That bond dates back to the Korean War, when Türkiye was one of the first nations to send troops to support South Korea under the United Nations flag. More than 15,000 Turkish soldiers fought in the conflict, and over 700 lost their lives. Their sacrifice laid the foundation for what many in South Korea still refer to as a “brotherhood” between the two nations, an emotional and historical connection that continues to shape diplomatic and cultural relations today.
Turkish Ambassador Salih Murat Tamer led the reopening ceremony alongside officials from Ankara Metropolitan Municipality and Yeongdeungpo District Mayor Choi Ho-kwon. The event followed a memorandum of understanding signed last June between the Turkish Embassy and the Yeongdeungpo District Office, paving the way for new renovations.
In his remarks, Ambassador Tamer spoke of the building’s deeper meaning. “Our bonds began since the Korean War in 1950 have now grown into a close friendship between our peoples over nations,” he said. “The Turkish House is a tangible symbol of that bond, a bridge for Turkish culture in the heart of Seoul, and a hope for our future.”
Since its original opening nearly 30 years ago, the Turkish House has served as a cultural outpost representing Türkiye’s connection to South Korea. Modeled after a traditional vineyard house, its interior features over 800 folk items donated by Türkiye, including hand-crafted tools, traditional garments, and rural household goods.
The site will now be used for exhibitions, performances, and educational programs, open to the public throughout the year.
“It was a great pleasure to have everyone at the reopening of the Turkish House, a place of friendship between Seoul and Ankara,” said Yeongdeungpo District Mayor Choi. “After a protocol signed with the Ambassador, we newly built crescent moon-shaped fountains around the house, like patterns in a Turkish flag.”
As the Turkish House resumes its role as a cultural hub, Ambassador Tamer said he hopes it will continue to deepen people-to-people ties and reflect the spirit of a friendship that began on the battlefield and continues through shared heritage.
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