According to 2018 statistics by the Tourism Bureau of Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Korea is the 4th largest source of inbound tourism for Taiwan, and the number of inbound tourists from Korea is exhibiting an increasing trend. Over the last 5 years, the number of Korean tourists in Taiwan rose from 527,684 in 2014 to 1,019,441 in 2018, demonstrating a staggering growth rate of 93.19%.
To attract more free independent travelers (FIT) from Korea to come to Taiwan, the Department of Information and Tourism (TPEDOIT) traveled to the Korea International Exhibition & Convention Center to attend the Hana Tour International Travel Show. The Undiscovered Taipei handbook targeting Korean tourists offers recommendations on essential cultural venues in Taipei, as well as not-to-be-missed gourmet delicacies and souvenirs. The handbook also incorporates promotional packages from various stores in Taipei that are valid from now until December 30 for Korean tourists visiting Taiwan.
TPEDOIT invites Korean tourists to explore Undiscovered Taipei, and at the top of the recommended list are the 5 major cultural venues for Taipei urbanites, namely (from north to south) Beitou hot spring, northern city corridor, Dadaocheng, Bangka (Wanhua), and southern city NTU. In Beitou, the visitors can catch a glimpse of the active volcanic terrain and enjoy natural hot springs; they should also not miss the verdant Taipei Public Library (Beitou), which is the first green library in the country. The cultural venue of the northern city corridor allows tourists to take a stroll from MRT Zhongshan Station to Shuanglian Station; along the way, they can pop into nearby department stores, and cultural & creative shops nestled within the small lanes and alleyways, as well as the Eslite Underground Book Street to appreciate its literary ambiance. At the historic street blocks of Dadaocheng, the revitalization of historic monuments and old buildings has culminated in numerous unique cultural & creative stores and cafes, awaiting visitors’ discovery.
Furthermore, the TPEDOIT has collaborated with China Airlines to unveil the FIT promotional package, with prices starting as low as KRW 338,300 (tax inclusive, approximately NT$9,740) for a 3D2N itinerary. The first 200 Korean tourists to purchase the product will also receive 4 major bonus gifts: a roundtrip ticket for AMRT ride between Taoyuan International Airport and Taipei Main Station; a 48-hr Taipei Metro Pass for the Greater Taipei region, allowing them to reach downtown Taipei via MRT immediately after disembarking the plane; a buy-one-get-one-free offer for the double-decker Taipei Sightseeing Bus, allowing Korean tourists to appreciate the different appearances of Taipei City from an elevated perspective (The Taipei Sightseeing Bus offers guided tour service in Korean so that first-time visitors will be able to gain a preliminary understanding of Taipei City within a short period of time); and a 15% discount vouchers for Sweet Nougat – a co-branded product from the TPEDOIT’s Undiscovered Taipei and Taipei enterprise Cherry Grandfather. All these bonus giveaways will be handed out to surprise the early birds!
The Taipei exhibition activity aims to attract the attention of Korean tourists with fun, interesting booths. By checking in at the Taipei exhibition booth or participating in interactive games, visitors will receive unique Taipei City souvenirs, cultural & creative trinkets, and exclusive Taipei City Mascot Bravo memorabilia, etc. Korean travelers keen to visit Taipei should seize the opportunity to snatch fantastic deals at the tourism exhibition, so come on down to the Taipei exhibition booth to partake in the interactive activities and take home great prizes!