President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Seoul on Wednesday evening, marking the first state visit by a French leader in more than a decade, but the diplomacy began not in a conference room, but over a fusion menu at the presidential residence. Before the hard negotiations on artificial intelligence and nuclear technology scheduled for Thursday, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung hosted Macron and his wife, Brigitte, for a private dinner designed to bridge cultures through cuisine.
The gathering at Sangchunjae, a traditional reception house within the Cheong Wa Dae complex, set a tone of personal rapport ahead of formal talks. First Lady Kim Hye-kyung joined the hosts, welcoming the Macrons with a six-course meal crafted by Chef Son Jong-won, who holds Michelin stars in both Korean and French culinary traditions. The menu was a deliberate narrative in plate form, moving from a “Greeting of Welcome” to a dessert described as a “Jewelry Box Containing Korean Memories and Light.”
Among the dishes served were a japchae tartlet featuring rainbow-colored garnishes and a samgyetang roulade, which reinterprets the traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup through French technique. The main course layered hanwoo beef with abalone, accompanied by white and red wines selected to appeal to the French president’s known appreciation for viticulture, alongside a traditional Korean liquor. The evening concluded with a performance on the geomungo, a traditional Korean zither, by musician Park Da-wool.
Gift exchanges further underscored the blend of historical reverence and modern soft power. President Lee presented Macron with a reinterpretation of a diplomatic gift originally exchanged in 1886 between King Gojong and the French president, featuring peach blossoms symbolizing prosperity and a recent beginning in bilateral ties. For Brigitte Macron, who has expressed interest in K-pop, the hosts provided signed CDs from BTS and Stray Kids along with white porcelain tableware.
While the pageantry served to warm relations, the substantive agenda awaits Thursday’s summit. The two leaders are expected to discuss strengthening cooperation in high-tech sectors, including artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, hydrogen technology, and the space industry. These topics reflect a shared interest in securing supply chains and developing future technologies amidst global economic shifts.
Earlier in the day, the French presidential couple paid respects at the War Memorial of Korea, laying flowers at the monument dedicated to French veterans of the Korean War. This gesture acknowledged the historical military ties that underpin the modern partnership. President Lee and President Macron have met twice previously in the last year alone, at G7 and G20 gatherings, suggesting a rhythm of frequent engagement at the highest levels.
The visit comes at a time when both nations are seeking to diversify their international partnerships beyond traditional allies. For Seoul, Paris represents a key European gateway for technology and defense cooperation. For Paris, the Indo-Pacific remains a strategic priority as France maintains territories and interests in the region. The success of the summit may depend on translating the goodwill of the dinner table into concrete agreements on trade and security.
Why was the menu designed as a fusion of Korean and French cuisine?
State dinners often employ food as a diplomatic tool to signal respect and shared values. By employing a chef with expertise in both culinary traditions, the host nation demonstrates cultural confidence while honoring the guest’s heritage. The specific dishes, such as the samgyetang roulade, were chosen to symbolize the blending of distinct identities into a cooperative partnership.
What are the primary topics on the summit agenda?
According to presidential briefings, the leaders plan to focus on future-oriented industries. Key discussion points include artificial intelligence governance, nuclear energy development, hydrogen fuel technology, and space exploration. These sectors represent areas where both countries have significant industrial capacity and shared strategic interests.
How frequent are state visits between France and South Korea?
High-level state visits are relatively rare, with this being the first by a French president in 11 years. While leaders often meet on the sidelines of multilateral forums like the G20, dedicated state visits involve broader ceremonial protocols and typically aim to cement long-term strategic agreements rather than immediate crisis management.
As the sun sets on the ceremonial welcome, the real work begins tomorrow morning. Will the shared appreciation for culture and history translate into binding agreements on the technologies that will define the next decade?
