Celebrating Heritage and Friendship: “Romanian Rhapsody” Exhibition in Seoul

FLip Korea
Jul 24
3 min read

Seoul, South Korea: July 21–25, 2025

To honor the International Day of the Romanian Blouse, the exhibition “Romanian Rhapsody: Celebrating the International Day of the Romanian Blouse” is taking place at Art Space Hoseo in Seoul.

35 years of diplomatic relations between Romania and the Republic of Korea. — FlipKorea CEO and the Ambassador of Romania in Seoul

This cultural event not only showcases Romania’s rich textile and folk traditions but also marks a significant diplomatic milestone: 35 years of diplomatic relations between Romania and the Republic of Korea.

Honoring Romanian Craftsmanship and Cultural Legacy

Organized by the Embassy of Romania in Korea, the exhibition was made possible with the support of the National Museum of the Romanian Peasant. Traditional costumes from various regions of Romania, along with handcrafted items such as veils (marame), towels (ștergare), ceramics, and masks, were on display—highlighting the depth and richness of Romania’s folk art.

Mr. Virgil Nițulescu, Director General of the National Museum of the Romanian Peasant, addressed the audience with insightful remarks about Romanian traditions, particularly the unique elements of crafting and embroidering the IA blouse. He emphasized the immense cultural value of Romania's heritage, highlighting that the "altiță", the ornamental shoulder embroidery specific to the Romanian blouse, has been officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Mr. Nițulescu also underlined the symbolic importance of this exhibition within the context of 35 years of Romania-Korea diplomatic relations.

Renowned Korean artist Min Tae-hong has been invited to participate in the exhibition, adding a meaningful layer of cross-cultural artistic exchange.

Artistic Exchanges and Cultural Workshops

The program included several standout contributions:

Sezătoare Korea, a Seoul-based community founded in 2022 dedicated to preserving and teaching Romanian embroidery traditions, was invited to give a speech. Represented by Tatiana Mardare and Lidia Bordea, members of the association, they conducted an interactive embroidery workshop where participants learned firsthand how to sew the traditional IA blouse. Their ongoing work can be followed on Instagram, where they regularly organize community events and sewing sessions.
The event also featured a mini-concert by Korean pan flute artist Jong Soo Jung, a former student of Romanian Maestro Gheorghe Zamfir. His performance of traditional Romanian music added a uniquely emotional and musical layer to the cross-cultural celebration.

A Celebration of Shared Appreciation

The opening reception was held on Monday, July 21, at 16:00, gathering artists, diplomats, and cultural enthusiasts alike in a vibrant celebration of tradition and unity.

The event was attended by around 90 guests, including ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps in Seoul, Romanian community members, and numerous Korean visitors. All expressed deep interest and admiration for Romanian art, costume traditions, and crafts, turning the exhibition into a vibrant platform for cultural diplomacy and artistic dialogue.

Adding to the warm and festive ambiance, a charming catering company prepared an exquisite selection of French cuisine, perfectly complemented by a carefully curated assortment of Romanian wines. The culinary offering became a delightful symbol of East-European and European friendship, served with elegance and hospitality.

Set against the backdrop of the 35th anniversary of Romanian-Korean diplomatic relations, the exhibition serves as a vivid reminder of the enduring friendship and growing cultural dialogue between the two countries.

A Testament to Friendship and Cultural Exchange

Held in the serene gallery of Art Space Hoseo, this exhibition showcased how art, tradition, and diplomacy can come together to build bridges of understanding and respect. “Romanian Rhapsody” stands as a glowing tribute not only to the artistry of the IA blouse, but also to the enduring friendship and growing cultural ties between Romania and Korea.

It stands not only as an artistic endeavor but also as a gesture of mutual respect and shared values between Romania and Korea.