Enjoy Seoul’s captivating fusion of culinary and cultural traditions with the "Temple Vegan Cooking Class & Oriental Medicine Tour." This multifaceted experience takes you on a 4-hour journey, blending hands-on cooking lessons, vibrant market exploration, and a deep dive into Korea’s herbal medicine practices. Discover the harmonious intersection of flavors, history, and holistic wellness – an enriching adventure that promises to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
Key points:
- 4-hour tour in Seoul combining a vegan temple cooking class and an Oriental medicine exploration.
- Guided by a licensed English-speaking guide, with visits to Cheongnyangni market and the Oriental Medicine Museum.
- Hands-on cooking experience led by a Buddhist monk, focusing on fresh, seasonal vegan temple cuisine.
- Opportunity to taste various street foods and herbal beverages in the traditional markets.
- Relaxation with a complementary drink at an Oriental Medicine Cafe.
Tour Overview
The tour offers a 4-hour experience that combines a temple vegan cooking class and an Oriental medicine tour in Seoul. Priced from $71 per person, the activity begins at An-guk Station Exit 1, where a licensed English guide with a Tripper sign awaits.
The tour includes a visit to Cheongnyangni, Seoul’s largest traditional market, where participants can taste handmade dishes and Korean street foods. Participants also explore Korea’s premier herbal medicine and ginseng market, and visit the Oriental Medicine Museum.
The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
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Activity Highlights
Highlights of the experience include cooking vegan temple food with a Buddhist monk and learning the philosophy behind this cuisine.
Participants will explore Seoul’s largest traditional market, Cheongnyangni, tasting handmade dishes and Korean street foods.
The tour also visits Korea’s premier herbal medicine and ginseng market. An Oriental Medicine Museum provides insight into this ancient practice.
Travelers can relax with a beverage at an Oriental Medicine Cafe.
The cooking class may be canceled if fewer than three participants register, so advance booking is recommended.
Included Features
Although the tour price may vary, it includes several valuable features. These include a professional licensed English guide, food and beverage tastings, and admission to the Oriental Medicine Museum. Plus, guests receive one complementary drink at an Oriental Medicine Cafe. The optional Temple Food Cooking Experience and transportation are also included for those interested. See the detailed table below for a quick overview of the included features:
| Feature | Included |
| — | — |
| Professional Licensed English Guide | ✓ |
| Fruits, Healthy Beverages, Snacks, and Market Food Tastings | ✓ |
| Admission Fee for Oriental Medicine Museum | ✓ |
| One Drink at an Oriental Medicine Cafe | ✓ |
| Optional Temple Food Cooking Experience and Transportation Fee | ✓ |
Vegan Temple Cooking Class
One of the standout features of this tour is the opportunity to participate in a vegan temple cooking class led by a Buddhist monk.
Guests will learn the philosophy behind temple cuisine and its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Under the monk’s guidance, they’ll prepare a variety of plant-based dishes, discovering the nuanced flavors and textures of Korean temple food.
This hands-on experience offers a unique glimpse into the culinary traditions of Korean Buddhism. Travelers can expect to leave with a deeper appreciation for the art of vegan cooking and the spiritual insights that inform it.
More Great Tours NearbyExploring Cheongnyangni Market
What does the market tour entail?
After the temple cooking class, the tour takes visitors to explore Cheongnyangni, Seoul’s largest traditional market. Here, the guide offers a glimpse into Korean street food culture. Travelers can taste handmade dishes and various Korean snacks as they wander through the bustling stalls.
The tour also showcases Korea’s premier herbal medicine and ginseng market, where visitors learn about traditional remedies. With the guide’s expertise, participants gain a deeper understanding of the market’s history, products, and role in Korean daily life.
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Discovering Oriental Medicine
After exploring the bustling Cheongnyangni Market, the tour delves into Korea’s traditional medicine practices.
Travelers visit the Oriental Medicine Museum to learn about ginseng, herbal remedies, and holistic healing. They then head to the famous ginseng and medicine market, browsing stalls selling dried herbs, roots, and natural supplements.
Visitors explore the Oriental Medicine Museum, then browse the ginseng and medicine market for herbal remedies and natural supplements.
The guide explains the philosophy behind oriental medicine and its use in everyday Korean life.
Finally, the group enjoys a relaxing tea break at an oriental medicine cafe, sipping herbal brews while discussing their newfound knowledge of this traditional Korean practice.
Customer Feedback
Travelers who’ve experienced the Seoul Vegan Cooking Class and Medicine Tour have overwhelmingly positive reviews, with an impressive 4.6/5 rating based on 30 assessments. Reviewers praise the guides’ exceptional English proficiency and patience.
Key highlights include:
-
Immersion in vibrant market life and sampling delectable street food
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Discovering the philosophy behind temple cuisine during the cooking class
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Exploring Korea’s premier herbal medicine and ginseng market
This experience is highly recommended for foodies, wellness enthusiasts, and culture lovers seeking an authentic and enriching adventure in Seoul.
Important Considerations
Though the Seoul Vegan Cooking Class and Medicine Tour offers an immersive cultural experience, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.
The tour is a group activity, so participants must follow the schedule strictly. While market food tastings are included, travelers should bring cash for any purchases.
Group activity with strict schedule. Market food tastings included, but bring cash for any purchases.
Although the temple food is vegan-friendly, the menu changes with seasonal ingredients.
It’s worth noting the cooking class may be canceled if there are fewer than 3 participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
This appears to be a group tour, so the maximum group size is not explicitly stated. However, the information indicates the cooking class may be canceled if there are fewer than 3 participants, suggesting a small group size.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Besides Vegan?
The tour accommodates vegans, but there’s no mention of other dietary restrictions. It indicates the temple food contains no meat, making it suitable for vegan travelers. The menu may change based on seasonal ingredients.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Customize the Itinerary?
Customers can’t extend the tour duration or customize the itinerary. The tour follows a strict schedule, and the activities and inclusions are pre-determined. However, customers can choose to add the optional Temple Food Cooking Experience for an additional fee.
What Should I Bring for the Temple Food Cooking Class?
For the temple food cooking class, participants should bring an apron, closed-toe shoes, and a positive attitude. The guide will provide all necessary cooking tools and ingredients for the hands-on vegan cooking experience.
Is the Oriental Medicine Museum Wheelchair Accessible?
The Oriental Medicine Museum is wheelchair accessible. Visitors can explore the exhibits and learn about traditional Korean medicine without any mobility barriers.
The Sum Up
This Seoul tour offers a unique blend of culinary and cultural experiences. Participants will learn to cook vegan temple dishes, explore a traditional market, and discover the practices of Korean herbal medicine. With a hands-on cooking class and guided activities, it’s an immersive way to dive into Seoul’s rich traditions. Whether you’re a foodie, culture enthusiast, or simply curious, this tour provides an engaging and memorable introduction to the city’s vibrant heritage.
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