Korea and Italy begin the 2024–2025 Year of Mutual Cultural Exchange

During his official visit to Rome, the Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, In Chon Yu, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Maria Tripodi, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic. This agreement, which has been signed on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, will sanction the ‘Year of Cultural Exchange between Italy and Korea 2024-2025’.

On 4 May, the National Gugak Center launched the 2024–2025 Year of Mutual Cultural Exchange in Rome, Italy, with the performance of ‘The Crown Prince's Dream’, a combination of traditional Korean music and dance, including Taepyeongmu, Sarangchum, Sogo dance, and Pangut.

Throughout the year major Italian cities such as Rome and Milan will hold exhibitions of mid-career Korean artists (June–September) as well as Korean a modern dance performance (November). A special highlight is the sculpture exhibition by artist Park Eun-seon, scheduled to open in June, will be held at major tourist attractions in Rome for four months in cooperation with the city of Rome and the Colosseum Archaeological Park. Artist Park Eun-seon won the ‘Fratelli Rosselli’ award for best Italian sculptor in 2018.

Additionally, in collaboration with the Italian National Film Centre, a short film introducing Korea will also be produced.

In other activities, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism supports young Korean and Italian artists to select areas of common interest, such as opera and design, and create and produce works together. Representative artists from both countries participate as mentors in exchange projects and guide the young artists.