Weekly news : 11th-17th August 2025
- Hana Mazouzi
- Aug 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 27
1. Vranken-Pommery Gains Ground in South Korea’s Luxury Market
French champagne house Vranken-Pommery is making noticeable strides in the Korean market, where demand for premium imported wines and sparkling beverages continues to grow. Its visibility has expanded in high-end venues and department stores across Seoul. This success reflects broader Korean interest in French luxury products and lifestyle brands.
A win for Vranken-Pommery means deeper ties in Korea’s evolving F&B landscape, where heritage and prestige increasingly shape consumption trends.
2. FKCCI & KITA Join Forces to Boost Tech and Industry Partnerships
In a move to reinforce bilateral cooperation, the French Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) partnered with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) to promote industrial innovation and tech partnerships.
This collaboration marks a key step toward enabling French and Korean companies—particularly in sectors like digital, green energy, and manufacturing—to share expertise, launch co-developments, and strengthen industrial diplomacy.
3. K-Beauty Explosion: South Korea’s Cosmetics Dominate in France
From sheet masks to ginseng serums, Korean beauty products are booming in France. Sephora, Monoprix, and Printemps now dedicate premium shelf space to K-beauty brands like Cosrx and Beauty of Joseon—heavily promoted on TikTok and Instagram.
The chain Miin (based in Spain) now operates two stores in Paris exclusively selling Korean products, with plans to open over 200 across Europe.
This trend reflects the growing influence of Korean soft power in the French consumer space, especially among Gen Z.
4. French Artist Floryan Varennes Wraps Up Residency at Villa Busan
Visual artist Floryan Varennes, known for blending medieval iconography with biomedical aesthetics, concluded his three-month residency at the Hongti Art Center in Busan.
As part of the Villa Busan program supported by the French Embassy, City of Cannes, and Fondation Fiminco, Varennes presented a final exhibition exploring themes of vulnerability, identity, and hybrid futures.
The initiative symbolizes deepening artistic dialogue between France and South Korea.
5. French Female Travelers Are Shaping New Tourism Trends in Korea
A growing number of French female travelers are reshaping tourism trends in South Korea by moving beyond Seoul and embracing a more immersive and independent travel style. Inspired by Korean pop culture but driven by a deeper curiosity, these women seek authentic cultural experiences—from language exchanges and cooking classes to temple stays and traditional crafts. Cities like Busan, with its coastal charm and artistic neighborhoods, are becoming preferred alternatives to the capital.
This shift reflects the rise of slow tourism: a mindful approach to travel that values quality, cultural connection, and local engagement over packed itineraries. French women are choosing off-the-beaten-path destinations such as Andong, Jeonju, and Boseong, where they explore Korean heritage through tea ceremonies, hanok stays, and community-led activities. Often traveling solo or in small groups, they prioritize sustainability and cultural respect in the way they plan and experience their trips.
In response, Korean tourism boards are starting to recognize this trend, adjusting their offerings to better cater to independent, culture-focused female travelers from France. This evolving pattern is not only diversifying Korea’s tourism landscape but also deepening the cultural exchange between the two countries—driven by curiosity, shared values, and a desire for meaningful experiences.
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