South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady hosted a prestigious state banquet for French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, marking a significant diplomatic moment between the two nations.
This visit is particularly meaningful as it celebrates 140 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and France, and marks Macron’s first official visit to Korea since taking office.
Michelin-Star Chef Bridges Korea & France
The highlight of the evening was an exquisite six-course fusion menu curated by renowned chef Son Jong-won, known for holding Michelin stars in both Korean and Western cuisines.
Each dish symbolized unity and cultural exchange, with poetic themes such as:
- “A Greeting of Welcome”
- “Spring Connecting Destiny”
- “Exchange of Gastronomy”
- “Hospitality and Sincerity”
- “Fire-Flavored Harmony of Two Nations”
- “A Jewel Box of Korean Memory and Light”
The chef personally served the main course, adding an intimate touch to the diplomatic dinner.
To honor France’s deep wine culture, the banquet included premium white and red wines, along with a traditional Korean liquor.
Traditional Meets Modern: Cultural Performance
The evening concluded with a special performance by geomungo artist Park Da-ul, who blended traditional Korean sounds with modern elements.
Inspired by the Secret Garden of Changdeokgung Palace, the performance featured:
- “Secret Garden”
- “Geomungo Play”
Thoughtful Gifts: From Royal Heritage to K-Pop
President Lee prepared symbolic and personalized gifts for the French delegation:
- For President Macron:
A modern reinterpretation of a historic diplomatic gift originally exchanged between Korea and France in 1886 during the reign of Gojong of Korea. - For First Lady Brigitte Macron:
- Premium Korean ceramic tableware
- Signed albums from global K-pop stars including BTS, Stray Kids, and G-Dragon
Welcome Gifts Inspired by France
At the presidential guest residence, special welcome gifts were prepared by winners of the prestigious baking competition Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie:
- Eiffel Tower-shaped pastry artwork
- Traditional Korean lucky pouch bread
- Amiens-style macarons (Macron’s hometown specialty)
A Symbol of Deepening Partnership
Macron’s visit marks the first by a French president since 2015 and reflects growing cooperation between the two nations across culture, diplomacy, and global leadership platforms like the G7 and G20.
This state banquet wasn’t just a dinner—it was a carefully curated showcase of Korea’s soft power, blending tradition, modernity, and global cultural influence.
KOREA FBI Editor’s Comment
This event perfectly captures how Korea is redefining diplomacy through culture. From Michelin-level cuisine to K-pop diplomacy, the country is turning every state visit into a global storytelling moment. The inclusion of BTS and Korean heritage elements shows how deeply K-culture now resonates at the highest political levels worldwide.
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