Baru-gongyang

Located in the Temple Stay headquarters, just across from Jogyesa Temple, is Baru Gongyang. Outfitted in austere decor with natural color schemes and large windows that offer lots of natural light, the restaurant manifests a Zen-like atmosphere. With two dining sections—Western-style tables and traditional floor seating—Baru Gongyang aptly balances the traditional and modern. On the menu is a collection of prix fixe seasonal course meals, each presenting an eclectic sampling of dishes typically found in formal monastic meals. Although lacking the punch characteristic of typical Korean fare, each dish focuses on illustrating the cleanliness and freshness of the ingredients. More memorable items include mushroom tangsuyuk, deep fried shiitake mushrooms tossed with apple, lotus root and pumpkin seeds; Kum-su bean paste soup; and earthy lotus-wrapped sticky rice with ginkgo nuts. Portions are generous and, in the spirit of Buddhism, diners are encouraged not to waste, so be sure to bring along a big appetite.