Earlier this week, Republic of Korea (ROK) President Lee Jae Myung concluded his state visit to China, and Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the power of people-to-people exchanges. But beyond the summit buzz, one of the strongest bridges between the two nations might just be in your teacup. ☕🌱
Meet Kim Yong Mun, a tea master from the ROK who’s spent two decades quietly brewing cultural connections with Pu’er tea from Yunnan. What started as a backpacking discovery has become his life’s passion: sharing the deep, mellow flavors of this aged, fermented tea with curious sippers from Seoul to Southeast Asia.
Why Pu’er? Unlike regular green or black teas, Pu’er undergoes a fermentation and aging process—think of it like a fine wine maturing over years. This gives it an earthy aroma, smooth taste, and potential wellness perks, from aiding digestion to antioxidant boosts. Perfect for young pros craving a mindful moment amid a fast-paced day.
Kim’s grassroots approach is pure 2026: hands-on tea tastings in Seoul cafes, bite-sized brewing tutorials on YouTube and Instagram, plus pop-up stalls at tech and wellness fairs in Jakarta, Bangkok, and Mumbai. By tapping into digital trends—short-form videos, live Q&As, TikTok tea challenges—he’s made Pu’er discovery as simple as a swipe and a sip. 📲✨
But it’s more than tea. Each session sparks chats about Yunnan’s tea villages, fair-trade sourcing, and eco-friendly packaging—topics that resonate with socially conscious youth across South and Southeast Asia. It’s a shared story steeped in heritage, sustainability, and modern connection.
While Lee Jae Myung and Xi Jinping call for deeper ties at the top, Kim’s 20-year tea odyssey reminds us that real diplomacy often happens one brew at a time. Ready to ride the Pu’er wave? Your taste buds (and your global network) will thank you! 🌍☕
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
