Turning to Arirang now, and a look at Korea’s temple food. Lee Ji-won reports.
[CG IN]
No spices used in temple food

Korean temple food is developing a reputation around the world for its clean taste and health benefits.

The vegan cuisine is made with fresh, seasonal ingredients... and is free of spices and MSG.

The simplicity of the food makes it flavorful but not overpowering, teaching people to eat with restraint, according to Buddhist teachings on moderation.

[Interview]
Abbot Gyeho / Jinkwansa Temple
(Korean)
"What we take in makes us who we are. Therefore temple food is good for people as it is clean and simple, yet healthy, like medicine for the body. We grow our own ingredients, and by using the least amount of seasoning, it's light and easy to digest."

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Seoul Intl. Buddhism Expo runs through April 27

Temple food was one of the biggest attractions for visitors to this year's Seoul International Buddhism Expo, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.

[Interview]
Song Gi-ja / Visitor
(Korean)
"The taste is very light and clean but also delicious as its scented with a lotus leaf. I'm really grateful to nature for providing such wonderful flavors."

[Interview]
ZI Qi / Visitor from China
(Chinese)
"Korea's temple food is very healthy for the body and it's got very beautiful colors. We enjoy eating it."

The taste and potential health benefits of Korean temple cuisine are also attracting attention from people overseas. At the Milan Expo last year, visitors flocked to the booth by the Korean culture ministry and the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism... displaying temple food.

Visitors there praised the cuisine as the epitome of "slow food," a movement that began in Italy as an alternative to fast food.


[CAMERA]
Lee Kyung-ho

Temple food was also enjoyed by the diplomats of OECD delegations attending Korea’s National Day in Paris last year where the process of preparing, serving and enjoying the cuisine was called an art in and of itself.

[REPORTER]
Lee Ji-won

"With the government promoting temple food as part of the Korean Wave, you may soon be able to find these healthy and colorful dishes on your dinner table. Lee Ji-won, Arirang News."