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Italian Ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto poses with the “finger-heart” gesture in her office at the Embassy of Italy in Seoul, May 20. Courtesy of Embassy of Italy in Korea
When Italy marks Republic Day on June 2, the occasion carries more weight than patriotism. Festa della Repubblica commemorates the 1946 referendum that transformed Italy from a monarchy into a republic — and the first time Italian women were granted voting rights. Nearly eight decades on, it remains a moment for Italians to reflect not only on history but also on identity and values.
For Italian Ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto, who arrived in Seoul in September 2023, the celebration comes amid another personal journey — discovering Korea and, perhaps unexpectedly, finding echoes of home. After nearly three years of diplomatic life in Korea, she has increasingly come to see similarities between the two countries’ peoples, so much so that she now understands why Koreans often describe themselves as “the Italians of Asia.”
At first, she admits, she did not quite understand the comparison. But after living in Seoul, interacting with people and observing everyday life, she says she began to see the resemblance herself.
“We have many differences, of course. Koreans are much shyer at the beginning,” she told The Korea Times. “But after they become comfortable, they are just like us. They like to sing, they like to dance, they enjoy eating together and spending time together.”
For her, the similarities are not limited to food or social habits. They also extend to family values and the way people relate to one another: “It is about family, staying connected and enjoying life together,” she said.
Italian Ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto speaks during an interview with The Korea Times in her office at the Embassy of Italy in Seoul, May 20. Courtesy of Embassy of Italy in Korea
Learning Korean on YouTube
Her curiosity about Korea has translated into more than observation. It has also developed into a serious effort to learn Korean. Before arriving in Seoul, Gatto had already learned to read Hangeul, Korea’s alphabet system. But she quickly realized that reading Korean and understanding Korean were entirely two different challenges.
“I could read Korean, but I could not understand a single word,” she said with a laugh.
Like many diplomats with unpredictable schedules, taking regular lessons proved difficult. Instead of forcing extra study hours into an already busy routine, she created her own learning method.
She dedicates roughly an hour of her morning routine to learning Korean. While getting ready for work, she plays Korean tutorials and language videos on YouTube. The same routine continues during exercise sessions and other moments that would otherwise be idle.
“When I wake up, I spend maybe one hour preparing. So I put Korean videos on and listen. Sometimes I repeat words, sometimes I just listen,” she said. “I tried to use time that otherwise I would not use for anything.”
Alongside self-study, she also takes weekly lessons with a Korean teacher who accommodates her changing diplomatic schedule — someone she affectionately calls “a saint.”
For Gatto, learning Korean has become more than a language exercise.
“Through language, you understand the mentality of people,” she said.
Her efforts to connect with Korean society also extend beyond language learning. Recently, she launched a monthly cultural gathering where Koreans and Italians can come together through music, food and conversation.
Bilateral cooperation beyond ‘3Fs’
Gatto also sees considerable room for Korea and Italy to deepen cooperation across a range of sectors. According to her, Italy’s traditional strengths abroad had often been associated with what she calls the “3Fs” — fashion, food and furniture. But she says the relationship between Korea and Italy can expand well beyond these traditional areas.
She pointed to space technology, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and scientific research as sectors with particularly strong potential.
“Korea is very strong in applied science, while Italy has strength in basic science,” she explained. “There can be excellent synergies.”
Expectations for expanded strategic cooperation between the two countries have grown since Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met President Lee Jae Myung in Seoul earlier this year. Meloni extended an invitation for Lee to visit Italy, which is expected to add momentum to bilateral ties.
“If President Lee’s visit to Italy materializes, it could become a very important opportunity to further strengthen the cooperation we have been building in advanced technologies and innovative industries over the past several years,” Gatto said.
The ambassador also believes cultural cooperation presents opportunities that extend beyond the familiar world of K-pop and K-dramas.
“When Europeans think about Korea, they usually think of technology, K-pop or K-dramas,” she said. “But Korea also has 5,000 years of history and remarkable cultural heritage.”
She noted that Korea’s rich historical legacy deserves greater recognition internationally and added that the two countries can learn from one another in balancing innovation with preservation of cultural heritage.
Italian Ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto delivers remarks in hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) in the colors of Italy’s national flag during a reception celebrating Italy’s National Day at the ambassador’s residence in Seoul, June 2, 2025. Embassy of Italy in Korea
She specifically mentioned hanok, Korea’s traditional architecture, which she says contributes to the country’s unique visual identity in much the same way that historical architecture shapes Italian cities.
Recalling one of her memorable experiences in Korea, Gatto spoke fondly about wearing a specially designed hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) for last year’s Italian National Day celebration. Although ambassadors often wear attire representing their national identity at such occasions, she was drawn to the hanbok design incorporating the colors of the Italian flag — green, white and red. The outfit, she said, symbolized exactly the type of cultural exchange she hopes to promote.
Beyond culture and industry, Gatto believes there is one more Italian value Korea may increasingly embrace in the future: slowness.
Italy is the birthplace of the Slow Food movement, a philosophy that emerged as a response to fast-food culture and mass production.
“We reject mass production, especially in food and wine,” she said.
She explained that many Italian wine producers are family-run businesses where quality and craftsmanship matter more than scale.
“For many families, wine bottles are almost like children,” she said. “They put their heart into every detail.”
As Korea becomes wealthier and increasingly focused on health and quality of life, she believes those values may resonate more strongly.
“Korea grew very fast, and that was necessary,” she said. “But now there is also space to think more about quality of life.”
