Jason Edwards – Event & Interviews
On July 11, the Château de Vincennes hosted a new edition of "Destination Korea", an event designed to highlight the cultural partnership that has united Paris-Est Marne & Bois with Korea for three years. Conceived as a day of discovery, this edition aimed to introduce this historical monument to a broader audience while offering an immersion into the diversity of Korean cultural practices: gastronomy, craftsmanship, fashion, music, and live performances.
This edition was also marked by the presence of the group JUST B, who came to meet the public as part of the lineup. A few days after the event, we had the opportunity to conduct an exclusive interview with the group, shedding additional light on their participation and how K-culture integrates into local French initiatives.
Walking through the various activities in the castle’s courtyard, the atmosphere felt both family-friendly and curious. Visitors moved enthusiastically from one workshop to another, discovering Korean cuisine, observing artisans at work, or trying out K-Pop dance moves. The public’s energy, mixed with the diversity of the stands, gave the day a warm and accessible atmosphere, where everyone seemed to find a gateway into Korean culture.
To better understand the intentions behind this day, the programming choices, and the overall vision of the festival, we spoke by phone on July 28 with Mr. Roussel-Devaux, organizer of the event. He reflects on the objectives, selection criteria, and outcomes of this edition, which gathered thousands of visitors around a cultural bridge between France and Korea.
1. Main Objective of "Destination Korea"
Mr. Roussel-Devaux: The main objective was to showcase the partnership between Paris-Est Marne & Bois and South Korea. The event also aimed to raise awareness of the Château de Vincennes, a historical monument still unfamiliar to many, and to attract a public that might not usually visit such a site. It was about showing the unique connection between our territory and South Korea, transforming the castle into a true cultural bridge between the two countries.
2. Designing the Event Program
Mr. Roussel-Devaux: The programming was developed in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Center in Paris, whose director was present during the inauguration. The center proposed several activities: cooking workshops, stands for discovering Korean specialties, Korean cinema activities, and workshops to learn K-Pop choreography. The choices were based on three years of partnership with South Korea to offer a coherent and representative day.
3. Selection Criteria for Artists and Partners
Mr. Roussel-Devaux: We wanted to invite truly representative Korean artists and artisans to avoid an artificial approach. The idea was for visitors to discover authentic practices, close to what they would experience in Korea. Several people who had already traveled to Korea confirmed that the present artists were faithful to the country's cultural reality, which proves that our objective was achieved.
4. Highlights of the Event
Mr. Roussel-Devaux: The fashion show by designer Mossi Traoré was one of the most striking moments, featuring thirteen local residents from partner municipalities walking in outfits inspired by Korea. The grand concert and DJ set were also highly appreciated, contributing to a festive and dynamic atmosphere throughout the evening.
5. Public and Participant Feedback
Mr. Roussel-Devaux: The feedback was "very, very good". Visitors who had already traveled to Korea found the event authentic and faithful to their memories. Those who didn’t know the country yet expressed a desire to visit after the event. Many also discovered the Château de Vincennes for the first time and were impressed by the setting, describing it as "absolutely fabulous".
6. Strengthening Korean Culture's Visibility in France
Mr. Roussel-Devaux: The event highlights the partnership between Paris-Est Marne & Bois (520,000 inhabitants) and South Korea—a scale comparable to major Korean cities. It helps attract Korean tourists and artists while inspiring French citizens to discover Korea. Given the thousands of participants and positive feedback, we consider the visibility goal fully achieved.
7. Future Collaborations & Perspective
Mr. Roussel-Devaux: Existing collaborations are already numerous: the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Korean AI Foundation, and the French-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI). The goal now is to bring these partnerships to life rather than creating new ones. A delegation will travel to Korea in early October for Smart Life Week to meet partners and discuss bringing Korean artworks to our future museum planned for 2028.
Interviewer: What do you hope visitors will take away from this July 11 edition?
Mr. Roussel-Devaux: I want visitors to understand that the Château de Vincennes, once a major diplomatic venue, is today a bridge between France and Korea. Koreans can be welcomed here to visit, invest, or enjoy entertainment, while local residents can leverage these Korean connections to travel, learn, or undertake business initiatives. This edition shows that the castle can become a lasting link between both cultures.