Plunging into 101 Nuances of Korean: Caroline Ruth-Masson’s Sensitive Look at Korean Language and Culture

“Caroline Ruth-Masson: I have been connected to Korea for about 24 years, thanks to my Korean friend with whom I studied Fine Arts at the University of Paris. Today, we are soul sisters. During her studies, she introduced me to her culture, gastronomy, and language. I didn’t discover Korea through K-dramas or K-pop, but through a deep friendship. I started by teaching myself Hangeul, then a few words. She returned to her country after finishing her studies, but we kept in touch and continued sharing our cultures. I was finally able to visit her in the summer of 2023. That trip was unforgettable—both for our reunion and for discovering this magnificent country, where I felt immense gentleness, sensitivity, and respect. During my travels, I immerse myself in the culture by taking photos, observing everything around me—sometimes even with my eyes closed—and making watercolor sketches. Upon returning, nourished by these impressions, I began creating illustrations paired with two or three Korean words. It was a way to cherish my memories and learn sensitive, poetic vocabulary. In doing so, I created what I couldn't find in stores. The editorial director at Larousse was touched by this gentle and curious approach to language. That is how the project took shape: born initially for myself, it became, thanks to Larousse, a book that readers seem to truly cherish.”

“Caroline Ruth-Masson: The lantern nuance (연꽃 = lotus, 등 = lantern). In Korea, lanterns symbolize light, hope, and inner awakening. They carry wishes and prayers for peace, health, or happiness. In my book, I illustrated the colorful lanterns of Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju. Through the empty space in the illustration, I wanted to convey the calm and inner silence I felt, as well as the gentle breeze carrying wishes and good thoughts away.”

“Caroline Ruth-Masson: My friend and I sometimes struggled to find the exact right word. We particularly hesitated over the term corresponding to 'melancholy'. The word 우울 (uul) expresses a state of sadness or gloominess, similar to saying: 'I feel a bit sad or down today.'”

“Caroline Ruth-Masson: It all begins with a drawing—a memory or a feeling. The words follow naturally to accompany the illustration. They first come to me in French, then I translate them, sometimes with my friend’s help. My goal was to learn a useful word, like a color, and pair it with one or two more sensitive, poetic words. For example, instead of simply writing 'spring', I chose 'gentle spring' (고운 봄) to describe an atmosphere. The short sentence accompanying each illustration provides a more poetic understanding of the image and the Korean words.”

“Caroline Ruth-Masson: As I progressed with this project, I realized that the Korean language is extraordinarily subtle and full of nuances. Things aren't always said directly: they are suggested, left to be guessed. Feelings, context, and sincere emotion hold a vital place. This delicacy touched me deeply.”

“Caroline Ruth-Masson: Several responses deeply moved me. Some readers wanted to gift the book to Koreans to help them learn French vocabulary—something I hadn't anticipated. Teachers want to share it with their students to show that a language can be approached differently than through textbooks: through curiosity and poetry. During a book signing, someone shared that they wanted to gift the book to an adult of Korean origin, adopted as a child in France, who wished to learn their native language. She thought this book would be a gentle way to begin. That touched me enormously.”

“Caroline Ruth-Masson: The public connects with the Korean language through K-dramas, K-pop, or webtoons. Immersion is therefore emotional rather than academic. Expressions like 진짜 (jinjja) or 괜찮아 (gwaenchana) have become familiar, even for non-Korean speakers. K-culture opens a window onto a culture where emotion and tradition blend seamlessly. Hangeul—being highly graphic, logical, and easy to learn—also plays a key role. And of course, the melody of the language discovered in series, films, and music greatly contributes to this attachment.”

“Caroline Ruth-Masson: I am delighted that, for the 140th anniversary of France-Korea relations, Korean culture is being highlighted through exhibitions, festivals, concerts, and books. I am thrilled that my work can participate in this exchange. It was first sold in two of my favorite bookstores: Librairie Le Phénix and the Guimet Museum bookstore, where I also hosted a signing. It is also available on boutiquedemusees.fr, providing wonderful visibility. After a conversation with a bookseller at the Louvre, he felt the book had its rightful place in their 'Asia' section. It is a great honor, and I am equally touched by messages from small neighborhood bookstores that made it their personal favorite.”

“Caroline Ruth-Masson: I don't have an ongoing project around the Korean language at the moment, though I have a few ideas. I would love to write short, easy-to-read phrases in Korean accompanied by soothing illustrations. My current personal project follows the same principle, but around the Greek language, which I share step by step on Instagram. I don't know if future projects will be published: I create them for myself first, and I would be delighted if they eventually become books. Instagram: @bycaroligne.”