[KS] [Koreanist Summer Connections] From Ascetic Table to Cultural Brand : Exploring Temple Cuisine in Contemporary Korea (July 3)

[Songhee Lee (Korea Univ)]

Dear colleagues,
We were incredibly encouraged by the enthusiastic response to our recent Koreanist Retreat program, which reached full capacity far sooner than anticipated. 
In light of this strong interest, we are thrilled to announce our second tour program.
July 3 - From Ascetic Table to Cultural Brand : Exploring Temple Cuisine in Contemporary Korea
This tour critically examines Korean temple cuisine, moving beyond a simple culinary experience to analyze its evolution from Buddhist ascetic practice to a modern cultural brand. 
Starting with a cooking class at the Korean Temple Food Culture Center, we will then visit Jogyesa in urban Seoul. This visit will contextualize the temple's emergence within the distinct historical trajectory of modern Korean Buddhism, 
differing from premodern monastic structures. This session offers a unique opportunity to engage with temple cuisine and its sites through direct experience and a critical, anthropologically informed lens.
□ Schedule: July 3, 10AM 
□ Language: Korean
□ Narrator: Koh Young studied classical literature at university and holds a deep interest in premodern stage plays and daily life. 
His extensive reading in food literature beyond mere cookbooks consistently informs his writing. 
He currently writes a column series for Kyunghyang Shinmun and is the author of 《카스테라와 카스텔라 사이 (Between Castella and Kasutella)》.
□ Tour Route
- 10:00-12:00 | Korean Temple Food Culture CenterParticipants will engage in a practical cooking class, learning to prepare temple dishes. This will be followed by a communal lunch, offering a direct experience of the cuisine.
- 12:00-13:00 | Jogyesa TempleVisit the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism in urban Seoul, a space that offers a unique glimpse into the contemporary history of Korean Buddhism.
- 13:00-14:00 | Reflection and DiscussionConclude the tour with refreshments, offering a relaxed space for scholarly reflection on temple cuisine's contemporary role.
□ Fee: ₩40,000 (Cash payment on-site / Includes: Guided tour, cooking class, refreshments)
□ Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1zxCXYDzK2Dw_B_nSGYo5KoTfsm0FYlE8TswAkBXsw6Mjvw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=100449809294497874141
* Please note that the registration link will be closed when there's no spot available. Given the limited spots, early registration is highly recommended.  

- Our Upcoming Koreanist Retreat Program:
August 13 - From Rural roads to Seoul TableCheongnyangni, Gyeongdong Market, and the Making of "Baekban" Narrator: Koh Young & Chong EunjungDetails TBA

If you have any inquiries, feel free to contact Songhee Lee (songhee3101 at korea.ac.kr) or Kakaotalk open chatroom at https://open.kakao.com/o/gnhxmSxh.

Best,Songhee, Ph.D.2025 Koreanist Summer Connections CoordinatorLecturer, Korea University
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