Eric Ripert's Seoul Guide: Temple Food, Namsan Hikes, and a New Cookbook
Eric Ripert, the chef behind Le Bernardin, has unveiled his eighth cookbook titled Mindful Cooking (Random House), which delves into the culinary traditions of Seoul and the philosophy of temple cuisine. In an interview with Vogue, he discusses his bond with Seoul and the mindful cooking techniques he acquired from Buddhist monks and nuns. His fascination with Buddhism sparked in the late 1980s after he read a book about Tibet. Since 2014, Ripert has been visiting South Korean monasteries, and two years ago, Gyeho Sunim from Jingwansa Temple ceremoniously handed her apron to him. He advocates for mindful cooking as a way of living and recommends Hwahaedang, Mr. Ahn's Craft Makgeolli, and Mingles, while also enjoying Namsan Park, Sansuhwa teahouse, and a poignant trip to the DMZ, showcasing the spiritual and culinary diversity of Seoul.
Key facts
- Eric Ripert's eighth cookbook, Mindful Cooking, is published by Random House and focuses on Seoul and temple food.
- Ripert is a French-born chef based in New York, known for the Michelin-starred seafood restaurant Le Bernardin.
- He first learned about Buddhism after buying a book on Tibet at an airport bookstore in the late 1980s.
- Since 2014, Ripert has frequently visited South Korea, traveling throughout the country and visiting monasteries.
- Two years ago, Gyeho Sunim, chief abbess of Jingwansa Temple in Seoul, prepared a meal for Ripert and handed him her apron after more than 50 years of practice.
- Ripert recommends Hwahaedang for soy-sauce-marinated crab with pot rice, Mr. Ahn's Craft Makgeolli for makgeolli and stuffed calamari, and Mingles for fine dining by Chef Mingoo Kang.
- He always stays at the Grand Hyatt and walks to Namsan Park, the largest park in Seoul, where a 30-minute hike to Namsan Mountain offers city views.
- A trail on Namsan Mountain features Buddhist statues and stone carvings from the Silla Kingdom.
Entities
Artists
- Eric Ripert
- Gyeho Sunim
- Mingoo Kang
Institutions
- Le Bernardin
- Random House
- Vogue
- Jingwansa Temple
- Hwahaedang
- Mr. Ahn's Craft Makgeolli
- Mingles
- Grand Hyatt
- Sansuhwa
Locations
- Seoul
- South Korea
- New York
- Manhattan
- Tibet
- Namsan Park
- Namsan Mountain
- DMZ
- Han River
- Seoungsu
- Silla Kingdom