KOREA FOUNDATION

Please explain the background of the French Institute in Seoul and its primary objectives.

The Cultural Center was established in 1968 and since the beginning, we have an important cultural objective. Additionally, France is also a country of references when it comes to culture and is one of the rare country in the world to have many human resources and investments dedicated to it. The French Institute previously called French Cultural Center held an important role in the 70’s–80’s as it was a rare place in Seoul where it was possible to access a Western culture especially with its movie theatre “Salle Renoir.”
  Nowadays, the French Institute has a primary focus on developing cultural diplomacy in Korea. This means not only promoting the French culture but also education through Campus France, for example.

In terms of public diplomacy endeavors, what would you regard as the Institute’s most noteworthy accomplishments?

There is not one noteworthy accomplishment but several. When President François Hollande visited Korea in November 2015, the French President and the President of South Korea decided to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the domains of higher education, research, and innovation between the two countries. Last October, several events were held in Seoul to achieve this objective. The Institute is working on several projects towards more exchanges between French and Korean universities. For instance, we are trying to set up a system of co-diplome (double degrees).
  Moreover, since December 2015, a council to promote French language (Conseil de promotion de la Francophonie à Séoul) was arranged reuniting all the ambassadors of French-speaking countries in Korea (around 30). This initiative will bring a new light to the French language and its place in Korea. We are developing several initiatives regarding teaching French in Korean schools. Our objective is to promote the teaching and learning of foreign languages, other than English, as early as possible.

With this being the 2015–16 year of Korea-France cultural exchange, are there any commemorative activities that your Institute is undertaking in Korea?

While this is not a first for France, it is the first time that Korea has been part of this kind of event. They got really involved and therefore the result has been a huge success in Korea as much as in France.
  In Korea, the highlight was on contemporary forms of art, new talents, and aspects of the French culture least known to the general public. The Institute has been involved in many events for the Korea-France Year and until the end of December, there are still many events coming up. The Institute took over not only activities related to the French culture but also related to education, science, and sport. In addition, we organized gastronomy and technology events, as well as sport events such as L’Étape Korea by Le Tour de France.

Do you believe there are ways for your Institute and the Korea Foundation to collaborate on public diplomacy initiatives?

The Korea Foundation has already some links with the French Embassy. Even if the principal mission of the Korea Foundation is to promote Korea abroad, I do think that cultural diplomacy and promotion of the image of a country work through collaboration and exchange. It is exactly the way of thinking of the Korea Foundation and I wish to develop long-lasting ties between the French Embassy and its Institute and the Korea Foundation.
  The Korea Foundation is always introducing good projects and we will be glad at the French Institute to reinforce our relationship together.

Lastly, could you offer an invitation to members of Korea’s general public who might like to enjoy the activities of the French Institute but are not familiar with the Institute’s endeavors in Korea?

Recently the French Embassy signed a partnership with Naver. We created a video channel called “French Cast” where you can watch hundreds of short videos in Korean about French culture, arts, food, latest lifestyle and creation, unknown parts of France, French savoir-faire, education, innovation, etc. This channel will make you fall in love with France. Some Koreans may not be aware but the French Institute also offers access to a library and a multimedia library (Culturethèque) where you can spend some quality time while enjoying French literature, French art, and more. It is also a good place to get lots of information on all the activities the French Institute offers.

Written by Mylène Perchec