KOREA FOUNDATION

140th Anniversary of Italy–Korea Ties

It is believed that exchange between Italy and Korea was first initiated thanks to Italian priests working in Japan and China after the Imjin War, two Japanese invasions of Korea that took place between 1592 and 1598. In June 1884, Italy signed a bilateral treaty with Korea, becoming one of the first countries to establish official diplomatic relations with the country. In 1902, Italy opened a consulate in Seoul. Carlo Rossetti, the second Italian consul to Korea, only stayed in Korea for about 200 days, yet he collected numerous materials and authored two books on the country: Corea e Coreani (Korea and Koreans, 1904–1905) and Lettere dalla Corea (Letters from Korea, 1904).

However, Italy–Korea ties were suspended during the Japanese occupation period of Korea in the first half of the 20th century. When the Korean War broke out in 1950, Italy—then not a member of the UN—dispatched 128 doctors, nurses, and officers of its 68th Red Cross Hospital to Korea; over the years a total of 189 Italian medical personal engaged in humanitarian activities and offered medical support to civilians. Italy–Korea relations were officially resumed in November 1956. The following year saw the opening of diplomatic missions, and in April 1959, the consulates were promoted to embassies. Celebrating the 140th year of bilateral ties this year, the two countries plan to hold several events, including exhibitions, performances, and seminars.

Link to program of events commemorating the Italian Embassy in Korea’s 140th Anniversary

Logo commemorating the 140th anniversary of Italy-Korea ties (Courtesy of the Italian Embassy in Korea)

Italy140th Anniversary of Italy–Korea TiesCarlo RossettiCorea e CoreaniKorea and KoreansLettere dalla CoreaLetters from Korea68th Red Cross Hospital