From the Han to the Seine: Korea House dazzles at Paris 2024 Olympics

Date Aug 07, 2024

Video courtesy of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, is orchestrating a cultural extravaganza with the largest-ever Korea House during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. This initiative, a tradition since Athens 2004, aims to showcase Korean culture and serve as a vibrant hub for sports diplomacy.


Showcasing Korean culture through a variety of events, Korea House has become a popular attraction, drawing more visitors than initially anticipated. (Photo courtesy of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee)

Showcasing Korean culture through a variety of events, Korea House has become a popular attraction, drawing more visitors than initially anticipated. (Photo courtesy of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee)


The Paris 2024 Olympics are making history as the first games to welcome spectators openly without health restrictions since the COVID-19 pandemic, the first Olympics to grace Paris in a century and the first Olympics to kick off with an entirely outdoor opening ceremony. Amid the buzz and the flood of visitors to the City of Light, the ministry is unveiling the kaleidoscopic charm of Korean culture through Korea House, an eye-catching multipurpose cultural space.


Korea House opened to visitors on July 25 and will run until August 11. This cultural space stems from the harmonious collaboration of 15 public and private institutions. Under the electrifying slogan “Play the K,” the initiative beckons global visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Korean culture.

 A group at Korea House shows support for Team Korea using official cheering sticks. (Photo courtesy of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee)

A group at Korea House shows support for Team Korea using official cheering sticks. (Photo courtesy of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee)



In Korea House’s outdoor garden, visitors can taste various Korean street foods from booths at “Bibigo Market.” (Photo courtesy of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee)
In Korea House’s outdoor garden, visitors can taste various Korean street foods from booths at “Bibigo Market.” (Photo courtesy of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee) 

Korea House is hosting an array of captivating events designed to showcase the depth and diversity of Korean culture. These activities include:

-Cheering Events: Exhilarating gatherings that employ “Team Korea Cheer Sticks” to rally support for Korean athletes
-Performances: A spellbinding performance by the Korean National Ballet, an elegant hanbok fashion show, a dynamic Korean-French youth dance performance and a pulsating K-pop concert
-Culinary Experiences: A mouth-watering grand opening banquet featuring traditional Korean cuisine and hands-on culinary adventures that let visitors savor Korean food
-Interactive Booths: Lively spaces offering immersive experiences related to K-culture, from intricate traditional crafts to soul-stirring music and more

These events are crafted to captivate a broad audience, offering a perfect blend of entertainment and education, while also fostering a deeper appreciation for Korean culture.


On August 4, Korean medalists visited Korea House to hold a press conference and interact with fans. (Korean Sport & Olympic Committee official Instagram photo)

On August 4, Korean medalists visited Korea House to hold a press conference and interact with fans. (Korean Sport & Olympic Committee official Instagram photo)


Despite a mix-up at the July 26 opening ceremony where the Republic of Korea was mistakenly announced as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Republic of Korea team excelled, doubling their gold medal target. Their achievements include sweeping all archery golds, a third consecutive fencing team victory and making Olympic history with the youngest female gold medalist in rifle shooting. These feats have garnered global attention. On August 4, medalists in fencing, shooting and judo held a press conference at Korea House, sharing their experiences and future goals. Afterward, they met with fans in the garden of the house.


Korea House’s initial public reception was nothing short of spectacular. In just five days, the venue drew 16,000 visitors, showing that Korea House isn’t merely a space to showcase Korea; it’s a dynamic venue where visitors can dive headfirst into its culture. This interactive approach has proven to be a recipe for creating unforgettable experiences for visitors.


Korea House stands as a significant milestone in showcasing Korean culture on the global stage. By offering a rich mix of cultural events and interactive experiences, it provides visitors a golden opportunity to lose themselves in the vibrant world of Korean culture.


Source Indication(Type 1)

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's "Korea Here & Now" work can be used under the condition of "Public Nuri Type 1 (Source Indication)."

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