140th Anniversary of Korea-France Relations: "Seokguram" Special Exhibition in Paris

"Korea On Stage in Paris"
Traditional Performances and Temple Cuisine Experiences Also Featured

To mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France, an event to promote Korea’s national heritage will take place in Paris. Beginning on October 1, the National Heritage Administration will host the special exhibition “Seokguram” and a national heritage promotion campaign, “Korea On Stage in Paris.”

Seokguram Grotto.

“Seokguram,” held at the Korean Cultural Center in France, is an exhibition introducing the Korean spirit and Buddhist art through the UNESCO World Heritage site Seokguram Grotto. The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage will screen an immersive video of Seokguram created using 3D scan data, and display photographs of Seokguram taken by the late artist Han Seok-hong. Braille will be etched onto the photographs to make the exhibition accessible to visitors with visual impairments. The exhibition will also feature a 3D structural model of Seokguram, facial reliefs of the main Buddha and the Eleven-faced Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, as well as tactile Braille books.

The Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage will hold academic lectures at the same location on October 5 and 6, covering topics such as “Seokguram and Silla Buddhism” and “The Life and Death of the Silla People.” The lectures will address the achievements of the excavation of Tumulus No. 44 at Jjoksaem and the Wolseong excavation.

“Korea On Stage in Paris” will take place at the Korean Cultural Center in France and at Place du Trocadéro until October 7. The National Heritage Foundation’s arts troupe will present outdoor traditional performances, including the Lion Dance, Samulnori, Sogo Dance, and Jindo Drum Dance.

In the central courtyard of the Korean Cultural Center in France, there will be a promotional area for national heritage. A total of 1,500 French-language national heritage visitor passports will be distributed, and visitors who collect four experiential program stamps will receive souvenirs.

There will also be opportunities to experience temple cuisine and Seon meditation. On October 1 and 2, Venerable Jung-kwan will deliver lectures and conduct hands-on sessions on temple cuisine. On October 3, Venerable Hyewon and Jung-kwan will lead the “Templestay in France” program, allowing participants to experience balwoogongyang (communal Buddhist meal), mindful eating, sitting meditation, and tea ceremony.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.