Korean Pavilion at Expo 2015 Milano : Bringing you the true Korea!

When you mention the Word Expo, people immediately reminisce back to the recent 2012 Yeosu Expo, the 2010 Shanghai Expo, and a few people may even remember further back to the 1993 Expo hosted by Daejeon. The Yeosu and Daejeon expositions were not regular exhibitions, but rather “recognized exhibitions” held for specially-themed occasions in order to share their vision to an international audience. However, this year’s anticipatory event in Milan is an official expo that will be continued for over a six-month period and will welcome over 20 million visitors from all over the globe.

Mockup design for Korean Pavilion at 2015 Milano Expo: aerial view (left)

The Korean pavilion

Korea’s pavilion will be constructed with an architectural theme based on the shape of a Moon jar, a traditional pottery vessel that takes the shape of a full moon. In the past, pottery in Korea was transformed from simple ceramic grain bowls into beautiful celadons and porcelain vessels. These traditional containers represent the Republic of Korea’s theme for Expo Milano 2015.

Interestingly, the main artifacts that will be on display here are identical to the items shown at the Chicago Exposition in 1893, at which Korea was entered for the first time as an official state member. Through observing the diverse objects on display and taking advantage of the variety of experiential programs offered, visitors to the Korean Pavilion are guaranteed to be entertained and enlightened. The organizing committee is now in full swing for preparing this fun and eye-opening pavilion!

Mockup design for Korean Pavilion at 2015 Milano Expo: front view (right)

The major theme for the Korean Pavilion is set as “Hansik’s Alternative for the Future: You Are What You Eat.” At Expo Milano 2015, Korea will provide an arena for dialogue on the future of providing economically sustainable food for humanity.

If Moon jars are a projection of Korean architecture, then this exhibit’s display will show the characteristic Korean system of fermenting and preserving food using this traditional form of pottery. The large display of pottery in the exhibit rooms will let people see, taste, and touch the process of food fermentation, and situated above the more than 360 pottery pieces packed into the rooms will be screens displaying stunning media art. Visitors can discover the what, how, and how much of traditional Korean food culture, as well as ponder the future of the Earth’s food supply and how Korean food will play a big part in it.

Photo: Onggi, the major theme object of Korean pavilion (left) / Moon Jar Pottery (right)
(courtesy of the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea)

The first floor is comprised of a Korean restaurant where visitors can experience firsthand the traditions that they’ve discovered through the exhibits. With Korea’s jang system of fermenting food set as the theme, the menu will have various representative Korean foods, including bibimbap, jongatjip (meaning “eldest son’s family”) food, sachal (meaning “temple”) food, gungjung (meaning “royal”) food. The venue also will hold various events like inviting famous Korean chefs to prepare food for Korean food parties, and the venue is even planning to take steps to globalize Korean food by spreading it throughout the city of Milan. The Cultural Souvenir Store next to the restaurant carries Korean food-related products, ornamental Korean products, as well as traditional crafts and food products made from Korean ingredients.

Floor plan of Korea Pavilion.

Media façade using onggi (Korean traditional earthenware)

Prospective plan of Rotunda designs.

 Korean restaurant located on the ground floor.

Hansik: Enticing the taste buds of everyone!

The Korean Pavilion, taking up a site area of 3,990 square meters, is expected to play a significant role in introducing diverse culinary practices and providing solutions for future alternative food sources. This is 9th largest exhibition venue among 140 other participating countries, meaning Korea will be a core member that not only shares the country’s cultural traditions, but also unveils Korean secrets for a healthier and safer gastronomic culture, one that is rooted deep in the nation.

In addition, this event will allow for the exploration of ways to further enhance their relevance in both the present and the future of human society, utilizing highly advanced science and technology in the fields of food, environment, and human physiology.

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