Highlights
- Savor a mellow, rare 1991 aged pu-erh in a guided tea ceremony
- Dine at Balwoo Gongyang (Michelin) or legendary Sanchon restaurant
- Complete temple immersion: culture, ritual, meditation
- Explore Korean Buddhism with a K-culture tourism professor from Jason K Table
- Enjoy a free hands-on cultural activity, with a program that changes daily
Description
All costs are fully included — no hidden fees, no extras
By Jason K Table.
YOUR EXPERIENCE
Meet Jason at the Templestay Information Center (1F) at 11:00 AM or 4:00 PM. Start with a brief introduction and a hands-on Buddhist cultural activity — your printed guide in hand.
A one-minute walk brings you to Jogyesa Temple. Jason introduces Korean Buddhism, the temple's history and architecture, then leads a guided Seon (Zen) meditation experience.
Nearby, explore the Buddhist Museum of Korea and the site of Korea's first post office — two hidden gems most visitors simply walk past.
Settle into a quiet tea ceremony, featuring a rare 1991 aged pu-erh.
The experience concludes at Balwoo Gongyang or Sanchon. Over a temple meal, Jason introduces each dish — its ingredients, seasonal philosophy, and the Buddhist meaning behind temple food culture.
TEMPLE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Every visit includes a hands-on cultural activity.
TEA CEREMONY
Every visit includes a traditional Korean tea ceremony at no extra cost. Savor a rare pu-erh from 1991, aged for over 30 years — mellow, smooth, and prized for its depth. Along with fine teas, Jason explains how tea and Zen share one spirit, and how Korean tea culture differs from that of China, Japan, and the West.
TEMPLE CUISINE
Just 2–8 minutes from the temple, savor premium temple food of your choice:
Balwoo Gongyang (발우공양) — Michelin-listed, Blue Ribbon Seoul awarded, and named one of Seoul's 100 Best Restaurants. Steps from Jogyesa Temple, serving seasonal vegetables, fermented sides, and traditional plant-based Buddhist cuisine following strict temple food principles. (2 min)
Sanchon (산촌) — One of Seoul's most iconic temple cuisine restaurants, located in the heart of Insadong. Beloved for its authentic Korean Buddhist dining experience, serving traditional plant-based dishes rooted in temple food philosophy. (8 min)
During your meal, Jason shares insights on the Buddhist philosophy of eating, seasonal balance, the significance of each dish, and how temple cuisine supports spiritual practice.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
✓ Private cultural education with academic expert (K-culture tourism professor)
✓ Guided Seon (Zen) meditation experience
✓ Traditional tea ceremony with rare 1991 aged pu-erh
✓ Complimentary hands-on cultural activity (daily rotating program)
✓ Introduction to Korea's first post office
✓ Premium temple cuisine with beverages
✓ Printed program guide in your language
✓ Private or small group
✓ All costs fully included — no hidden fees, no extras
WHY THIS IS DIFFERENT
Learn from an academic expert with dual credentials — tourism doctorate and Buddhist University training. This combines intellectual depth, a guided spiritual experience, a rare tea ceremony, and premium dining in one offering. Discover Korean Buddhism as a living culture, not an exotic spectacle.
Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
Start times: 11:00 AM or 4:00 PM
Includes
Premium temple cuisine with beverages
Hands-on Buddhist cultural activity (daily rotating program)
A tea ceremony with a rare 1991 aged pu-erh
Meditation practice
Private cultural education with academic expert (K-culture tourism professor)
Introduction to Korea's first post office
Private or small group (1–8 guests)
All costs fully included — no hidden fees, no extras
Important Information
- Balwoo Gongyang and Sanchon are booked as separate options at different prices. If your selected restaurant cannot be confirmed within 10 hours of booking, you are entitled to a full refund at any time, regardless of our standard cancellation policy
This experience includes light walking, cultural discussion, meditation, and dining
Vegetarian and vegan-friendly dining options are included
Please wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for temple grounds
Temple cuisine menus may vary depending on seasonal ingredients
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
