Shinan-gun, First Encounter with France Unfolds as a Cultural and Arts Festival

‘Shinan Sham·Mak (Champagne·Makgeolli) Festival’ Takes Its First Step

Shinan-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Park Woo-ryang) held the ‘2024 Shinan Sham·Mak Festival’ implementation plan briefing session at the county office video conference room on the 13th.

According to the county on the 16th, the briefing session was attended by Governor Park Woo-ryang, Jeollanam-do Council member Choi Mi-sook, Shinan-gun Council Vice Chairman Kwon Oh-yeon, and other officials, who reported on the festival schedule and event details.

The Shinan Sham·Mak Festival is a cultural and artistic festival between the two countries commemorating the historical event in 1851 when the French whaling ship Narval drifted ashore on Bigeumdo Island, but the French sailors safely returned home with the help of the island residents.

On the 13th, the 2024 Sinan Sham·Mak Festival execution plan briefing was held at the county office video conference room. [Photo by Sinan County]

The main performances include a Pansori performance by French artists and a Chanson performance by Koreans, sharing each other's traditional music; cultural performances by artists and students from both countries; a play titled ‘The First Meeting of Champagne and Makgeolli’ inspired by the 1851 drifting incident; and the performance concludes with Bigeumdo’s Tteomttwigi Ganggangsullae.

Cultural events include a Korea-France exchange photo exhibition, an exhibition and tasting event of the traditional alcoholic beverages of both countries, Champagne and Makgeolli, and making and eating traditional foods, providing opportunities to understand each other's traditions and share friendship through diverse cultural activities.

In addition to the festival events, a seminar titled ‘Shinan-gun Bigeumdo, Speaking of the Beginning and Tomorrow of Korea-France Exchange’ will clarify that the first meeting between Korea and France was not the confrontation of the 1866 Byeonginyangyo but a humanitarian encounter on the small island of Bigeumdo in 1851, marking the upcoming 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations in 2026.

Governor Park Woo-ryang stated, “The Shinan Sham·Mak Festival will be a starting point for revitalizing cultural exchange between France and Shinan-gun,” and added, “We will do our best to prepare the festival to enhance Shinan-gun’s international brand value.”

Meanwhile, the Shinan Sham·Mak Festival is scheduled to be held from May 11 to 12.