Global Culinary School “Le Cordon Bleu” Celebrates 130th Anniversary at Sookmyung Women’s University
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- Writer 커뮤니케이션팀
- 보도일자 2025-09-29
A ceremony marking the 130th anniversary of Le Cordon Bleu, the world-renowned French culinary school, was held on Friday, September 26, at Le Cordon Bleu–Sookmyung Academy, its only official campus in Korea.
Founded in 1895 in Paris, France, Le Cordon Bleu has since grown into a global educational institution operating in more than 30 countries. In Korea, Sookmyung Women’s University became its exclusive partner and established Le Cordon Bleu–Sookmyung Academy in 2022. The academy has since trained over 5,000 culinary and gastronomy professionals.
The anniversary event was attended by Philippe Bertoux, French Ambassador to Korea; Sébastien de Massard, Executive Chef of Le Cordon Bleu–Sookmyung Academy; Sookmyung President Moon Si-yeun; Academy Director Jeong Sang-hyun; and a number of domestic food industry and ESG experts, lending further significance to the celebration.
The first session, held at Gemma Hall, featured a forum on “ESG and Sustainability in the Food Industry,” moderated by Professor Kim Dong-hee (Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality Management Major). Panelists included Prof. Chung Joon-hyug (Seoul National University School of Law), Lim Jong-wook (ESG Team Leader, CJ Foodville), Executive Chef Sébastien de Massard, and alumna Lee Eun-jung (former Head of Quality Control at Starbucks Korea).
The forum featured dynamic discussions on topics such as potential challenges and benefits, practical applications of ESG in Korea’s food industry, and shifting paradigms of economic and social value creation. Participants agreed that sustainable ingredient sourcing, food safety, and corporate social responsibility are now central to ESG values, exploring how gastronomy and sustainability can coexist in harmony.
The second part of the event took place on the 7th floor of the Continuing Education Building at Le Cordon Bleu–Sookmyung Academy, hosted by Prof. Ida Daussy (Dept. of French Language & Culture, Sookmyung Women’s University).
Hong Il-young, General Manager of Le Cordon Bleu Korea, delivered a congratulatory address on behalf of André Cointreau, President of Le Cordon Bleu International, who was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts. He remarked, “The decision to establish a Korean campus at Sookmyung was inspired by the country’s deep appreciation and tradition of fine dining. We are proud that Korea’s outstanding talents are now contributing to Le Cordon Bleu’s 130-year legacy.”
President Moon quoted the famous French gastronome Brillat-Savarin—“Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are”—emphasizing that “food is more than culture; it embodies the identity of a society.” She also announced that Le Cordon Bleu–Sookmyung Academy plans to launch a Korean Cuisine Diploma Program by 2027 to academically define and globally promote the value of Korean gastronomy within the Korean Wave.
Ambassador Bertoux added, “Next year marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France, making today’s celebration even more meaningful. The 5,000 graduates of Le Cordon Bleu–Sookmyung are like jewels connecting culture and art across the world.”
The celebration concluded with the screening of a 130th anniversary video, a ceremonial cake cutting, and a lively reception that encouraged networking among guests. Performances by accordionist Alexander Sheikin and musician Park Sung-wan further heightened the festive atmosphere.
