A Comparative Study on the Development of Tea Cultural Heritage Tourism Resources in South Korea, China and Japan

This study examines the development of tea cultural heritage tourism in China, Japan, and Korea through comparative analysis. The findings reveal distinct characteristics: China emphasizes ecological integration but faces commercialization issues; Korea focuses on experiential activities with limited innovation; and Japan prioritizes ceremonial traditions while lacking visitor engagement. Common challenges include cultural dilution (China), homogeneity (Korea), and formalized experiences (Japan). To address these issues, the study proposes: (1) VR/AR applications to recreate historical tea culture settings, (2) blockchain-based traceability systems, and (3) trilateral cooperation through joint heritage nomination and digital platforms. These strategies aim to enhance sustainable tourism development while preserving cultural authenticity.