Ewha Graduate School of Translation and Interpretation Plays Key Role During French President Macron’s State Visit N
- Date2026.04.09
- 256
Provided Interpretation and Translation at Summit, State Banquet, and Major Events, Serving as a Bridge for Korea–France Cooperation
The Ewha Graduate School of Translation and Interpretation (Director: Choi Mikyung) played a pivotal role as a linguistic bridge, providing interpretation and translation services during the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Korea, held from April 2 to 3 in celebration of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France.
Approximately 40 members of the Ewha GSIT—including faculty, instructors, alumni, and current students—participated in major events held during the visit, such as the summit, joint declaration, official banquet, and luncheon. At the expanded summit and joint declaration, where the two countries discussed strengthening economic cooperation and collaboration in future industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum technology, space, and defense, Director Choi Mikyung and Professor Lee Yuhee provided simultaneous interpretation, conveying the historic moment as bilateral relations advanced into a global strategic partnership built on 140 years of friendship and solidarity.
At the official luncheon hosted at the Blue House, attended by the two heads of state and their spouses, as well as prominent figures from business and culture—including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hotel Shilla President Lee Boo-jin, Stray Kids member Felix, and actress Jun Ji-hyun—36 alumni and students from the Korean–French Interpretation and Translation program participated as liaison interpreters, ensuring smooth communication throughout the event.
In addition, Professor Park Soo-kyung, an adjunct professor at Ewha GSIT currently serving at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided interpretation at the official welcome ceremony and small-group meetings. Alumna and instructor Gil Gyeongseon served as both host and interpreter at the April 2 friendship dinner, and on April 3, she also acted as host for the signing ceremony of 11 memoranda of understanding and the joint press statement. The friendship dinner on April 2 drew particular attention for its menu curated by Michelin one-star chef Son Jong-won. Director Choi Mikyung translated the menu items—such as “Japchae Tartlet,” “Samgyetang Roulade,” “Hanwoo Mille-feuille,” and “Roasted Sweet Potato Crêpe”—as well as translations related to the cultural program and official gifts, enhancing attendees’ understanding of the event.
At the friendship dinner held at Sangchunjae of the Blue House on April 2, alumna Gil Gyeongseon is seen serving as host and interpreter while Chef Son Jong-won presents the dishes.
Notably, this event provided a meaningful opportunity not only for faculty but also for current students of GSIT to gain hands-on experience in interpretation and translation at a historic occasion marking the 140th anniversary of Korea–France diplomatic relations. Students were able to directly observe and participate in settings where political, economic, and cultural leaders from both countries gathered, prompting deeper reflection on the significance and responsibility of interpretation. In addition, 14 alumni and students specializing in translation took part, gaining firsthand insight into the close interrelationship between translation and interpretation.
Meanwhile, Ewha GSIT, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2027, has trained numerous summit interpreters and translators of Nobel Prize-winning literature, contributing to international exchange across literature, cultural content, technology, and industry. Through its rigorous training in high-level interpretation and translation, linguistic expertise, and education aligned with the AI era, the institution continues to cultivate professionals who make significant contributions across diverse sectors.
Members of the Ewha Graduate School of Translation and Interpretation participating in interpretation during the French President’s state visit at the Blue House on April 3.