In brief
The Italian Trade Agency’s new Seoul commissioner Raimondo Lucariello said Korean food could open doors to broader trade between South Korea and Italy, especially in the wine sector. He highlighted complementary strengths in luxury goods, fashion, food, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, and announced plans for more wine‑tasting classes tailored to South Korean drinkers. The agency also emphasizes its 100th anniversary and the role of the High Street Italia showroom in Seoul.
On Nov. 6, Raimondo Lucariello, the Italian Trade Agency’s (ITA) new Seoul commissioner, said Korean food could open doors to expanded trade between South Korea and Italy, especially in the wine sector.
Lucariello told Yonhap that Italian wine is "part of Italian culture" and that the agency plans to host more tasting classes aimed at South Korean drinkers, who he described as "great drinkers of soju."
He said he wants to broaden Italian exports into luxury goods, fashion, food and advanced manufacturing, while celebrating the agency’s 100th anniversary this year.
The commissioner highlighted the complementary strengths of the two countries. Italy exported US$6.66 billion of goods to South Korea in 2025, with the bulk coming from luxury goods, fashion, food and industrial machinery. South Korea, in turn, is a global leader in semiconductors, batteries and advanced manufacturing. "We can create new business opportunities by leveraging these complementary industrial strengths," Lucariello said.
He added that Italy can learn from South Korea’s success in promoting its cultural content overseas, citing the worldwide popularity of Korean movies and music. He also praised the Korean food scene, noting its global impact.
High Street Italia, the agency’s permanent Made in Italy showroom in southern Seoul, is a key part of the outreach. It is the only showroom of its kind operated by ITA worldwide, apart from a similar, smaller facility that opened in Taipei two months ago. Lucariello said the showroom is important because he had advocated for its creation while working in Italy.
"They are great drinkers of soju," Lucariello said to Yonhap.
He concluded that, in the long run, the agency aims to expand exports across all sectors, turning Korean food into a gateway for broader bilateral trade.
