
Meet Mr. Park: The 3rd-Gen Korean Pear Master Behind Seoul Tonic
In Gyeongju, South Korea's ancient capital, morning light filters through rows of pear trees that have stood for generations. Among them walks Mr. Park, continuing a legacy that began with his grandfather's young orchards. But this isn't just about pears – it's a story of how tradition, innovation, and an unexpected partnership would bring Korean wellness wisdom to the world.
Roots in Ancient Soil
The Park family's connection to these orchards stretches back three generations. As a boy, Mr. Park walked these same rows with his father and grandfather, learning not just about pear farming, but about responsibility to craft and community. While studying International Trade at university, he helped his father establish a small pear juice processing plant – an early sign of his desire to innovate beyond traditional farming.
After graduating, Mr. Park's path led him through various industries, gaining experience that would later prove invaluable. But the pull of innovation in his family's craft remained strong. In 2010, he established Cheonnyeonmeein, marking a bold step forward in his family's agricultural legacy.
Pearfect Extraction
What sets Mr. Park apart isn't just his farming heritage – it is his relentless pursuit of perfection in extraction methods. He developed a ‘total use’ philosophy with a unique technique that involved boiling the entire pear, including the skin, where many of the fruit's beneficial compounds reside. This sustainable method, now patented, would not only ensure zero ingredient wastage, but become the foundation of something much bigger than he initially imagined.
Building Trust Across The Seas
The early days of our partnership was marked by careful development and testing, with Mr. Park's team dedicating themselves to perfecting their formula. His production team, led by a beverage expert with three decades of experience, worked to ensure every batch met their exacting standards.
In March 2023, Mr. Park made his first visit to Sydney. Though Seoul Tonic was still in its early days, he insisted on visiting every store carrying the product. It wasn't about business metrics or expansion plans – it was about seeing firsthand how this collaboration was bringing Korean wellness traditions to Australian shores.
Community Impact
At home in Gyeongju, Mr. Park's impact extends far beyond innovation in pear processing. Cheonnyeonmeein has been recognised as a senior-friendly enterprise by Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare, creating meaningful employment for workers over 60. This commitment to community has earned multiple accolades, including the Minister of SMEs and Startups Award in 2023.
His team includes food science experts, experienced production specialists, and local workers who bring decades of collective expertise to their craft. It's this combination of knowledge, experience, and community spirit that infuses every aspect of our operation.
Looking Forward, Honouring the Past
Today, the partnership between Mr. Park and Seoul Tonic represents more than just business – it's a bridge between tradition and innovation, between Korean wellness wisdom and modern global wellness needs. As the collaboration grows, we remain committed to their founding principles: respect for tradition, dedication to quality, and belief in the power of genuine partnership.
It's a reminder that the most meaningful innovations often come not from breaking with tradition, but from building upon it with complete respect and understanding.
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