By Honorary Reporter Vincenzo Acampora Carratura from Italy

To commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Italy, the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Rome on Dec. 6 last year launched the media arts exhibition "Korea House." Due to popular demand, the event will run for two years through next year.

 
I was invited to the exhibition on Feb. 8 by the KCC.

The event aims to immerse visitors in Korean life and culture by taking them inside a Hanok (traditional house). Videos and interactive elements showcase the evolution and cultural significance of such a home over centuries.

This is "House of the King." (Vincenzo Carratura)

My journey began with "House of the King," where the painting "Donggwoldo" embodies Joseon Dynasty ideals in symbolizing the king's dual roles of a private citizen and the nation's ruler, reflecting Confucian ideals of social structure. The king is portrayed as both a father to his people and a guardian of knowledge.

The following "House of the Scholar" shows how the upper class lived in Joseon. Their Hanok at the time preserved knowledge and culture to convey to others.

"House of Joy for the Arts" showcases the Joseon people's appreciation for life and nature through paintings of natural elements and houses symbolizing the human condition. Landscape paintings express the desire for harmony with nature, reflecting the concept of pungnyu, or classical entertainment in real life. Within this context, the home integrates with nature to offer an open space for people to connect with their surroundings and enjoy arts like poetry and music.

The concluding "House of Modern Days" depicts Seoul as a reinvented version of the Joseon capital Hanyang in bridging the past, present and future, showing Korea's dynamism while balancing innovation and tradition. The urban landscape around the Hanok villages of Bukchon and Seochon in modern-day Seoul is a must-visit for its cultural richness.

This exhibition is a unique opportunity to learn and better understand Korean culture through traditional paintings and homes from the Joseon period.

A trailer of the exhibition is on the KCC in Rome's official YouTube channel: 

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.