"Grandpas Over Flowers" Fuels the "Taiwan Craze" Among Koreans  Secret: Taiwan, the Food Capital

▲ The Korean girl group Secret visits Taiwan for the first time at the invitation of the Korea Tourism Organization. (Photo / Reporter Chen Mingren)

Reported by Chen Ziying / Taipei

The "Korean Wave" continues to gain momentum in Taiwan. On the evening of the 13th, the Korea Tourism Organization is hosting the "Shalom~ Taiwan ! Best Friends Forever Concert" in Taiwan. After a two-year break, this tourism-friendly concert will present a diverse performance format this year, featuring the Korean boy group ZE:A (Children of Empire), the girl group Secret making their Taiwan debut, idol Bii (Bi Shu Jin), as well as the well-known performance groups JUMP and BIBAP Bibimbap Show. Following the airing of the Korean variety show "Grandpas Over Flowers" last July, a "Taiwan craze" emerged locally. Just from September onward, the number of Korean visitors to Taiwan increased by as much as 80%. Secret, visiting Taiwan for the first time, said, "In the eyes of Koreans, Taiwan is the capital of delicious street food. We really want to try the famous xiaolongbao, night markets, and street stalls."

Liu Zhenhao, Director of the Korea Tourism Organization’s Taipei Branch,stated that almost all group tours from Taiwan to Korea include a performance-viewing component, which is very popular. To reciprocate Taiwanese people's enthusiasm for Korean trends, they planned this comprehensive concert as a token of appreciation to Taiwanese travelers.

Liu Zhenhao also explained that in 2013, the number of Taiwanese tourists visiting Korea remained similar to 2012 due to limited flight capacity, reaching about 540,000 visitors. However, the number of Koreans visiting Taiwan saw significant growth. On April 8, 2014, the Korea Tourism Organization plans to open a large-scale exhibition and leisure space called "KOREA PLAZA," which will allow Taiwanese people to learn about and experience Korea. On July 5 and 6, a major Korean tourism exhibition will also be held at the Taipei World Trade Center. Liu Zhenhao expressed hope that the number of Taiwanese visitors to Korea will reach 600,000 in 2014.

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