In the quiet neighborhood of Mangyongdae-dong, Mangyongdae District, Pyongyang, resides a remarkable 72-year-old man known affectionately as the “Bee Grandpa” and a true “Bee Expert” – Mr. Ri Son.
Despite his age, Ri Son appears more than a decade younger than his peers, embodying vitality as he tirelessly tends to his buzzing companions and engages in the art of penmanship. Renowned for his expertise, Ri Son has authored books such as “Longevity and Honey” and “Longevity and Bee Pollen,” receiving commendable feedback from his eager audience.
Ri Son’s journey into the world of beekeeping commenced over a decade ago, following his retirement. A fortuitous encounter with a newspaper article highlighting a local honey product ranking first among the world’s leading producers ignited his enthusiasm.
“I’ll have a try. I cannot only enjoy the benefits of the benevolent system. I’d like to produce honey myself and do a good job to the benefit of people,” he resolved.
Immersing himself in the field of beekeeping, Ri Son sought knowledge and guidance from experienced beekeepers at the Grand People’s Study House. Convinced that beekeeping was within his grasp, he spent nearly half a year diligently following blossoms, uncovering the diverse world of bees comprising honey, royal jelly, propolis, pollen, larva, and wax—each contributing to human health and longevity.
Beyond the art of bee farming, Ri Son’s ingenuity shone as he collaborated with experts to devise innovative tools for bee identification and measuring honey’s sugar rate, earning admiration from fellow beekeepers.
Ri Son’s commitment to community well-being extends beyond his personal endeavors. He generously donated honey to city hospitals two years ago and, on International Children’s Day last year, supplied various honey products to the Pyongyang Baby Home.
Sharing his thoughts, Ri Son proudly remarks that honey production has witnessed a steady increase each year, attesting to the excellent quality of his labor of love.
