French envoy unveils plans for 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Korea

French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Bertoux, right, speaks next to Cultural Counsellor Pierre Morcos during a press conference at the ambassador’s residence in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Bertoux on Tuesday unveiled major events marking the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and France in 2026, highlighting more than a century of enduring friendship and a forward-looking partnership.

Speaking at a press conference at his official residence in Seoul, Bertoux said the upcoming year will mark a milestone in bilateral relations, providing both a moment of reflection and an opportunity to strengthen future cooperation.

“We are delighted to introduce the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea,” Bertoux said. “It will be a time to celebrate our shared achievements, to enjoy the cultural and human connections that bind us and to plan new heights for the next 140 years.”

The ambassador also unveiled the official poster for the anniversary and introduced the slogan built around three keywords — creativity, opportunity and solidarity — that evoke France’s signature tripartite motto.

Korea and France established diplomatic relations on June 4, 1886, through a treaty of friendship, commerce and navigation. The French envoy Victor Collin de Plancy served as the first minister to Korea and contributed to promoting Korean culture abroad.

Bertoux recounted milestones in bilateral history — from the 1919 establishment of the Korean Provisional Government in Shanghai’s French Concession, to France’s participation in the 1950-53 Korean War, during which 267 French soldiers were killed and more than 1,000 wounded.

He also highlighted the architectural heritage of the Embassy of France in central Seoul, designed in 1962 by Korean architect Kim Chung-up, the only Korean to have studied under the renowned Swiss-French architect Charles-Edouard Jeanneret-Gris, better known as Le Corbusier.

“This building is a symbol of cultural and architectural exchange,” Bertoux said, noting that it was renovated and reopened in 2023.

Bertoux said that 2026 will feature a range of events and initiatives across political, cultural, economic, scientific and educational fields.

He expressed hope for high-level reciprocal visits between the two governments, as well as greater defense cooperation “to address shared global threats.” A restored French memorial for Korean War veterans in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, is expected to host a commemorative ceremony during the anniversary year.

On the economic front, Bertoux said that both sides anticipate new investment and cooperation deals in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, space, biotechnology and green energy. He added that the Korea-France Business Dialogue, held in Paris in May, will take place in Seoul in 2026.

The French Chamber of Commerce in Korea will mark its 40th anniversary next year, while La French Tech Seoul will celebrate its 10th year of operations, symbolizing the growing role of startups in bilateral cooperation.

In science and education, a joint Korea-France scientific committee and a new Horizon Europe collaboration platform will promote joint research projects, while a French higher education fair will encourage student exchanges. The two countries also plan to expand the working holiday visa program to foster people-to-people ties, especially among youth. The average age of the French community in Korea is 29.

Bertoux said that while many anniversary events will be held in Seoul, efforts are underway to make the celebrations nationwide.

“We want these festivities to reach every region,” he said. “Opening and closing ceremonies will take place outside the capital to ensure that people throughout Korea can share in the commemoration.”

He concluded that the anniversary is “not only a cultural event but a comprehensive reflection of the full scope of France-Korea relations — political, economic, cultural and human.”

“This 140th anniversary will not only celebrate our shared past,” Bertoux said, “but also build the foundation for the next chapter of our friendship.”