The Future of the French Language in Korea: More Than Just a Trend?

From 1885 to 2025: 140 Years of France-Korea collaboration! But why are more Koreans falling for the French language?

1️⃣ Month of La Francophonie - (March)

What is the Month of La Francophonie?

March is dedicated to celebrating La Francophonie, highlighting the French language and culture worldwide.

When is International Francophonie Day?

March 20 marks International Francophonie Day, a global celebration of the French language and the values it represents.

What is La Francophonie?

2️⃣ The French Community in South Korea

According to Wikipedia (2024), approximately 11,000 French people live in South Korea. This vibrant community includes entrepreneurs, business professionals, models, and media personalities such as Julien Kang, Siméon-François Berneux, Victor Collin de Plancy, Ida Daussy, Fabien Yoon, Robin Deiana, and many more!

Seoul has 32 international schools, but the most well-known for French-language education are Lycée International Xavier and Lycée Français de Séoul.

3️⃣ French in Korean Pop Culture

French has also made its way into Korean pop culture, appearing in K-dramas and K-pop songs. One of the most memorable moments was in the hit drama Twenty-Five Twenty-One, where a famous scene featured the French language.

Many K-pop idols and actors have also learned French to connect with their fans or during their travels to France. For instance, members of BTS have showcased their French skills on several occasions.

4️⃣ Exclusive Interview with Ambassador Philippe Bertoux

M. Philippe Bertoux was interviewed by Ha Young Florence Oh, with the discussion aired on March 19 and 26.

5️⃣ Why Does South Korea Celebrate La Francophonie?

Although South Korea is not a French-speaking country, it has been an observer of the OIF for over a decade. The country also has a strong interest in the French language, with over 50,000 students learning French each year. Ambassador Bertoux emphasized the importance of supporting these learners and sharing a love for the language and its associated cultures.

Events & Celebrations

“The Francophonie celebrations are not limited to March 20. We have planned a whole month of events, covering different aspects of French language and culture. Anyone interested can find detailed information on our dedicated website https://francophonie.or.kr/, available in both Korean and French.”

– Ambassador Philippe Bertoux (Translated)

Whether in classrooms, K-dramas, or international relations, French is more present in Korea than ever! Have you ever spotted French in a K-drama or K-pop song? Which one was your favorite?

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