Italian National Day commemorates deepening cultural, strategic ties

Italian Ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto, front center, poses with other diplomatic envoys during the ninth Italian Republic Day at the Italian ambassador's residence in Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of Embassy of Italy in Seoul

The Embassy of Italy in Seoul marked the 79th anniversary of Italian Republic Day on Monday with a vibrant reception held at the residence of Italian Ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto.

Nearly 1,000 distinguished guests, representing Korea's political, economic, academic and cultural leadership, gathered for the occasion. The significant turnout underscored the profound and multifaceted nature of the bilateral relationship between Italy and Korea.

“The Italian Republic Day testifies to the victory of democracy over totalitarianism, and of equality, justice and freedom over discrimination, iniquity and repression,” Gatto said. “Such conquests remind us of the foundations upon which the Italian Republic was constructed, and acquire further significance in the face of new global challenges.”

Special guests included Kim Hee-sang, Korean deputy minister for Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Lee Han-kyung, vice minister for Disaster and Safety Management at the Ministry of Interior and Safety.

Speaking before the crowd, Ambassador Gatto reflected on recent milestones and future goals.

“Last year, we celebrated 140 years of diplomatic relations between Italy and Korea,” she said. “This year marks the year of mutual cultural exchange — and as for the next year, let us try to make it the year of people-to-people exchange.”

The ambassador emphasized “parliamentary diplomacy” and “city diplomacy” as top priorities for the embassy’s efforts.

“I am glad that the Korea-Italy Parliamentary Friendship Association in the National Assembly has been formed,” she said, recognizing lawmaker Ihn Yo-han (also known as John Linton.) “And Italy — the country of cities — is thrilled to see more sister city partnerships emerging.”

Gatto unveiled plans for the first-ever Korea-Italy Business Forum, scheduled for September. “This forum will focus on lesser-known strength-points and cutting-edge technological collaborations, such as the aerospace industry, AI-ICT, biotech and semiconductors,” she said.

The ambassador also praised Italy’s evolving innovation identity.

“Italy is no longer just ‘3Fs plus Ferrari.’ We have added the ‘F’ of future! Italy is a pioneer in space — we were the third country to launch a satellite after the USSR and the U.S.”

Gatto expressed gratitude to the Italian diplomatic and business community in Korea, including the Sistema Italia team, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Korea and cultural and educational institutions. “Every member has contributed with dedication and passion,” she said.

She spotlighted efforts in education and language exchange, noting that she is also studying Korean. “The passion for learning the Italian language is growing,” she said, encouraging students to join groups like K-Talians and GenKI, which promote school and academic exchanges.

Recognizing the role of cultural diplomacy, Gatto said, “Italy and Korea are both soft power nations, and we are fascinated by each other’s cultures.” Upcoming events will include performances and exhibitions related to Han Kang’s The Vegetarian, the Capodimonte Museum and the legendary craftsmanship of Stradivarius.

“I want to be an Ambassador of Italy in Korea — and an Ambassador of Korea in Italy. Together, we can go farther — maybe even faster. Let’s keep going!” Gatto said.

“We appreciate the like-mindedness of the Korean government and reject any violation of sovereign national borders, as in the case of Ukraine,” she added.

Addressing fellow expats, she joked about the shared struggle of learning Korean, while also celebrating Korea’s rise as a technological and cultural powerhouse.