▲ First lady Kim Hea Kyung (front, R) and French first lady Brigitte Macron (front, L) pose for a photo during their visit to the National Museum of Korea in Seoul on April 3, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
▲ First lady Kim Hea Kyung (R) and French first lady Brigitte Macron pose for a photo at an exhibition hall displaying the Uigwe, manuscripts for royal protocols during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul on April 3, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

France-first ladies

First ladies of S. Korea, France visit National Museum of Korea

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, April 3 (Yonhap) -- First lady Kim Hea Kyung and French first lady Brigitte Macron visited the National Museum of Korea on Friday to view key exhibits with cultural ties between the two countries and exchange views on cultural cooperation.

The first ladies toured the exhibition hall of the Uigwe -- royal protocol manuscripts from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) -- which have historical ties to France, as Brigitte accompanied French President Emmanuel Macron on his state visit to South Korea.

The Uigwe were taken by French troops during the 1866 French campaign against Korea and were returned to South Korea in 2011 under a long-term renewable loan arrangement after 145 years.

Kim expressed gratitude that Korea's valuable historical records were well preserved by France and its allowance to display them, according to deputy spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong.

"We are grateful that they were well preserved in France, which has allowed us to display them," Kim said was quoted as saying.

Brigitte responded that the documents were well preserved and added that they could help children learn important values

The two also toured the museum's "Room of Contemplation," where there are two Pensive Bodhisattva statues -- among the museum's most celebrated treasures.

As Kim explained that the Buddhist sculptures capture a moment of deep contemplation and enlightenment, reminiscent of French sculptor Auguste Rodin's "The Thinker," Brigitte expressed agreement, Ahn said.

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