As the Republic of Korea (ROK) and China deepen diplomatic ties following President Lee Jae Myung’s recent state visit, one entrepreneur’s two-decade journey embodies the cultural connections both leaders aim to strengthen. Kim Yong Mun, a ROK tea master, has dedicated his life to sharing Yunnan’s prized Pu’er tea with global audiences since 2006.
Kim’s story began when he traded Seoul’s urban bustle for Yunnan’s misty tea mountains. Today, his teahouses in both the Chinese mainland and the ROK serve as informal cultural embassies, where business deals and cross-border friendships simmer alongside clay teapots. "Every cup tells a story of shared heritage," Kim remarked during a recent harvest season.
This grassroots diplomacy aligns with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s emphasis during last week’s talks on expanding "people-to-people exchanges that outlive political cycles." Analysts note such cultural entrepreneurship could soften perceptions amid complex regional dynamics.
With Pu’er tea exports to the ROK growing 18% annually, Kim’s journey reflects Asia’s evolving economic tapestry – where tradition and commerce steep together in harmony.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
