FKCCI’s Career Forum 2025 Connects French-Korean Talent with Global Industry
On Thursday, May 15, 2025, the French-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), the Cultural Service of the French Embassy in South Korea, and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), in collaboration with the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIP), CLE International publishing house, and France Alumni, successfully hosted Career Forum 2025 at the KCCI in Seoul.
The event brought together 25 companies and attracted a record of nearly 800 participants, reflecting strong interest in international career opportunities and bilateral cooperation.
The forum, supported by Accor Ambassador Korea, Cafés Richard, and JCDecaux, opened with welcoming remarks from H.E. Philippe Bertoux, Ambassador of France to South Korea, who emphasized that the event was not merely a networking opportunity, but a meaningful platform to explore international career paths.
David-Pierre Jalicon, FKCCI Chairman, remarked, “It is a pleasure to see the large French-Korean community come together through the Career Forum, offering job seekers and companies a valuable space to connect.”
M. Chul Min Yoon, Head of the International Trade Division, also addressed the audience, noting, “Next year marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between France and Korea. At the heart of this long-standing partnership has always been people. I hope all those striving to shape their career paths will move forward with hope.”
After the opening speech, attendees visited company booths for one-on-one interviews with recruiters.
Participating companies represented a wide range of industries, including hospitality, F&B, services, and the automotive sector. Among them were Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam, Renault Korea, Asiance Korea, France Gourmet, Forvis Mazars, S-Oil TotalEnergies Lubricants, and others.
These global companies conducted interviews with highly qualified international candidates. The FKCCI booth attracted significant attention, with a long line of applicants eager to discover the dynamism of the ecosystem.
The forum also featured industry-specific roundtables covering four sectors: Tourism & Culture, Industry, Luxury & Beauty, and a session on the Professional French Diploma.
During this session, Keesei Lee, Director of Talent & Culture for South Korea at Accor Hotels, stated, “Diversity is a core value at Accor. We are seeking talent with drive, understanding, and a strong sense of initiative.” He further emphasized that the company’s global mobility and performance-driven culture offer excellent opportunities for rapid career advancement.
Vincent Boulanger, CEO of EDF Renewables Korea, added, “EDF Renewables Korea is not just a foreign subsidiary; it is a true Franco-Korean company that embodies the values of both nations.” He highlighted that the company actively seeks bilingual talent with academic or professional experience in both countries, as well as expertise in the recruit
Career Forum 2025 proved to be more than just a job fair, it reaffirmed its role as a vital platform for fostering talent exchange and economic cooperation between France and Korea. Bringing together businesses and professionals from both countries, the forum took on special significance as the two nations approach the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025. The FKCCI plans to continue expanding these opportunities, supporting young professionals in building global careers and strengthening the long-standing ties between the two countries.
