The Korea House in Milan, Italy / Korea Times photo by Kim Jin-ju
MILAN — At the Villa Necchi Campiglio, a historic mansion synonymous with Italian luxury and the film "House of Gucci," the scene has shifted from cinematic drama to culinary frenzy.
The quiet elegance of the 1930s estate was overtaken by a bustling, festive crowd the weekend of Feb. 8. In the manicured gardens where aristocracy once walked, visitors stood shoulder to shoulder, holding cups of fried chicken and fish cakes.
While athletes chase medals on the snowy slopes and in the ice rinks of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Korea is quietly executing a masterclass in cultural diplomacy in Milan's city center.
The Korea House is officially just one of 10 National Olympic Committee hospitality hubs in the city. But in practice, it has become the hottest ticket in town, transforming a diplomatic outpost into a cultural theme park that rivals the events themselves for attendance.
Christian, right, and Samira eat fish cake and fried chicken in a sweet sauce during a visit to Korea House in Milan, Feb. 12. Korea Times photo by Kim Jin-ju
Christian, 25, stood in the garden of The Korea House on Feb. 12, soaking in the atmosphere. For him, the visit was entirely about the culture.
"To be able to taste real K-food in the middle of Milan, I am really so happy," said Christian, who discovered Korean culture through K-dramas.
He was joined by Samira, 20, a repeat visitor who had returned for a second helping of the venue’s culinary diplomacy. Holding a cup of dakgangjeong (fried chicken in a sweet sauce) in one hand and eomuk (fish cake) in the other, she gestured to the crowd.
"The best place of this Olympics is Korea House," Samira said.
Source: Korea Times News
