SEOUL — French President Emmanuel Macron will embark on a two-day state visit to South Korea starting April 2, marking a major milestone in the bilateral relationship as the two nations celebrate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
A Historic Milestone in Diplomacy
The announcement, made Friday by Blue House spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, confirms that President Macron will be the first European head of state to pay a state visit since President Lee Jae-myung took office. This visit also carries significant historical weight, as it represents the first time a French president has officially visited South Korea in 11 years.
While the two leaders previously met in November 2025 during a sideline summit at the G20 in Johannesburg, South Africa, this upcoming visit transitions their dialogue from international forums to the heart of Seoul.
Agenda: From High-Tech to Global Security
The cornerstone of the visit will be the summit scheduled for the morning of April 3. Following a formal welcoming ceremony, the two leaders are expected to engage in deep discussions aimed at elevating the current partnership to a "Strategic Level."
According to the Blue House, the summit will focus on several critical pillars:
Economic Expansion: Enhancing trade and investment between the two nations. France remains South Korea's third-largest trading partner within the European Union.
Cutting-edge Industry: Focused cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing, Aerospace, and Nuclear Energy.
Cultural Exchange: Celebrating 140 years of relations with a year-long calendar of over 100 cultural events across 20 Korean cities.
Global Security: As France is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the leaders will discuss the security landscape of the Korean Peninsula and broader global issues.
Innovation and Solidarity
"France is not only a cultural powerhouse for the 80,000 Koreans who visit annually but also a leader in future strategic industries like decarbonized energy," said spokesperson Kang.
The visit is widely viewed as a strategic "bridge" for South Korea to deepen its influence within the EU, while France seeks a reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific's high-tech sector. The two nations are expected to sign several Treaties and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) following the summit to formalize these new avenues of cooperation.
"This visit will serve as an essential milestone to transform 140 years of trust into a more strategic and future-oriented partnership." — Kang Yu-jung, Blue House Spokesperson
As the global community faces shifting geopolitical alliances, the meeting between Lee and Macron signals a firm commitment to a "solidarity of innovation" that spans beyond mere trade, reaching into the very technologies that will define the next century.
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