The Korean government will host various cultural exchange events across France this year to commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on the 10th, the two countries have agreed to hold more than 20 diverse cultural events throughout 2026 under the official slogans of "Creativity," "Opportunity," and "Solidarity." These events will showcase Korean culture's past, present, and future while reaffirming the deep friendship between the two nations and laying a solid foundation for future cooperation in the cultural sector.
In the visual arts sector, exhibitions featuring leading Korean artists will be held at major French cultural institutions. Starting with a special contemporary art and digital art exhibition on the theme of "Colors of Korea" at the Korean Cultural Center in France since October last year, a special exhibition by media artist Kang Yi-yeon and a group exhibition of young artists will be presented at the Pernod Ricard Foundation from April to June. The Musée National des Arts Asiatiques-Guimet in Paris will host consecutive special exhibitions including "Secrets of Korean Beauty: From Joseon to K-Beauty" (March-July), "Silla, Gold and Holiness" (May-August), and "Illusions of Knowledge: The Secret Art of Trompe-l'œil in Korean Painting" (September 2026-January 2027) to spotlight Korean culture.
Cultural exchanges in the performing arts sector are also generating anticipation. In May, various performances will be held at major museums and art galleries in Paris, including the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, on the occasion of "European Night of Museums" (May 23). In July, as the Avignon Festival—a world-renowned performing arts festival—has selected "Korean" as its official invited language, outstanding Korean works in theater and dance will be introduced alongside diverse side events featuring literature and Korean cuisine. In October, representative b-boy teams from both countries will compete and captivate local audiences at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
Content sector exchanges are also robust. Korea will participate as the guest of honor at France's Series Mania international television market in March and operate a comprehensive Korean film promotion pavilion at the Cannes Film Market in May, elevating K-content's status in France. Additional programs scheduled include "Concept Korea" during Paris Fashion Week (planned for March and September), a Korea tourism B2B event (June), and a Korea-France publishing cultural exchange program (year-round).
Korea (Joseon) began full-scale exchanges with France after signing the "Treaty of Amity and Commerce between Joseon and France" on June 4, 1886. Although France's invasion in 1866 had led to war on Korean soil (the French Campaign against Korea), the treaty was concluded following the United States and others after Heungseon Daewongun stepped down and King Gojong began his direct rule.
A policy official from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said, "The various cultural events held to mark the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations will be a precious opportunity for the people of both countries to deeply understand each other's culture and strengthen their friendship." The official added, "We hope this will be an opportunity to widely promote the charm of K-Culture in France while elevating cultural and artistic exchanges between the two countries to the next level."