Lunar New Year 2026 in Paris: Celebrate Korean Seollal at MEP

Looking for a fun outing to experience Korean culture in Paris? We’re taking you to the Missions Étrangères de Paris (MEP), located in the 7th arrondissement, to celebrate Seollal, the Lunar New Year in Korea. On Saturday, February 14, 2026, this free event invites you to dive into Korean traditions with workshops, games, and a concert by the K-Sweet Heart choir. This celebration is part of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between France and Korea, making it a perfect opportunity to strengthen cultural bridges between the two nations.

Starting at 3 p.m., the MEP opens its doors at 128 rue du Bac for a lively, festive afternoon. Visitors can learn about the traditional New Year greetings called sebae, a respectful gesture towards elders that kicks off this family celebration. Enthusiasts of beautiful handwriting can take part in a calligraphy workshop, while curious visitors can watch a demonstration of traditional Korean instruments. Their distinctive sounds instantly evoke the spirit of East Asia.

Creative workshops are plentiful during this festive season. We try our hand at minhwa, the vibrant Korean folk painting style known for depicting symbolic animals and natural scenes. Children especially enjoy the lantern-making workshop, crafting these lovely luminous decorations that brighten the streets during celebrations. For the little ones, traditional Korean stories are narrated, offering a gentle way to explore the rich imagination and values embedded in this ancient culture.

If you enjoy playing, make sure to try out the traditional Korean games offered during the event. These games, which are sometimes forgotten even in Korea, are making a comeback during this celebration. Between activities, take some time to browse the photo exhibitions and traditional objects that tell the story of Korean life—both past and present.

• To be read
• Top Deals in Paris and Île-de-France This Week: March 2–8, 2026

Can you sample Korean cuisine during the event?

Great news: a tasting of Korean teas and traditional sweets awaits you. These delicacies, often made with sticky rice, red beans, or honey, pair perfectly with a cup of green tea or roasted grain tea. A small Korean market rounds out the experience, a perfect opportunity to pick up some tasty souvenirs or handcrafted items. All these workshops and activities run until 5:30 PM, leaving plenty of time to explore everything before the grand highlight of the day.

What’s in store for the Lunar New Year concert?

At 6 p.m., head to the stunning Chapelle de l'Épiphanie for a special concert performed by the K-Sweet Heart choir. Founded in 2019, this group brings together passionate singers from diverse backgrounds: Koreans, French, and those adopted from Korea. United by their love of music and Korean culture, they deliver an eclectic program under the direction of Sun Hyung Kim, with piano accompaniment by Adrien Grand. Their repertoire blends traditional Korean songs, classical pieces, contemporary tunes, and even K-pop hits. Singing in both Korean and French within this historic setting creates a truly touching atmosphere.

The concert runs until 7:30 PM, providing a fitting end to this day dedicated to Seollal. The celebration takes on even greater significance as it coincides with the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea. This historic bond continues to grow stronger through culture, art, and people-to-people exchanges. To learn more about the traditions of the Korean Lunar New Year, the official website of the South Korean government offers a wealth of information.

In short, if you're looking for a cultural and free activity in Paris, don’t miss the celebration of the 2026 Lunar New Year at the Missions Étrangères. The event takes place at 128 rue du Bac in the 7th arrondissement and is easily accessible via metro (Rue du Bac or Sèvres-Babylone stations). Entrance is free, but reservations are recommended—especially for the concert. To sign up for the afternoon workshops, visit Weezevent. You can also book your concert ticket through the Missions Étrangères de Paris website, which regularly hosts engaging cultural events. The Korean Cultural Center in Paris also organizes numerous events throughout the year for enthusiasts of Korean culture. More details about the choir are available on their official page for those curious to learn more about their artistic journey.