And, not to be left out in this centuries-old
friendship is of course culture.
Various cultural events - ranging from Korean
cuisine and exhibitions to K-pop concerts
- are taking place all across the European
country... marking K-culture week.
A taste of Korean food, music, TV shows and
more in France... our Oh Jung-hee has them
all.
A restaurant located in Paris is full of customers
looking to have a taste of Korean food.
After a Korean food quiz event, they are visiting
the restaurant with food vouchers they earned.
"I think that Korean food is healthy.
It is easy to digest and tastes unique as
well."
And, this is only one of the many similar
scenes to be seen during the K-culture Week
in France,... specially designated during
President Park Geun-hye's visit to France.
"Ahead of the end of Korea Year in France
in August,...
K-culture Week was prepared to mark the finale.
This week is going to be even more condensed
and energetic, and full of festive public
events."
During the seven-day period, a series of cultural
events will be held in nine major cities in
France including Paris, Nantes and Nice to
highlight both traditional and contemporary
aspects of Korean culture.
And one of the most anticipated events is
the KCON 2016 France in Paris on Thursday.
With the theme "All Things Hallyu," it includes
a K-pop concert featuring major idol groups.
2,000 tickets were sold out in only three
hours, proving the French fans' devotion for
Korean pop music.
The Korean culture convention is another event,...
where French people can get a taste of Korea's
TV dramas and movies, fashion, and food.
Meanwhile, the western city of Nantes will
host the 'Spring of Korea' festival, a stage
for classical and contemporary Korean music
such as pansori musical storytelling and samulnori
percussion performances.
Also, exhibitions of photos, ceramics and
sculptures will take place all across France.
"We're hoping to bring about a change in international
perceptions about Korea.
K-culture Week will bring attention to the
excellence of Korean culture and art,... created
through a long history and tradition,... beyond
Korea's rapid economic development."
The week of events will bring all the charms
of Korea, both past and present, to France,
cultivating greater understanding between
the two.
Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News.
