A series of festivals and exhibits focusing on Korean art, music, cuisine and handicrafts will open across France starting June 1 in what people are calling "K-Culture Week in France."

This week of festivities is in line with a broader series of events that mark the 130th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Seoul and Paris. The two nations have designated the year 2015 and 2016 as the “Year of Korea-France Bilateral Exchanges.” Similarly, both countries have also been actively boosting cross-cultural and art exchanges by setting the “Year of Korea in France” from September 2015 to August 2016 and the “Year of France in Korea” from January to December this year. Festivities already kicked off the “Year of France in Korea” last September in Paris.



"K-Culture Week in France" will be held from June 1 to 7. President Park Geun-hye’s state visit to France will begin on June 1, and June 4 marks the day itself of the establishment of the Korea-France diplomatic relationship. During the week-long festival, Korean arts, music, cuisine, handicrafts and other traditions will be on display across the country in Paris, Nantes and Nice.

Among the events scheduled for the week-long cultural festival, one of the most popular events will be KCON 2016 France, which will be held in Paris on June 2 at the Accor Hotels Arena. This concert offers the opportunity to enjoy not only K-pop, but also cuisine, fashion and other creative content straight out of Korea.

The concert will feature some of European fans' most-loved Korean pop groups such as the Bangtan Boys, Shinee, Block B, F.T. Island, f(x) and I.O.I.

If you prefer more classical music, a gala show featuring traditional pansori epic singing will be held at the Theatre des Bouffes on June 2 in Paris. In Nantes, the Korean Spring concert (Printemps Coréen) will be held from June 1 to 5 introducing both traditional and modern Korean art.

The week of festivities will also feature a range of art from traditional through to contemporary. The Chateau de Chambord will host a photo exhibit featuring collaborative works between photographer Bae Bien U and other artists until June 12.

There will also be various exhibits hosted elsewhere around the country. In Nice, the Museum of Asian Arts will hold an exhibit on traditional Korean kkokdu (꼭두) wood sculptures until Nov. 7. Sculptures by modern Korean artists can be seen at an exhibit at the Royal Palace Garden (Palais Royal) in Paris until June 12. The Grand Palais in Paris will hold the “Earth, Fire, Soul -- Masterpieces of Korean Ceramics” exhibition until June 20. It will showcase some 300 Korean ceramic works, including a turtle-dragon celadon pitcher from the 1100s.

For those interested in Korean cuisine, a special tasting will be held at Korean restaurants across Paris. A food festival, the “K-Restaurant Week,” will be held from May 28 to June 6 at various Korean restaurants in the city. During that event, visitors can take part in a quiz about Korean food and participate in an online photo exhibition by uploading their photos of Korean dishes to their social media profiles. Visitors will also be able to sample some delicious Korean food and collect some discount vouchers.

By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Jeon Han Korea.net Photographer, CJ E&M
arete@korea.kr