Villa Necchi Transforms into Korea House Hub (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Milan – The 2026 Winter Olympics unfolded against a backdrop of global festivities as Lunar New Year, known as Seollal in Korea, injected fresh energy into the host city.[1]
Villa Necchi Transforms into Korea House Hub
A 1930s villa turned museum became the epicenter of Seollal observances during the games. Villa Necchi, with its lush grounds and marble bathrooms, hosted the Korea House run by South Korea’s National Olympic Committee. The property boasts an impressive art collection, including works by Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse displayed in a climate-controlled bathroom. It features Milan’s first private swimming pool and has starred in films like I Am Love and House of Gucci.[1]
A former tennis court, now an airy greenhouse-like space, served as the main venue. Crowds lined the street before the 1:30 p.m. start. Vendor tables lined the area, offering Korean ramen, beauty products, and fragrances under Italian and South Korean flags. The setup captured the Olympic ethos of international unity.[1]
Performances Blend Tradition and Pop Culture
The stage came alive with a mix of Korean heritage and modern flair. Traditional pansori, a genre of musical storytelling, drew attentive audiences. A romantic folk song evolved into the Italian classic “Volare,” bridging cultures seamlessly. A sassy trio delivered choreography to “Golden” from K-Pop Demon Hunters.[1]
Interactive elements kept the energy high. Visitors joined a hacky-sack-like game and exchanged New Year greetings with neighbors. The crowd, diverse in backgrounds and languages, clapped along and captured moments on their phones. Korea’s ambassador to Italy delivered speeches, underscoring the festive mood.[1]
Serendipitous Tours and Tasty Traditions
Navigating the villa led to unexpected adventures. A search for a bathroom turned into a personal guided tour by a museum volunteer, revealing more of the art on display. Downstairs areas invited guests to try on Team Korea uniforms, play games, and pose for photos. The atmosphere fostered camaraderie among strangers, free of competition.[1]
Food stalls hinted at authentic flavors, though traditional rice cake soup proved elusive amid the bustle. These side quests highlighted how Olympics hospitality houses serve as cultural anchors. Nations rent historic venues or pubs for fans and events, often requiring reservations far in advance.[1]
Beyond Korea House: Quirky Olympic Detours
Cultural explorations extended further. A Scandinavian gummy candy store offered a whimsical pause, complete with a snoozing dog named Margo dreaming of marshmallows. Such spots provided lighthearted respites from arena intensity. Meanwhile, figure skating venues looped anthems like “I Follow Rivers” by Lykke Li and “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas, even featuring the Olympic mascot Tina jumping along.[1]
These experiences underscored the games’ broader appeal. Visitors mingled without judgment, embracing shared joy on a holiday centered on family and renewal.
Key Takeaways from Seollal at the Olympics:
- Villa Necchi’s Korea House blended historic elegance with festive vendors and performances.
- Traditions like pansori met pop hits, drawing diverse crowds for interactive fun.
- Hospitality houses amplified cultural exchange, turning Milan into a global village.
The fusion of Seollal with Olympic excitement reminded all that sports thrive alongside cultural bonds. What cultural moments have you encountered at major events? Share in the comments.
