"In a country where much of the cuisine involves things like barbecued meat and shrimp paste, vegetarians can find solace at Buddhist temple restaurants, where the food focuses on healthy, compassionate cooking methods. Dishes are simple yet sophisticated, often incorporating local mountain ingredients like wild greens, herbs, roots, and vegetables. In Seoul, there are several of these spots near the Jogyesa Temple in Insadong. Balwoo Gongyang, which just earned a Michelin star, is an upscale choice, offering a multicourse menu of dumplings, stews, steamed veggies, kimchi, tofu, and savory pancakes."