Hey girls and guys! The world’s largest Korean culture and tourism expo—K-wave, bibimbap tasting, and Korean traditional costume try-ons!

Reported by Chen Tzu-yin / Taipei

Experience authentic Korean culture without flying to Korea! This weekend, the largest “Korea Culture & Tourism Expo” ever will be held at Taipei World Trade Center Hall 3. With free admission, fans of Korean culture in Taiwan are highly anticipating it. On the 2nd (today), the event organizer, the Korea Tourism Organization, also held a press conference at KOREA PLAZA to give the public an early look at the highlights and exciting activities of the “Korea Culture & Tourism Expo.”


▲ The world’s largest “Korea Culture & Tourism Expo” will be held this weekend at Taipei World Trade Center Hall 3, with free “experience” activities for food, fun, and entertainment. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

The “Korea Culture & Tourism Expo” is unlike your typical exhibition. Liu Chen-hao, Director of the Korea Tourism Organization Taipei Office, said that to thank Taiwanese travelers for their love of Korea—whether it’s for tourism, traditional culture, or pop entertainment—this exhibition has been organized. It’s not only a way to give back to Taiwanese visitors but also to offer those who aren’t yet familiar with Korea a chance to truly experience its culture. Therefore, the overall theme of the exhibition is “experiential,” featuring everything from traditional clothing and food to music, theater, cosmetics, aesthetic treatments, and bridal services. A wide variety of interactive activities with a Korean flair will take place this weekend. This edition is the largest overseas comprehensive expo ever hosted by the Korea Tourism Organization, with the most exhibitors and booths to date—85 exhibitors and 124 booths in total, offering visitors an overwhelming array of experiences.


▲ A variety of interactive zones featuring traditional clothing, food, music, theater, cosmetics, aesthetic treatments, and bridal services let travelers experience Korea without leaving home. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

Liu Chen-hao further explained that the Korean government and the Korea Tourism Organization place great importance on the Taiwanese market. This year, the number of travelers between Taiwan and Korea has increased significantly, with expectations to surpass 1 million visitors by the end of the year—possibly even reaching 1.1 million. Last year, thanks to the popularity of the Korean variety show “Grandpas Over Flowers,” the number of Koreans visiting Taiwan rose by 80%, while the number of Taiwanese visiting Korea increased by 20%.

In addition to the exhibitor booths, the Korea Tourism Organization has specially invited Korean celebrities to attend, including Shin Hye-sung, the main vocalist of the idol group “Shinhwa,” the girl group Dal Shabet, and ULAULA SESSION. On July 5th and 6th, the first 200 visitors each day will receive a beautifully crafted traditional Korean fan, and there will also be chances to win grand prizes such as round-trip flights between Taipei and Seoul and hotel stays.