South Korea and France will elevate their bilateral relationship to a "Global Strategic Partnership" on Thursday, upgrading ties for the first time in 22 years since the two countries established a "Comprehensive Partnership for the 21st Century" in 2004.
President Lee Jae-myung held a summit with French President Emmanuel Macron, who is on a state visit to South Korea, and agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation in security, trade, and economic collaboration under the upgraded framework. Through the elevated partnership, President Lee is expected to deepen strategic communication with France, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and secure cooperation on key national policy priorities including achieving "G7+ diplomatic power status," advancing as an artificial intelligence and global venture powerhouse, and reinforcing economic security.
Kang Yu-jeong, senior presidential spokesperson, explained the significance of the summit and official welcoming ceremony in a written briefing. The protocol was designed to reflect that this is Macron's first visit to South Korea since taking office and that this year marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. "Approximately 70 traditional honor guard members and a military band escorted the Macron couple's vehicle, while a total of about 280 personnel including tri-service honor guards lined up to greet the state guest," Kang said. "This was designed to reflect the significance of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations."
Approximately 140 political, business, and cultural figures from both countries attended the state luncheon following the summit. Business leaders in attendance included Jay Y. Lee, chairman of Samsung Electronics; Euisun Chung, chairman of Hyundai Motor Group; Son Kyung-shik, chairman of CJ Group; Cho Won-tae, chairman of Hanjin Group; Ryu Jin, chairman of Poongsan; and Lee Boo-jin, CEO of Hotel Shilla. Notably, Felix of K-pop group Stray Kids, who serves as an honorary ambassador for France, and actress Jun Ji-hyun also attended as icons of cultural exchange between the two nations.
The state luncheon featured authentic traditional Korean cuisine. The menu was chosen in consideration of President Macron and his wife's known preference for enjoying local cuisine during overseas visits.
The appetizer course included three-color mil-ssam (wheat wraps), Jeju dokdae shrimp radish wraps, and East Sea scallop wraps with truffle. The dishes showcased Korea's distinctive "ssam" (wrap) culture and symbolized harmony between the two nations. The meal continued with grilled Jeju butterfish, Hoengseong hanwoo braised short ribs, Bigeum Island sea herb doenjang soup, and Gangjin mugwort ice cream. Four beverages were prepared including Omirose "Yeon" as the toast drink, two traditional Korean liquors, and a red wine.
Meanwhile, while the summit was underway, First Lady Kim Hye-kyung and Brigitte Macron spent time on cultural exchange at the National Museum of Korea. After the luncheon, President Macron engaged with Korean youth through a lecture at Yonsei University. He then attended the "Korea-France Business Future Dialogue" and the opening ceremony of "Pompidou Hanwha Seoul." The Macron couple is scheduled to depart through Seoul Air Base on Thursday evening, wrapping up their two-day, one-night visit.