Milan: The South Korean hospitality house for the Winter Olympics opened its doors in the Italian host city of Milan, ready to welcome visitors from around the globe amid a surge in interest in South Korean culture and tourism. Korea House, located within the historic Villa Necchi Campiglio, is being managed by the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC) and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. This initiative will run until the conclusion of the Winter Games on February 22. According to Yonhap News Agency, the opening ceremony on Thursday witnessed the presence of KSOC President Ryu Seung-min, Sports Minister Chae Hwi-young, several International Olympic Committee (IOC) members, and representatives from various national Olympic committees. Kim Jae-youl, the recently elected South Korean IOC Executive Board member, was also in attendance. The event commenced with a fashion show featuring the traditional Korean dress hanbok, followed by a performance by the Milan-based Korean choir, setting the tone for the cultural exchange. Officials present at the event emphasized the significance of Korean culture and the role Korea House will play in promoting it. Ryu Seung-min, adorned in hanbok, expressed that Korea House is a space where dreams are built and visitors can experience the richness of Korean culture. He highlighted the global influence of Korea's culture, food, K-pop, and sports, and hoped that visitors would enjoy the Korea House and support Korean athletes. Sports Minister Chae Hwi-young shared his hope that Korea House would allow visitors to momentarily set aside competition and enjoy the connections created through sports. His sentiments were echoed by Kim Jae-youl, who delivered a message from IOC President Kirsty Coventry, appreciating South Korea's contributions to the Olympic Movement. Initially serving as an office for the KSOC, Korea House has transformed over the years into a center for promoting South Korean culture and sports diplomacy. The historic mansion will host official recepti ons, with its outdoor tennis court repurposed for cultural and tourism promotions. A lounge area for South Korean Olympians has been established in the basement. A special "Korea Day" is set for February 17, coinciding with Lunar New Year's Day, where visitors can experience Korean traditions and folk games. Open to the public from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, access to Korea House is available through advance online reservations or on-site registration.