, Jangseong-gun, Jeollanamdo
- Hours: Open daily (access to inner halls may be time-restricted)
- Admission: 3,000 KRW for adults
- Transportation: Take KTX to Gwangju Songjeong Station from Seoul, then bus or taxi (about 3 hours total from Seoul)
- Official English Website: Baekyangsa English Homepage
Experiencing Temple Food Through Templestay
At Baekyangsa, you can experience temple food directly through their templestay program. I participated in a one-day program where disciples of Jeong Kwan taught us how to make temple food. We made simple lotus leaf rice and grilled deodeok (mountain bellflower root), and it was delicious!
Contrary to my expectations, it was an incredibly lively and enjoyable time. The nuns had a great sense of humor, so there was constant laughter. English interpretation was also provided for foreign participants.
Templestay Program Information
- Reservation: Templestay English Reservation Site
- Price: 70,000-80,000 KRW for one night, two days (varies by program)
- Languages: Korean, English (weekend programs)
- Recommended Program: 'Temple Food Experience' (twice monthly)
"We planned our Korea trip right after watching Netflix. Jeong Kwan's food philosophy was so impressive. The actual experience exceeded our expectations. Especially the process of putting rice in lotus leaves and steaming it was really special." - Emily (Canada, 34)
Jeong Kwan's Temple Food Restaurant
Jeong Kwan operates a temple food restaurant called 'Balwoo Gongyang' in Insadong, Seoul. After the Netflix feature, it became so popular that reservations were booked months in advance. I wanted to go too, but had to postpone due to being unable to make a reservation.
Balwoo Gongyang Restaurant Information
- Location: 30-13 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11:30-21:00 (Closed Mondays)
- Reservations: Balwoo Gongyang English Website
- Price: Lunch course from 28,000 KRW, Dinner course from 45,000 KRW
There are many attractions near Insadong, so it's a great itinerary to recommend to foreign friends, combining restaurant visits with traditional culture sightseeing!
Places to Visit Around Baekyangsa
Since Baekyangsa is quite a distance to travel just for one location, I recommend exploring nearby attractions.
- Jangseong Hwangryong River Yellow Flower Festival: A must-see spectacle if you visit in autumn! One of the most beautiful fall festivals in Korea
Hwangryong River Festival English Information - Pilam Seowon: A traditional educational institution registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Pilam Seowon English Introduction - Naejangsan National Park: A famous autumn foliage spot just 30 minutes by car from Baekyangsa
Naejangsan National Park English Guide
You'll need at least one night and two days to properly see Baekyangsa and the surrounding area. For accommodation, you can use templestay or guesthouses in Jangseong-eup for convenience.
Naejangsan National Park, famous for its autumn foliage
Temple Food: Now a Global Trend
After Jeong Kwan's appearance on Netflix, global interest in Korean temple food has exploded. Major American cooking magazines have featured special articles about it, and European restaurants have begun introducing menus inspired by Korean temple cuisine.
My American friend told me that "Korean temple food pop-up restaurants keep appearing in LA and New York." As vegetarianism spreads, healthy and delicious temple food seems to be gaining more attention.
Learn More About Korean Temple Food
- Jeong Kwan Interview with English Subtitles
- Korea Tourism Organization's Temple Food Introduction
- Temple Food English YouTube Channel
- Book: "Temple Food for Body and Soul" (by Jeong Kwan)
Conclusion
Through Baekyangsa and Jeong Kwan's temple food, I was able to experience some of the depth of Korean Buddhist culture. It was a precious time that changed not just my experience of taste but my whole attitude and thinking about food.
For foreign friends, this will be a special experience to feel the authentic side of Korea. Not the glamorous Korea shown in K-pop and K-dramas, but a quiet, profound traditional culture that can be experienced firsthand.
Next time, I'd like to stay longer and properly experience a templestay. If you have any questions about Baekyangsa or temple food, please leave a comment!
This information is current as of March 2025. It's recommended to check the official websites for any changes before your visit.
