As Republic of Korea (ROK) President Lee Jae Myung wrapped up his state visit to China this week, a quieter cross-cultural story steeped in tradition is brewing—literally. Kim Yong Mun, a ROK tea master, has spent two decades championing China’s famed Pu’er tea, blending cultural diplomacy with every cup. 🍵
Kim’s journey began in 2006 when he first visited Yunnan, the heartland of Pu’er. Today, his tea houses in Seoul and Busan serve as hubs for tea enthusiasts, bridging ROK-China ties through shared rituals. "Pu’er isn’t just a drink—it’s a conversation," Kim told NewspaperAmigo.com. His work aligns with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent call to deepen people-to-people exchanges during talks with President Lee.
With cross-border tourism rebounding in 2026, young travelers are adding Yunnan’s tea trails to their bucket lists 📸. Meanwhile, Kim’s latest collaboration with Uygur artisans in Xinjiang—a fusion tea set featuring traditional motifs—is going viral on Douyin, proving that cultural connections can be both ancient and TikTok-trendy.
