By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter
Musee de Louvre's Korean-language service is expected to expand cultural exchange between the two countries, with Korean Air playing the role of economic and cultural ambassador.
The diplomatic relations between the two countries began 122 years ago in 1886. A full-scale friendship started in 1949 after Korea set up its own government after the Japanese colonial rule.
The two nations have close ties in economy, scientific technology and culture. In 2006, numerous events were held to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the diplomatic tie.
At first, Korea adopted the European country's advanced technology ― in 1903, Korea set up a lighthouse on Palmi Island in the sea off Incheon with French technology, the nation's first modern-style lighthouse.
Since then, Korea has brought more French technology, such as French bullet trains (TGV) that are running between Seoul and Busan and Seoul and Mokpo. The industrial cooperation between the two nations is getting bigger, ranging from IT to bioengineering and aerospace business.
The exchange and partnership has been expanded to the cultural field: Koreans rushed to large-scale exhibitions where paintings from Musee de Louvre or Musee d'Orsay were on display, while Korean musicians and film directors are gaining popularity in France.
Relations between the two nations have become closer with Korean Air's operation between Seoul and Paris. The carrier began operating cargo flights to Paris in 1973 and passenger jets in 1975. It was the first time for a Korean carrier to fly to Europe, and the year 2008 marks the 35th anniversary of the launch of the operation.
When starting the operation, Korean Air purchased an A300, which was a brand-new aircraft made by Airbus, the airplane maker jointly set up by France, Germany, Britain and Spain. The Korean carrier's successful operation of the new aircraft led to other carriers' purchase of it.
Besides the flight operation, Korean Air and Hanjin Group have had special relations. In 1973, Hanjin founder Cho Choong-hoon chaired a committee for economic cooperation between Korea and France, which is a predecessor of the Korea-France High-Level Businessmen's Club. He also established a joint financial company here with French bank Societe Generale.
The founder received four orders from the French government, including the title of Commandeur de la Legion D'Honneur, which is the highest civilian honor awarded in France. His son and current Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Yang-ho, who now chairs the Korea-France club, also received the medal in 2000 ― the first time in Korea that a father and son have been awarded the Legion D'Honneur.