Korean culture expands in France through major festivals

South Korean cultural events are gaining significant traction in France, marked by large-scale festivals and upcoming traditional celebrations. The K-Street Festival 2026, held at Parc André Citroën in Paris, attracted approximately 70,000 attendees. The event featured K-pop performances, street food, K-beauty, and fashion, highlighting a shift toward bidirectional cultural exchange led by local youth and second-generation Koreans.

In celebration of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France, the Korean Association of France will host the 2026 Hangawi Festival on September 19–20 at Jardin d'Acclimatation in Paris. The festival aims to bridge traditional and modern Korean culture through programs such as a fusion Hanbok eco-fashion show, traditional calligraphy, folk art, and K-pop dance workshops. The event is designed to share the values of Hangawi—sharing and harmony—with the French public.