Reflecting on his time in the late 1980s when he first arrived in the city of light as a student, he said, "Back then, only a small circle of scholars of Asian studies or diplomats had some interest in South Korea, so the center often remained deserted, visited only by a handful of dedicated enthusiasts."
"Things have changed greatly these days, with growing interest in the far eastern Asian country on the opposite side of the world, embracing all aspects of South Korea, from traditional cultural heritage to the global phenomenon of K-pop," said Lee, who is now in his third year with the center, which promotes Korean culture in the European country.
Located in the heart of Paris, the center has become a cultural hub for Parisians, providing a wealth of information about South Korea through an extensive collection of periodicals, books, and other publications, while also hosting various lectures, exhibitions, and performances.
"Just a stone's throw from the splendor of the Élysée Palace, it has become a one-stop destination for everything related to South Korea, turning itself into one of the top tourist spots," Lee boasted.
In collaboration with state-run Korea Tourism Organization in 2019, the center further expanded its scope, playing a key role in promoting the "Land of the Morning Calm" in Europe.
Boosting cultural awareness through publications and lectures
As its readership continues to grow, the periodical now covers a broader range of topics, offering in-depth insights and valuable information through scholarly articles and other writings. "In 2022, we released a story featuring South Korea's southern port city of Busan, which garnered enormous attention from French readers who were only familiar with the capital city of Seoul," Lee recalled.
A year-round lineup of lectures and workshops hosted by the center also helps spread Korean culture there. Lee has been one of frequent speakers at these events, often discussing the evolving history of the Korean Wave, from its inception in the 1960s to its global reach today.
His fluency in French, combined with his extensive years of study and life in France, makes his lectures stand out, garnering strong reception from attendees whenever he takes the podium at schools and universities across France.
"It's not just about simply delivering information," Lee said. "It's a way to share and communicate with those from different cultures, inspiring one another with understanding and respect," he explained. "In fact, I gain new ideas and insights through Q&A sessions after lectures and post-lecture gatherings with French attendees. Sometimes participants were so enthusiastic with a barrage of questions that lasted nearly an hour," he shared.
But Lee, who values every single voice and is sincerely dedicated to promoting Korean culture, said, "A one-hour lecture might inspire someone to become a true fan of South Korea ten years from now and play an important role in French society. That's why I believe it is important to engage with the younger generation with a long-term perspective."
Nurturing young talent through diverse events
As part of the program, the center regularly holds auditions to discover new talent, with participants who perform South Korea's classical genre of vocal music earning additional points. "Our goal through these auditions is to build cultural bridges by blending traditional elements with contemporary trends," he said.
Through its extensive networks built over decades of years, the center has also organized concerts and performances in collaboration with world-renowned musicians and artists including prodigy pianist Cho Seong-jin and soprano Jo Sumi. "Thanks to our long-term relationships with institutions like the Louvre Museum and Radio France, these collaborations have become possible," he said, stressing the importance of persistent engagement established over years within French society.
Last year alone, the center held film festivals in six cities across France including Montpellier, Nantes, and Toulouse. "These festivals are not limited to Paris, as many local movie buffs across France are eager to participate, a testament to the growing interest in South Korean films there."
Tailoring to local demand and tastes
With this in mind, the center hosted a series of cooking classes, which quickly sparked interest among the locals. "Many participants especially showed great interest in authentic cuisine including temple food made from fresh seasonal vegetables and roots with natural seasonings," Lee said.
"There's a saying that to make a good friend, you need to share good food. That holds especially true in France," he said. "Food serves as a powerful bridge that opens hearts to unfamiliar or different cultures, creating meaningful connections that can ultimately foster diplomacy and economic cooperation."
reporter
Im Yoon-seo
lyseo0330@ajupress.com
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