Italian Ambassador Wears Hanbok and Speaks Korean at Republic Day Celebration

Emilia Gatto, the Italian Ambassador to South Korea, has recently gained attention online for her speech delivered in Korean while wearing a hanbok adorned with the colors of the Italian flag during the Republic Day celebration on June 2. The event, held at the Italian Embassy in Hannam-dong, Yongsan, Seoul, commemorates Italy's independence and the establishment of the Republic.

Ambassador Gatto's hanbok featured a white jeogori (top) and a red chima (skirt), complemented by a green belt that symbolized the Italian tricolor. In her speech, she expressed her desire to promote Korean technology and history, stating, "Here at the Italian Embassy, we all work as a team."

Alberto Mondi, an Italian broadcaster, noted that the ambassador delivered her entire speech in Korean. In a subsequent interview, Gatto explained her choice to wear a hanbok instead of traditional Italian attire, saying, "It’s so beautiful and symbolizes the friendship between Italy and Korea."

She shared her love for the Korean language, emphasizing how it allows her to explore Korean society and culture. Gatto also expressed admiration for King Sejong the Great, stating, "There is no other example in the world of a single person creating a script. I have become a fan of King Sejong."

Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of introducing Korea's diverse culture, which is still relatively unknown globally, while noting that Italy is well-known for its historical and cultural heritage but not as a technological powerhouse. Gatto concluded that changing this perception is a significant challenge.

Netizens reacted positively to her appearance, commenting on the stylish combination of the hanbok and the Italian flag colors, and appreciating her genuine interest in Korean culture.