Kim Hye-kyung Views Hanji Artwork with French First Lady Brigitte Macron

First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, accompanying President Lee Jae-myung on his state visit to France, viewed artworks made from South Korea's traditional cultural heritage paper, "hanji," alongside French First Lady Brigitte Macron on the 8th local time.

Kim toured the "Hanji Mania" special exhibition with Macron at the Hôtel de la Marine, a historic landmark in Paris, according to Cheong Wa Dae Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryung in a written briefing.

Held as part of Paris Design Week, "Hanji Mania" is an exhibition showcasing collaborative works created with hanji by South Korean and French artists.

Kim and Macron listened to explanations about the production process and significance of the artworks from co-directors Ahn Kang-eun and Catherine Lüro, as well as the participating artists.

At the site, Kim introduced the advantages and characteristics of hanji to First Lady Brigitte, saying, "Hanji is made from paper mulberry using unique traditional techniques and boasts exceptional preservation and durability." She added, "It is a precious cultural heritage that is also utilized in the restoration of cultural artifacts at major overseas institutions, including the Louvre Museum."

She also expressed hope that hanji will be inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity this coming December and gain even wider recognition.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.