Seoul: Temple Vegan Cooking Class & Oriental Medicine Tour

Exploring Seoul’s Wellness and Culinary Heritage: Temple Vegan Cooking & Oriental Medicine Tour

If you’re seeking a meaningful way to understand Seoul beyond its bustling streets and palaces, this Temple Vegan Cooking Class and Oriental Medicine Tour offers a thoughtful glimpse into Korea’s deep-rooted health and food traditions. It combines hands-on cooking, visiting herbal markets, and exploring historical sites—all within a manageable four-hour window. The experience is designed to appeal to food lovers, wellness enthusiasts, and culture seekers alike.

One of the standout features we love is the opportunity to cook plant-based Buddhist dishes alongside a Buddhist monk. This adds an authentic, spiritual layer to what could otherwise be just another cooking class. Plus, the visit to Seoul’s famous herbal markets offers a sensory overload of sights, smells, and stories about traditional Korean medicine.

A possible consideration is that the tour’s pace can be brisk, especially if you’re not used to busy markets or underground shopping complexes. Also, some reviews mention that parts of the experience—like the massage—may not meet everyone’s expectations, so it’s worth approaching this tour with an open mind. Overall, it’s best suited for those curious about alternative health practices, Korean cuisine, or cultural exploration in a relaxed but informative setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Korean temple cuisine prepared with guidance from a Buddhist monk
• Insight into traditional Korean medicine via markets and museums
• Vibrant visits to herbal and fruit markets with tastings of local produce
• Unique blend of modern and historic Seoul, including cafes in converted theaters
• Small group size for personalized experience
• Value for money at $77, including all admissions and some tastings

A Deep Dive into the Experience

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Seoul’s herbal and culinary traditions, with a structure that balances education, taste, and cultural insights. It’s designed for travelers who want more than just surface-level sightseeing—those eager to understand Korea’s wellness philosophies and culinary roots.

Starting Point: The Korean Temple Food Center

Your journey begins at the Korean Temple Food Center, where you’ll learn how centuries-old Buddhist dietary principles influence modern Korean vegetarian dishes. The highlight here is the hands-on cooking class, led by a Buddhist monk (the guide, Jade, from one review, was praised for her patience and kindness). Expect to learn how plant-based ingredients are used to create flavorful, nourishing meals that reflect spiritual discipline. One reviewer called it “completely unexpected, delicious, and relaxing,” emphasizing how this part of the tour can be both educational and calming.

The class lasts about two hours, including the preparation and tasting of dishes that showcase traditional Korean temple cuisine. The inclusion of an English interpreter ensures that non-Korean speakers can fully appreciate the nuances of the recipes and dietary philosophy.

The Herbal Market Tour: Seoul Yangnyeongsi and Gyeongdong Market

Next, you’ll visit Seoul’s oldest herbal medicine market, the Yangnyeongsi Market. Recognized for its medicinal herbs and ginseng, this market is a vibrant place where generations of Koreans have sourced remedies for health and wellness. It’s a sensory experience—you’ll see bright displays of dried herbs, roots, and ginseng, smell a mixture of fragrant herbal teas, and perhaps get an idea of Korea’s commitment to natural healing.

From a review, one traveler appreciated the “vivid testament to Seoul’s rapid modernization,” noting the blend of the old and new as they explored Gyeongdong Market’s underground shopping complex. This subterranean space retains a nostalgic feeling of the 1980s market scene, offering a snapshot of Seoul’s evolving commerce.

Experience the History of Korean Medicine at the K-Medi Center

A highlight for many is the visit to the Korean Medicine Development Center, where you’ll learn about the history and practice of Korean traditional medicine. Here, you might find yourself wandering through a museum, discovering ancient tools and remedies, and trying a traditional Korean massage—a relaxing, hands-on experience. One reviewer said the massage “relieved fatigue,” highlighting how such traditional therapies are still valued.

You’ll also enjoy a cup of traditional herbal tea or a healthy beverage at the Korean Medicine Cafe, which combines health benefits with flavor. It’s a small but insightful addition that complements the broader theme of wellness.

Exploring Gyeongdong Market and Cultural Landmarks

The tour then takes you through Gyeongdong Market’s underground city, a bustling marketplace that blends Seoul’s commercial vibrancy with nostalgia. Here, you can browse a vast array of goods, from fresh produce to vintage electronics, such as the Gold Star Radio LG exhibit, symbolizing Korea’s technological advancements.

Afterward, you’ll sample some local street foods, including seasonal fruits and healthy drinks like omija (schisandra berries), giving you a taste of everyday Korean flavors. A reviewer noted how this segment provided an authentic peek into Seoul’s street food scene, perfect for snack-loving travelers.

Cultural and Coffee Breaks

Finally, the tour includes visits to culturally intriguing spots like Starbucks Gyeongdong 1960, a café housed inside an old theater. This spot exemplifies Seoul’s ability to blend history and modernity, making it a favorite for those interested in Seoul’s contemporary culture.

Practical Details and Value

Priced at $77 per person, this tour covers a lot of ground—from culinary lessons and market visits to cultural landmarks—making it a good value considering all included admission fees, tastings, and guidance. The small group size (up to 20 travelers) ensures a more intimate experience, allowing for personalized attention and easier interaction.

The tour is approximately four hours long, starting at Artist Bakery in Jongno and ending in Dongdaemun, making it accessible without the need for extensive transportation planning. However, note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point.

Transportation, guided commentary, and tasting opportunities mean you leave with a richer understanding of Korea’s health and culinary culture—something you won’t easily find in standard city tours.

Review Highlights and Real Traveler Insights

One traveler described the kitchen experience as “completely unexpected, delicious, and relaxing,” praising Jade’s patience and the opportunity to learn about Buddhist dietary principles firsthand. Conversely, a less favorable review mentioned the massage being machine-operated and ineffective, reminding us that not all elements will meet every expectation.

Overall, feedback suggests that the guides are knowledgeable and accommodating, making this tour suitable for curious minds eager to explore Korea’s health practices, food culture, and history in a relaxed setting.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers interested in Korean culture, traditional medicine, and plant-based cuisine. It’s ideal for those who want a quieter, more reflective activity that offers learning, tasting, and cultural appreciation in a single package. If you’re seeking a lively nightlife or shopping-centric tour, this might not be your best fit.

It also appeals to wellness-minded travelers, as the focus on herbal remedies and traditional therapies can add a meaningful layer to a trip that’s often filled with sightseeing. With a modest price point and the chance to explore several different facets of Seoul’s culture, it’s a balanced, enriching outing that offers good value for those curious about Korea’s holistic health practices.

The Sum Up

This tour is a thoughtfully crafted experience giving travelers the chance to understand Seoul’s culinary and herbal traditions through hands-on participation and engaging market visits. It combines cultural insight with practical knowledge about Korean medicine, all wrapped into a manageable four-hour journey.

The authentic cooking class led by a monk brings a peaceful, spiritual element, while visits to herbal markets and the Korean Medicine Museum deepen your understanding of traditional practices. The inclusion of tastings and cultural landmarks makes it both educational and enjoyable, especially for those interested in health, food, and history.

While it may not appeal to everyone—especially those seeking more energetic or shopping-focused activities—it offers real value for mindful explorers and culture lovers. If you’re looking for a meaningful, well-organized way to explore Seoul’s wellness roots, this experience is worth considering.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to make your way to the starting point at Artist Bakery in Jongno.

How long does the temple food cooking class last?
It lasts about two hours, giving you enough time to learn, cook, and taste your creations with guidance from a Buddhist monk.

What markets will we visit?
You’ll visit Seoul Yangnyeongsi Market, Gyeongdong Market, and the underground Gyeongdong Market complex, all offering a mix of herbal remedies, local produce, and historical vibes.

Are there tastings during the tour?
Yes, including street foods, healthy beverages like omija, herbal teas, and some market snacks.

Is the tour suitable for non-English speakers?
An English interpreter guides the class, so non-English speakers can participate comfortably.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It involves walking through markets and some standing, but it’s generally suitable for most travelers with moderate mobility.

What is the price of the tour?
The cost is $77 per person, which includes all admissions, some tastings, and guidance.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior to the tour start.

Who is this tour best suited for?
Those interested in Korean traditional medicine, vegetarian cuisine, cultural exploration, or wellness practices will find this tour especially rewarding.

This tour offers an engaging look at Seoul through the lens of health, history, and flavor—perfect for travelers eager to connect with Korea’s deeper traditions.