Panchan (side dishes), soups, vegetable dishes, traditional music & dance. Vegan except for a lassi drink. Started by a former monk. In Insadong area, mid way between the two ends of Insadong St, in a small street in between Insadong 8-Gil and Insadong 6-Gil adjacent to Insadong-gil. 고풍스럽고 자연친화적인 인테리어가 특색있는 한옥 구조의 사찰음식 전문점입니다. 온돌방에서 식사가 가능하며, 식사로 한정식 코스요리가 제공됩니다. 저녁에는 한국 전통 음악과 춤 공연을 즐길 수 있습니다. 가격은 점심코스 33,000원, 저녁코스 45,000원 입니다(17년 3월 기준). Open Mon-Sun 11:30am-10:00pm.
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Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, 30-13 Rd, Gwanhun 14, Seoul, South Korea
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Last update on 14 Jun 2021 by DanimalPanda
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125 Reviews
First Review by veganqwert
Harpy23
Points +860
Lots of things to try but nothing spectacular - Edit
You get a lot of food for the set menu. The pictures are all from a set meal for 2. I do enjoy the chance to eat lots of different bits so was excited by the meal here. The food was fine but nothing really stood out and made me think I want more of that.
Read moreThe main item that stuck in my mind was the cabbage pancake and not for a good reason as it was incredibly oily.
The first thing we got was a cold pine tea. It had a very strong fermented flavour and tasted alcoholic. We also got a pot of mulberry tea which had a nice flavour to it. After that we got a few plates of little starter bites and a couple of soups. This all mostly tasted fine, my partner really didn't like the taste of the dark cracker thing. The highlights were probably the little bits of mushroom and radish topped with a white powdery thing of some sorts.
The main consisted of 16 different along with a pot of miso soup and a bowl of rice each. The soup was tasty with a good amount of tofu in there and the rice was good, I like it when you get a stone pot and some of the bits on the edges get crispy. There were some instructions from the waiter about adding the tea to the rice but he spoke very quietly so we weren't really sure what to do.
Everything from the mains was fine. Nothing was really bursting with flavour bar a few things that were quite spicy (generally anything in bright red sauce was a bit spicy). Some of the greens in the middle had a nice sesame and chilli taste to them, and there's a pale thing in there which I think was tofu with some bits of seaweed in that tasted good. I enjoyed the spicy stuff and the japchae noodles were quite good.
Overall, it was a good experience but the food was not mind blowing. I've probably been a bit generous with the 4* rating.
Updated from previous review on 2024-07-17
Guest
dxrules44
Points +131
Hidden gem - Edit
This was buried in one of the side streets, it took me a while to navigate to but it was worth it.. A lot of the flavours I haven't tried before. The veggies are all sourced from South Korea and seasonal. You wouldn't get this kind of food anywhere else apart from South korea. I got the set menu which was 29,000 won and it was full of plently of small dishes. It was a bit more on the pricey end vs other vegan places in seoul but overall I think it was worth it given the variety of foods.
Read morePros: Variation in dishes, Seasonal, Locally sourced
Guest
yumewa
Points +998
A lot of (good) food, but little explanation - Edit
The restaurant only has a set menu, or this was the case when we went there to have dinner. There were a lot of different little portions of different foods coming to the table. At first I tried to understand what everything was and for that I had to ask every single time, but the guy spoke so low and so little that I gave up at some point. The food is tasty and I particularly like the cabbage pancake and the mushroom skew. Go to this place when you are feeling hungry and have the energy to endure a large meal.
Read moreGuest
graceo
Points +152
temple food in a beautiful setting - Edit
This was definitely a special experience. They took a lot of care in preparing the food, and we could tell by the way it was presented. There were some very unique teas they prepared for us as well. I loved the restaurant decor. There were some beautiful plants, and it felt very serene. My only criticism though is that a lot of the dishes were too spicy.
Read morePros: dine in a beautiful natural setting, wonderful presentation, creative dishes
Cons: too spicy
Guest
veggiexplorer
Points +4889
Awesome ambience and good temple foodie - Edit
Non-Veg Husband approved! He loved these temple plant based foodie! Lunch/Dinner set is around 29sgd before taxes/ pax. Include main course and desserts. We also ordered our poison >>> for him, beer (~5sgd) and for me Raspberry wine (~15sgd) 😋
Read moreThe set include:
✨Seven wild herbs and vegetables each with Its own seasonings
✨side dishes making seasonal vegetables tofw, small potatos, etc.
✨ Kimchi
✨ The stir fried glassnoodles and mixed various vegetables and mushrooms.
✨ Rice
✨ Soybeen paste stew with tofu, mushrooms, radish, red peppers. etc.
✨ Seasonal Tea
✨ Korean Traditional Snacks
Restaurant staff can speak english. I cannot tell if he is the owner or staff hahah space is pretty and zen. Also have exhibition area and art pieces available to buy 😍 Like the experience and would recommend!
San Chon Korean Temple Cooking
📍30-13 Insadong-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Pros: English menu available, staff can speak english 👍🏻, Plant based food, Pretty & spacious restaurant
MootapalliRamesh
Nice 👌
Read moreGuest
mysa555
Points +122
Beautiful presentation but mediocre food - Edit
While the presentation is beautiful, the food is not very food. While temple food is supposed to help simple, the flavors can still be served pleasant. In this case, its not. Although, I did enjoy the experience
Read moreGuest
MsVegoQueen
Points +41
Traditional Temple food - Edit
Delicious and fascinating with numerous tiny dishes of seasonal produce. The rice in a stone bowl was a standout. Definitely worth trying
Read moreGuest
Mrs.Kamelin
Points +1271
Good starters - Edit
The starters were nice and interesting.the tea was good. Everything else was meh, bland and boring.
Read moreEverything on the menu is vegan.
Guest
Johanna-Munich
Points +67
Nice, but not overwhelming - Edit
Food was served quickly, everything looked good, but I thought it was not very tasty. Some side dishes very much looked and tasted the same. Not the best Korean or temple style food I ever had, but it was ok. The waitress didn't speak to us, only the cashier.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-04-10
Guest
marc.torsoc@gmail.com
Points +213
Possibly best vegetarian I've ever been - Edit
They bring a lot of food for a very reasonable price. It's a great approach to korean food while keeping it vegetarian. The place is very nice, and we were lucky to have a pianist playing during the dinner which makes it even more magical. If you go to Seoul, are vegetarian (or even if not) I'd say it's a must to go here once
Read moreGuest
TaySherman
Points +37
Unique dining experience - Edit
The food is unique and unlike anything i tasted before. Food is served fast and service is really good as well.
Read moreThere is also a performance every day at 8pm but didn't manage to catch it while i was there.
Guest
anisha7
Points +31
Great find for vegetarians - Edit
It is a set menu. Well served, quick food. Plenty of dishes to eat.
Read morePros: Tofu, Pancake
Guest
McMallory
Points +2121
What an experience! - Edit
The amount of food was insane, especially for the price, and everything was unique and delicious. Even when there was something I didn’t love, because you got tons of tiny small dishes, I got to try things without wasting. For example, there was one thing I didn’t love but there were only two pieces for two people, so we got to taste it and then there wasn’t any more, so no worries if it wasn’t for us!
Read moreGo as hungry as possible because everything is beautiful. If you drink, the rice wine is also great, and served in a wood bowl with a bamboo ladle, which makes it fun to serve!
We made a reservation but it didn’t seem we needed to. It’s a great place to wander into if you’re exploring Insadong.
ohzapitsjess
Hi! How much was the price?
Read moreMcMallory
Hi! I don’t remember the exact price but it was around 30,000 won per person for the set menu at dinner. I think lunch is a little cheaper. I don’t remember the cost of the makgeolli but it was maybe somewhere between 10-15,000 won for that as well.
Read moreGuest
IlseHerrera
Points +24
Great experience - Edit
Delicious citron tea, seems like a lot of food but it is light, tasty, and does not upset the stomach. All 4 courses were amazing
Read morePros: Food taste, Environment, Friendly staff
Guest
veganwalrus
Points +168
Very good Korean - Edit
They pretty much only have one dish which has many sides for 29000 won. I was there alone, so the waiter suggested bibimbap for $15,000. The food was excellent, but the service was a little strange. I asked for water once, but did not receive any until I went to the front and asked again. The waitperson never checked in during my meal so I had to pay up front. Good food though. Totally worth a try.
Read moreGuest
Lelani
Points +319
Very delicious - Edit
The place is safely tucked in the back alleys of Insadong, but it's worth to visit!
Read moreThey only had one full menue on offer, which was 28k won, so not cheap. But it was a very nice experience! You'll get served several courses with so many different options to try. The owner is also very friendly and will explain some of the dishes to you. There was also live piano music a bit later in the evening. Definitely recommend to go there at least once and have a nice, relaxing evening with great food
Pros: Calm atmosphere , Good food, Free tea
Guest
beerzuki
Points +383
How to find it, do not miss this place! - Edit
It was absolutely glorious, not just a highlight of my Seoul trip but a highlight of my Soul!
Read moreThe cute location, the beautiful interior, the outstanding food... Just wow. If you're a small eater, bring a lunch box to take some home.
It is a set menu with the same price for lunch or dinner. I was there at lunch and a guy was playing beautiful piano in the adjoining art gallery, they also have a show at night apparently.
To get there I took the purple line and got off at Jongno 3-ga. Download the Naver app as Google maps won't give walking instructions. I had to put it in as two words San Chon to find it. I will put up a screen shot. The alley it is in near Insadong 6 gil, right next to a shop with a big yellow vintage shop sign. You will see a pink sign up high on the right. Keep walking to the end of the alley. Enjoy!
They will invite you to wash your hands when you arrive which is lovely in itself!
Updated from previous review on 2024-03-03
Pros: Glorious , An experience , Great value
Guest
HannahP96
Points +497
High-end, high concept temple food - Edit
We had a lovely experience and enjoyed the multiple course meal. The first few courses were like amuse-bouche (tiny, carefully prepared) and interesting. The main course had a huge variety of dishes. Highly recommend.
Read morePros: Innovative, Great variety, Nice ambience
Guest
shannen.veryperfect
Points +2173
❤️❤️❤️ - Edit
Es war unglaublich lecker und das Menü ist sehr zu empfehlen. Besonders der fermentierte Saft in Course 1 hatte es uns angetan 🥰
Read moreGuest
Vegan Victoria
Points +581
Amazing vegan spread - Edit
So many small bites of tasty vegan food freshly prepared and served in beautiful bowls. Very cool setting with artwork and live piano music by the owners father!
Read morePros: Vegan versions of traditional Korean food , Friendly service - good English , Cool setting in fun neighborhood
Guest
benni04
Points +26
My best experience in korea - Edit
Such an amazing experience, you will get an insight in korea food with explanations about the many portions.
Read moreVery friendly people with piano music and a traditional setting.
Guest
roosbij
Points +809
Authentic temple food - Edit
A set menu for 29.000 won per person. You get a lot of small dishes (banchan) after a few appetizers. Tea and water are included, as is a small desert. There was live piano music which was super nice. The waiter was very friendly and explained all the food to us. Only deducted a star because we had 4 dishes that were the same (spinach) and the rather high price. The flavours were authentic and the meal was filling though.
Read morePros: Traditional , Lots of things to try, Piano music
Cons: Expensive
Guest
AJKD
Points +16
Love this place! - Edit
Was only in Seoul 5 days but this place was on my list due to the great reviews. I went hungry because, from the pictures of others, it looks like a lot of food! I have no clue what half of the stuff was, but everything was delightful! I enjoyed the interesting flavors and how it was just enough of each dish to taste everything. Highly recommend!
Read moreclashdk
I saw a vide of this place and it was 9 years old, so happy to see they are still around and you visited recently! Can't wait to try it.
Read moreGuest
camilavalgas
Points +28
Worst food of my life - Edit
We went to this restaurant with really high expectations. All the pictures of the food looked stunning, and we were very curious to try different dishes. However, the whole experience at this restaurant was absolutely awful. The first waiter who came to our table did not explain to us that there was just one fixed menu and said we had to already pay before eating anything. It was a bit odd and an unfriendly mood, but ok, we paid (29,000 won per person). We felt it was a bit expensive, but at this time we were still believing we would try some really nice food... Then the appetizers arrived and we were literally almost crying to eat. The most horrible food I have ever had. We had to force ourselves to eat because our real wish was to leave the restaurant (maybe that's why they demand people to pay in advance?). I'm shocked by the number of positive reviews from this restaurant because, for me, it felt like most of the food was not edible. Everything is really weird!!! The only normal things were the rice and a soup. In the end, a waiter brought the dessert (what a surprise, also not good), while we were still struggling to eat all the main dishes, so she just placed the dessert on top of all the main dishes because there wasn't more space at the table... without saying not even a word for us. I think I also have never seen such unfriendly staff. Weird vibe. We are traumatized by this restaurant!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-05-28
Cons: AWFUL food, Expensive, Unfriendly staff
Guest
Heatha
Points +362
Excellent selection of banchan! - Edit
So happy to find a place to eat banchan in Seoul. It’s a set menu. No selection. Loved it!
Read moreGuest
Koalified.Person
Points +130
Tempel Küche Erleben - Edit
Tempel Essen ist ein besonderes Erlebnis, hier bekommt man saisonale Zutaten und Gerichte, viele Beilagen und ein angenehmes Ambiente. Wir waren zum Abschluss unseres Urlaubs hier um meinen Bruder und seine Frau einzuladen, alle wurden satt, waren begeistert von dem guten Essen!
Read morePros: Gesundes, leckeres Essen, Reichlich, Für besondere Anlässe
Cons: Zeitdruck zwischen den Menüs (gefühlt)
Guest
wincoop
Points +535
Nice experience but… - Edit
Our first meal in Seoul.
Read moreAs soon as you sit they start putting the food on the table from the menu of 29.000 won. The food is nice. Communication is hard. Between the main course and desert the owner (?) came to collect the money. All in all it was nice but somehow a off as well…
Updated from previous review on 2023-04-25
Pros: Nice food, The pine tea
Cons: Owner, Expensive
Guest
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