Sinan County Expands "Shammak Art Festival" to Europe with Participation from 17 Countries

Laying the Foundation for International Cooperation between Europe and Sinan County

Sinan County in South Jeolla Province announced on May 21 that the "2025 Sinan Bigeumdo Shammak Art Festival," scheduled for May 24, will expand its scope from France to Europe, with over 100 participants from 17 countries expected to attend.

In 1851, the French whaling ship Narval was shipwrecked near Bigeumdo, and thanks to the warm assistance of the island's residents, the crew was able to return home safely. This historical event is commemorated by the festival, which is being held for the second time this year.

2025 Sinan Bigeumdo Shammak Art Festival Poster. Provided by Sinan County

This year's festival reinterprets the friendly encounter between France and Korea as a symbolic meeting of champagne and Makgeolli, and will focus on cultural and artistic exchange as well as international solidarity. Participants will tour historical sites, including the waters where the Narval was shipwrecked in 1851 and the places where the crew stayed.

Additionally, inspired by the cultural and artistic exchanges between Consul Montigny and Bigeumdo residents, the festival will feature traditional Korean arts, Bigeumdo folk arts, champagne and Makgeolli tastings, and experiences highlighting the food culture and cultural traditions of both countries.

At a conference revisiting the Narval incident, Professor Emmanuel Huh of Universit? Paris Cit? will deliver a lecture titled "The Whales and Champagne of Bigeumdo: The First Encounter Between Korea and France in 1851 That We Did Not Know," while Stefan, Secretary General of the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea, and Sonia Chaieb, President of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Korea, will participate as panelists.

Director Chun Jungyoung stated, "Through cultural and artistic exchanges with Europe, including France, we aim to foster an awareness of cultural diversity and expand discussions on building a sustainable cooperation system between our countries, thereby strengthening international solidarity."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.