To enhance the visibility of Central Taiwan in the South Korean travel market and capitalize on the growing Korean wave trend among Taiwanese, the Taichung City Government’s Tourism and Travel Bureau has partnered with the Nantou County Government’s Tourism Bureau and Korean Air to host a familiarization tour. This tour welcomed representatives from nine prominent South Korean travel agencies, including Hanatour and Modetour. Despite Typhoon Danas making landfall, the delegation arrived in Taichung yesterday (July 7) to begin a four-day, three-night itinerary. Braving the wind and rain, the South Korean travel professionals personally experienced the attractions of Central Taiwan, demonstrating their strong commitment to developing travel packages for the region. This effort aims to strengthen inbound tourism from South Korea and further boost the tourism industry in Central Taiwan.
Director Chen Mei-xiu of the Tourism and Travel Bureau noted that regular flights between Taichung and Incheon, South Korea, are currently operated by Korean Air with seven flights weekly, and T’way Air, which also offers daily service—totaling 14 direct flights per week from Taichung International Airport to Incheon, making travel more convenient. Additionally, T’way Air will launch a new charter flight to Daegu on July 13, and Tigerair Taiwan commenced its Taichung–Jeju route on July 1, with two flights weekly. With these expanded air connections, South Korea has become one of the key international markets for promoting tourism in Taichung.
The Tourism and Travel Bureau has actively introduced promotional incentives. From now until December 31, travelers presenting a Korean Air boarding pass can enjoy exclusive offers at 18 select local specialty stores across Taichung—an initiative that has received an enthusiastic response from the public. This latest familiarization tour, organized in collaboration with Korean Air, not only deepens bilateral tourism industry exchanges but also demonstrates the city government’s strong commitment to expanding its presence in the Korean travel market. Despite unfavorable weather, the Korean delegation arrived today and was warmly received by the Tourism and Travel Bureau alongside local tourism partners, including Freshfields and Goldmine 928 Massage Center, reflecting the high value placed on mutual tourism markets and laying a solid foundation for future cooperation.
According to the Tourism and Travel Bureau, the Korean familiarization tour included visits to several of Taichung’s iconic attractions, such as the Rainbow Village, Gaomei Wetlands, Fengjia Night Market, and Jukuiju Mansion in Tun District. Participants also had the opportunity to sample local specialties, including Yakiniku at the renowned Umai restaurant and taro noodles from Noodles Origin, the first of its kind in Taiwan. In collaboration with Howard Prince Hotel Taichung, the tour further highlighted local hospitality offerings. A notable feature of the itinerary was a visit led by Korean influencer Yoon Doi (윤도이) to a selection of tourism businesses in Taichung that have earned the GTS (Green Travel Seal), including Master A-Tsung Taro Culture Museum, Okuma Center, Taiwan Miso Cultural Museum, and the Cycling Culture Museum.
The Master A-Tsung Taro Culture Museum has long collaborated with local small-scale farmers to process taro into specialty agricultural products while promoting food and agricultural education. Okuma Center, Asia’s first fishing tackle tourism factory, advocates for marine education and ocean conservation. The Taiwan Miso Cultural Museum utilizes locally sourced organic and sustainably farmed crops to produce its products, as well as offering sensory-based hands-on workshops. Meanwhile, the Cycling Culture Museum is the world’s first museum to promote cycling culture through interactive technology and craftsmanship aesthetics. It has also partnered with Taichung to develop a bicycle-friendly city. The Tourism and Travel Bureau is actively connecting these green attractions to gradually build a foundation for sustainable tourism development. The bureau warmly invites Korean travelers to visit Taichung through a multi-sensory experience and to support sustainable tourism through their travels.
The Tourism and Travel Bureau added that those interested in learning more about this emotionally engaging and sustainable familiarization tour can visit the bureau’s YouTube channel (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4H8YwKF6YVk) to watch the video “This is How You Travel Sustainably! Unveiling Taichung’s Green Travel Routes with Korean KOL Yoon Doi.” The video offers a firsthand look at Taichung’s GTS-certified sustainable experiences—from dining and accommodations to sightseeing, shopping, and transportation—all from the unique perspective of a Korean traveler, while also highlighting the appeal of bicycle tourism in the city.
In recent years, the Tourism and Travel Bureau has actively promoted sustainable tourism by integrating innovative digital tools, including the launch of the “Bicycle Travel” mobile app. This app combines navigation, recommended cycling routes, and local business promotions, while incorporating a carbon point system that allows riders to redeem rewards at over 100 participating local shops. The initiative aims to enhance tourist engagement and boost tourism consumption in the local areas. For more information on related activities, please follow Taichung’s Tourism and Travel Bureau’s Facebook page or visit its official website (https://travel.taichung.gov.tw/).