DIJON, France — The Chungnam Institute of Confucianism and Culture (CNICC) announced that it will host the international cultural exchange project "K-Heritage in France" (part of the Traditional Culture Expansion International Exchange Program organized by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) for four days from October 15 to 18.

Marking the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and France, this landmark project combines the deep values of Korean traditional culture with modern K-culture. The event aims to create a platform for French audiences to deeply understand and resonate with Korean heritage.

Official Slogan: "Ce qui nous lie (누리에)"
The event’s official slogan, "Ce qui nous lie (누리에)", bridges the French verb lier (to connect) with the Korean word nurie (across the world/universe). It conveys the message that South Korea and France will build future cooperative ties and mutual understanding through traditional culture and the arts.

Key Venues and Program Highlights
The event will take place across Dijon’s premier cultural and historical landmarks:

Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne (The Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Burgundy)
Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin (International Center for Gastronomy and Wine)
Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne (Museum of Burgundian Life)

1. Special Exhibition: The Connector (October 15–18)

Kicking off with a special opening ceremony on the evening of October 15 at the Museum of Burgundian Life, the exhibition The Connector: Le Connecteur - Au-delà du Regard runs through October 18.

It merges Confucianism's core value of In (Benevolence) with Burgundy’s core concept of Terroir (the environmental factors affecting agricultural products).
Featured works include digital data of the National Museum of Korea's Hojakdo (tiger and magpie painting), CNICC’s new media artwork Hwayang Q&A, pop art, and media artist Lee Huh Kyung-ran’s Brilliant Sigh, totaling around 20 digital collaborative pieces.

2. ‘Journées de la Corée à Dijon’ Proclamation Ceremony (October 16)

Held at the Palace of the Dukes, the official proclamation ceremony brings together high-ranking figures from both nations, including Dijon Mayor Nathalie Koenders, city officials, representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in France, the National Governors' Association of Korea (French Office), and the Chungnam-Germany Office.

Exchange Ceremony: A symbolic blending ceremony uniting Chungnam’s premium traditional liquor with Burgundy wine to celebrate bilateral friendship and cultural solidarity.
Honorary Seonbi Appointment: Mayor Koenders will be appointed as an honorary Seonbi (traditional Korean scholar), followed by celebratory pansori (traditional narrative song) performances.

3. Humanities Concert & K-Culture Experience (October 17–18)

At the International Center for Gastronomy and Wine, programs highlighting the depth of Korean traditional and contemporary culture will be in full swing.

Humanities Concert: Hosted by Ajou University Professor Park Jae-yeon, the program features a lecture on Korean traditional music with French sorikkun (pansori vocalist) Laure Mafo, a lecture on the philosophy and aesthetics of Korean dance by Moodae’hui Artistic Director Lee Ju-young, and a vibrant discussion with the University of Burgundy’s K-pop club, Karioly Crew, titled "Why do we love K-pop?" alongside cover dance performances.
K-Culture Experience: Inspired by the Seonbi spirit, programs include trying on traditional Confucian scholar attire (yubok), Korean calligraphy and writing "Benevolence, Righteousness, Propriety, and Wisdom," and playing dynamic folk games like tuho (arrow-throwing), jegichagi (foot shuttlecock), and ddakji. Interactive food programs highlighting kimbap, kimjang (kimchi-making), and traditional dining etiquette (judo) will also be operated.

A representative from the organizing body stated, "Marking the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties, this event proves that Korean traditional culture is not merely a relic of the past, but the living root of modern Korean culture and a core cultural diplomacy asset. We will showcase the essence of 'K-Heritage' where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly in Dijon, further solidifying sustainable cultural exchanges between our two countries."

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