Tampere KSI brings Korean culture to Viterbo

Tampere KSI is taking flight toward Italy. Our destination is Viterbo, a jewel of medieval history nestled in the heart of central Italy, where a new King Sejong Institute is beginning to take shape. With it comes a bridge between two cultures that are far apart in geography, yet surprisingly close in spirit.

This initiative was born from a shared vision between myself (Beatrice Ylitalo, Partnership Lead at Tampere KSI), Taewon Kim (Executive director of Tampere KSI), and Kim Youngok (Chair of the IWK). Together, on April 13th, 14th and 15th, we set foot in Viterbo with one clear goal to turn an idea into something real, tangible and lasting.

At the University of Tuscia, we were welcomed by Professor Victoria Almonte, lecturer in Chinese language and cultures at the DISTU. Her international vision and warmth immediately set the tone for everything that followed. The University opened its historic premises to us, and what began as a professional meeting quickly grew into something far more meaningful—a bond built on mutual respect and a shared belief in the transformative power of cultural exchange.

The future home of the Viterbo KSI will be the DISTU, the Department of Languages and International Cultures. This is one of the University of Tuscia's most storied locations, with buildings dating as far back as the 12th century. This is not just a venue. It is a living piece of history, a place where centuries of knowledge and human encounter have left their mark on every stone. In the spirit of that openness, the KSI will not be limited to university students. It will be open to everyone, welcoming anyone from the wider community who wishes to explore Korean language, culture, and the connections that bring our world closer together.

The highlight of our visit was an official meeting with Mayor Chiara Frontini, whose vision for Viterbo immediately resonated with ours. Mayor Frontini opened doors we had not even imagined. Beyond the academic and cultural collaboration that a KSI naturally fosters (Korean language, culture, and the arts), she enthusiastically embraced the idea of strengthening tourism ties between Viterbo and Korea, creating new pathways for international exchange that could benefit both communities for years to come.

Those three days felt like the most natural thing in the world. Korean culture found its way into the conversations, the meals, and the moments shared between us, not as a formal presentation, but simply as part of who we are. And Viterbo revealed itself to us with the same ease. The Palazzo dei Papi, the ancient thermal baths, and the medieval streets all seem to hold centuries of memory in their stones.

Somewhere along the way, we realised that despite everything that separates Italy and Korea (language, tradition, and history), the two cultures share something fundamental. Both have a relationship with the past. Both possess a sense of community. Both take pride in what has been handed down. And that, more than any formal agreement, is what this project is built on.

Supporting this vision from Korea, Wonkwang University has shown remarkable generosity and commitment, lending its institutional weight to help bring this centre to life. From Tampere, we continue to work actively every day to ensure this project unfolds in the best possible way.

At Tampere KSI, we believe that every person we meet is a richness. Every collaboration is an opportunity. And every culture we encounter teaches us something new about ourselves.

Viterbo has already taught us a great deal, and we are just getting started. The road ahead is still being paved, but the foundations are solid, the partnerships are real, and our enthusiasm has never been greater. We look forward to sharing every step of this journey with you.