A Study on Tea Rooms and Tea Societies in the Jinju Region : Focusing on Cultural Capital Theory

This study explores the multifaceted value of tea culture in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do, with a focus on its revitalization in contemporary society. By applying cultural capital theory, this research illustrates that tea rooms and tea societies not only serve as custodians of tradition but also play a pivotal role in reinforcing cultural heritage, social cohesion, and communal identity within local contexts. Furthermore, the study underscores the growing significance of tea rooms as wellness spaces in the post-pandemic era, suggesting that traditional tea culture holds considerable potential as a cultural and economic asset in modern society. The findings highlight the strategic potential of integrating tea culture into regional tourism initiatives, thereby contributing to local economic revitalization and the sustainability of cultural practices, while providing new perspectives on the contemporary application and preservation of traditional culture.