The first of its kind in Taiwan!“KOREA PLAZA,” a Korean Experience Center, officially opens

▲ Taiwan’s first Korean cultural experience center “KOREA PLAZA” has officially opened!(Photo provided by the Korea Tourism Organization)

Reported by Chen Tzu-yin / Taipei

Taiwan’s first Korean cultural experience center, KOREA PLAZA (Korea Tourism & Cultural Experience Center), officially opened today (the 8th) in Taipei City.Earlier, a grand yet warm and lively event was held at the Dunhua South Road Plaza, featuring performances by a Korean performance troupe.

  
▲ The ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebratory performances were lively and bustling. (Photo by reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

KOREA PLAZA was designed and planned by the Korea Tourism Organization over a two-year period, aiming to provide Taiwanese travelers with a place to experience Korean culture even before arriving in Korea.The stone grandfather statue at the entrance reflects the impression of Jeju Island, the closest Korean destination to Taiwan, while traditional Korean lanterns symbolize welcome and blessings. Upon entering KOREA PLAZA, the left side features audiovisual displays of the Joseon Dynasty and Hangul, while the right side showcases a replica of a traditional Korean house.Liu Chin-ho, director of the Korea Tourism Organization’s Taipei branch, said: “KOREA PLAZA is designed with a traditional experience area on one side and a modern area on the other. Compared to other KOREA PLAZAs set up in other countries, Taiwan’s version feels more tangible and detailed — even the wood and roof tiles are carefully selected to closely resemble traditional materials, creating an overall high-quality atmosphere.”Visitors to KOREA PLAZA can also try on Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), play Korean drums, and see everyday Korean household items, getting closer to Korean folklore through interactive exhibits in the center.

 
▲ The Jeju stone grandfather, flown in from Korea and weighing 600 kilograms, symbolizes protection; the Korea Tourism Organization also offers character meet-and-greet activities. (Photo by reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

 
▲ A “Korean vibe” greets you as soon as you enter. (Photo by reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

 
%摹?褂写?澈??逖椤＃ㄍ迹?钦叱伦艘魃悖┘/strong>

Did you think Korea is only about kimchi, samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), and affordable barbecue? At KOREA PLAZA, you can also explore a diverse array of hyper-realistic Korean food displays that are sure to whet your appetite.Shin Pyeong-seop, head of the Overseas Marketing Division at the Korea Tourism Organization, stated that there are a total of 11 KOREA PLAZAs and KOREA CENTERS around the world. Statistics show that the Korean language, Korean food, K-POP, and dance music are the most popular.In the future, Taiwan’s KOREA PLAZA will also roll out a series of free experience courses on the Korean language, traditional culture, Korean food, K-POP, beauty, travel, movies, and more.


▲ The rich Korean food display area. (Photo by reporter Chen Tzu-yin)