Kumho Asiana Group chairman Park Sam-koo was awarded a high-level decoration from the French government Monday for his contributions to bilateral exchanges between Korea and France, and to the aviation industry in both countries.

Park received the Legion of Honor (Legion d’honneur) from French Ambassador to Korea Fabien Penone at Penone’s residence in Seodaemun-gu, central Seoul. 

At the ceremony, Penone expressed respect for Park’s achievements, calling him a “businessman, a patron of the arts and a friend of France.”

Park was recognized for working for two decades to create the Incheon-Paris route on Asiana Airlines, contributing to travel between the two countries. Asiana Airlines also utilizes planes created by French-based aircraft maker Airbus.

The award also recognized Park’s efforts to increase cultural exchanges between Korea and France.

Upon receiving the award, Park said, “It is a great honor to receive this award from France on the 130th anniversary of Korean-French relations.” He added that he will continue to work hard toward building friendship between the two countries.

The Legion of Honor is France’s highest decoration, first created by Napoleon I in 1802. Past Korean winners of the medal include Samsung Group chairman Lee Kun-hee and the late Posco founder Park Tae-joon.


By Won Ho-jung (hjwon@heraldcorp.com)