Participants of the “Milano-Cortina Meet the World,” an event promoting the 2026 Winter Olympics, pose for photos at High Street Italia in Seoul on June 25, 2025. From left, host Alberto Mondi, former figure skater Kim Yu-na, Milano-Cortina organizing committee CEO Andrea Varnier, South Korean para Nordic skier Kim Yun-ji and Italian Ambassador to South Korea Emilia Gatto. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, June 25 (Korea Bizwire) — Italian officials extolled the virtues of the 2026 Winter Olympics during a promotional stop in Seoul on Wednesday, saying South Korean athletes and fans alike will enjoy their experience against the scenic backdrop of the European country.
The organizing committee for the 2026 Winter Games, with Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo serving as the co-hosts, held the “Milano Cortina 2026 Meets the World” event at High Street Italia, the Italian cultural and business promotion center in southern Seoul. Andrea Varnier, CEO of the committee, was joined by Emilia Gatto, the Italian ambassador to South Korea, and the 2010 Olympic figure skating champion from South Korea, Kim Yu-na.
“Korea is one of the few places where we decided to have the ‘Meet the World,’” Varnier said. “Your history of organizing Summer and Winter Games (in 1988 and 2018, respectively) is unique. In 2018, you hosted a great edition of the Games and we’ve learned a lot from your edition to put some of that insight into our organization.”
Varnier said venues for the Olympics will be spread across the country, which will allow spectators to enjoy the diverse cultures of Italy.
Gatto, speaking in both English and Korean, said the Italian foreign ministry has been focused on sport diplomacy in recent years, with an understanding that an Olympic Games is more than just a sporting event.
“It’s an event that celebrates universal values,” she said.
To that end, Kim, who also won a silver medal at her second and final Olympics in 2014, said athletes should try to see their Olympics as more than just a stage for competition.
“When I was still skating, I could only think of my own performances. But looking back on my experience, I can see that Olympic Games are more than just about sports. They can help people write a story of their lives,” Kim said. “Aside from their competition, I think athletes should experience and enjoy different cultures and develop respect for each other. It’s an opportunity for athletes from around the world to become one.”
(Yonhap)
