Celebrating a Decade of European Cinema at the 10th EUNIC x EU Film Festival in Seoul

The EUNIC x EU Film Festival proudly marks its 10th anniversary this year, offering a unique cultural experience to audiences in Seoul. For the first time, the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Korea joins the festival, making this year the inaugural “10th EUNIC x EU Film Festival.” Continuing its tradition since inception, the screenings will be held at the Seoul Museum of History, located at 55 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. All films will be screened free of charge.

This year’s festival features films from 21 countries, including 16 EUNIC members, expanding its lineup by five countries compared to last year. Over the course of five weeks—from November 8th to December 8th—audiences can enjoy screenings every Saturday and Sunday at 1 PM and 4 PM. All films are united under the theme “Crossing Borders.”

The EU-EUNIC Film Festival has been a significant cultural event in Seoul for the past decade, bringing European cinema to South Korea and introducing films that might otherwise be unavailable to local audiences. Each year, the festival showcases the diversity of European culture, capturing the breadth of experiences, stories, and perspectives from across the continent.

EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture) is a network that aims to foster European cultural collaboration worldwide. The EUNIC cluster in Seoul conceived this film festival to present a rich variety of European movies to the Korean public, reflecting unique stories from different European nations. The festival is hosted in collaboration with cultural institutes and embassies of EU countries, utilizing a prominent location in downtown Seoul to create a cultural exchange experience that crosses geographical and cultural borders.

The 10th EU-EUNIC Film Festival, under the theme “Crossing Borders,” will continue the tradition of using cinema to foster dialogue and understanding between Europe and Korea. It explores stories of migration, cultural exchange, and the shared human experiences that unite us. This year’s expanded participation emphasizes the growing commitment of both Europe and Korea to strengthen cultural ties.

Since its inception, the festival has been a platform for Korean audiences to experience the art of European storytelling—from thought-provoking dramas to captivating comedies. It has grown in significance, drawing an increasing number of visitors each year and further enhancing cultural understanding between Europe and South Korea.

About EUNIC:
EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture) is a network of European national cultural institutes dedicated to strengthening cultural relations globally. With members from 39 countries, EUNIC operates in 140 clusters across 108 countries, engaging in a wide range of cultural activities that promote cooperation, intercultural dialogue, and the European cultural identity. EUNIC’s key goals include advocating for culture as a strategic aspect of international relations, strengthening global cultural partnerships, and enhancing the capacity of its network. The network has received support from the EU’s Creative Europe programme since 2014, highlighting its role in cultural diplomacy and cooperation. For more information, please visit the official website.

About the EU Delegation to the Republic of Korea:
The Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Korea represents the EU in diplomatic relations, fostering cooperation between the European Union and South Korea. The Delegation aims to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties and facilitate the EU’s engagement in various areas such as trade, climate change, research, and technology. Through its participation in cultural initiatives, the Delegation seeks to promote mutual understanding of European and Korean cultures, building connections between citizens. For more details, please visit the official website.

About the Seoul Museum of History:
The Seoul Museum of History explores the timeline of Seoul from its beginnings to its status as a global city today. The museum’s permanent exhibitions illustrate the origins of Seoul, daily life through different eras, and its transformation into a modern metropolis. In addition to its historical displays, the museum offers a variety of experience programs and cultural events aimed at both children and families, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the city’s history and culture. It strives to preserve Seoul’s cultural identity, promote public spirit, and enhance its status as a cultural hub within the international community. For more information, please visit the official website.

The Jean Monnet EU Centre of Excellence at Korea University was established in the Global Research Institute at Korea University with financial support from the European Commission in 2014. In September 2022, the Centre was redesignated by the European Commission with the new project of ‘Enhancing Sustainable Development Partnership between the EU and Korea.’, holding various events such as the special lectures by ambassadors from EU member states and EU related experts, and ‘EU Journalists roundtable. For more information, please visit the official website.