Discovering Korea in Italy: A Glimpse of Korean Culture at Rome's Festival dell'Oriente
2025-05-31Rome’s Festival dell’Oriente is one of Italy’s largest multicultural events, welcoming thousands of visitors each year to celebrate the richness of Asian cultures. Among the many national sections, the Korean area stood out for its immersive atmosphere and well-balanced mix of tradition and modernity, giving attendees a rare chance to explore Korea’s cultural identity without leaving Europe.
The Korean section featured a wide variety of interactive and educational experiences, many of which were free and open to all. Visitors could try on traditional hanbok and take photos in themed spaces, take part in a serene Korean tea ceremony, and learn how to write their names in Hangul, the Korean alphabet, with guidance from native speakers.
On the performance side, the area hosted engaging activities such as the K-pop random play dance, the fun and challenging Dalgona candy game made famous by Squid Game, and the elegant Buchaechum, or Korean fan dance. The latter mesmerized the audience with its flowing choreography, traditional music, and vibrant fans that formed images of flowers and nature.
A major highlight for fans of Korean pop culture was the K-pop dance contest held on the main stage. Talented dancers and cover groups from across the country performed choreographies from their favorite idol groups, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd. The contest was a celebration of passion, talent, and the growing impact of Hallyu (the Korean Wave) in Italy.
Modern Korean trends were also well represented. A K-beauty stand offered skincare products featuring popular ingredients like snail mucin and centella asiatica. Nearby, a K-pop merchandise booth sold albums, posters, and accessories, creating a vibrant mini-marketplace for fans.
Korean cuisine played a central role in the experience, with a bustling street food stall offering dishes like tteokbokki, japchae, and bulgogi. In addition, a stand set up like a Korean grocery store attracted food lovers with its wide selection of ramyeon, from ultra-spicy to cheese-flavored varieties, giving visitors a true taste of Korean everyday flavors.
Through its diverse offerings - ranging from cultural traditions and modern trends to music, food, and dance - the Korean section at the Festival dell’Oriente provided a well-rounded and immersive experience. It served not only as a celebration of Korea’s identity, but also as a powerful tool for cross-cultural exchange, showing how Korean culture continues to inspire and connect people around the world.
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