Gyeongsangbuk-do has discussed plans to expand exchanges with Italy in the fields of culture, tourism, and food. Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Lee Cheol-woo met with Emilia Gatto, the Italian Ambassador to South Korea, who visited the provincial government office on the 15th.

Welcoming the ambassador and her delegation, Governor Lee stated, "Italy is a country that has successfully developed cultural heritage, such as Roman history and Renaissance art, into tourism and cultural industries." He added, "We look forward to sharing experiences and leading to practical cooperation with Gyeongsangbuk-do, which possesses rich historical and cultural resources such as Gyeongju, the millennium capital of the Silla Dynasty, and Andong, the center of Confucian culture."

Ambassador Gatto responded, "Thank you for the warm hospitality, and it is meaningful to be able to broaden my understanding of Gyeongbuk's history and culture." She noted, "Italy and Gyeongbuk share many experiences to exchange as both preserve long-standing traditions and unique culinary cultures." She further replied, "The embassy will also pay attention and cooperate so that exchanges become active in various fields such as cultural heritage, tourism, and food culture."

Both sides discussed ways to exchange through the medium of local unique food cultures. The province introduced its Jongga (head family) cuisine, local dishes, and excellent agricultural and marine products, proposing to share Italy's experiences in food culture and food brand nurturing.

With interest in Gyeongbuk having grown due to the Gyeongju APEC Summit last year and the Andong South Korea-Japan Summit this May, the province also requested the Italian Embassy's cooperation to lead this interest into tourist visits, industrial cooperation, and cultural and human exchanges.

Exchanges with Italy are already bearing tangible results. Last June, a delegation led by Yang Geum-hee, Vice Governor for Economic Affairs of Gyeongsangbuk-do, visited the Marche region and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for friendly exchange and cooperation in culture, tourism, economy, industry, and agri-food. In September, the Marche Regional United Choir visited Gyeongbuk to perform a joint concert with the provincial government choir, continuing cultural exchanges.

The province has established a new Food Hallyu Industry Bureau to promote the global expansion of local food industries. It plans to exchange food cultures with Italy to publicize local food resources and broaden the possibilities for cooperation in the food industry.

Governor Lee Cheol-woo stated, "Now, when the world is paying attention, is a great opportunity for Gyeongbuk's global leap." He expressed, "I hope that today's meeting will lead to substantive cooperation, and that the Ambassador will serve as a solid bridge."

Meanwhile, following their visit to the provincial office, the ambassador and her delegation visited Andong Hahoe Folk Village and the Andong Soju Museum to examine Gyeongbuk's history and traditional food culture.

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