Korean low-cost carrier T’way Air’s maiden flight to Taichung draws a crowd of Korean tourists at ChingChuanKang Airport

Director Chen Sheng-shan of the Tourism Bureau places a flower wreath on the first passenger to disembark from T’way Air’s inaugural flight to Taichung (Photo by Chen Shih-chung)

Korean low-cost carrier “T’way Air” landed at Taichung International Airport in the evening of the 15th with nearly 200 passengers on its maiden flight to the city. Chen Sheng-shan, Director of Taichung City Government’s Tourism Bureau, representing Mayor Lin Chia-lung, personally went to the airport to welcome the first Korean low-cost airline and presented souvenirs to greet the inaugural travelers. Chen Sheng-shan said he hopes to expand the Korean tourist market through the “arrive via central Taiwan, depart via central Taiwan” travel model, establishing Taichung International Airport as Taiwan’s hub for low-cost carriers.

Chen Sheng-shan stated that in response to the 2018 Taichung World Flora Exposition, the city government has been actively expanding routes for “arrive via central Taiwan, depart via central Taiwan.” Three months ago, a delegation was specifically sent to visit two Korean low-cost carriers, T’way Air and Jin Air. During the meeting with T’way Air President Chung Hong-geun, the president immediately promised to launch regular charter flights to Taichung by the end of this year. Subsequently, efforts were also made to coordinate direct flight arrangements. It was delightful to see 200 Korean tourists flying directly to Taichung, opening up new opportunities for mutual tourism between the two regions.

The city’s Tourism Bureau specially prepared Taichung-themed souvenirs, pastries, the Central Taiwan Fun Card, and travel brochures to distribute to each of the first-flight Korean passengers. They were also warmly welcomed by a grand reception team that included Zhang Rui-shu, Director of Taichung Airport, Choi Ka-tung, General Manager of T’way Air Taiwan, and Chen Jui-lun, General Manager of Shin Lian Hang Travel Agency. The Korean tourists were amazed, exclaiming, “Taichung is so warm and welcoming!”

Choi Ka-tung, General Manager of T’way Air Taiwan, said that starting December 15th, the airline will operate direct flights from Incheon International Airport in South Korea to Taichung every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Taichung and central Taiwan boast abundant tourism resources, numerous emerging attractions, and great charm, showing great potential in the central Taiwan tourism market. In the future, the company aims to establish daily flights and sees promising prospects for the Taichung–Seoul route.

The Transportation Bureau stated that to accommodate the transportation needs of low-cost carrier travelers and independent tourists, Korean visitors can make free reservations via the T’way Air Facebook fan page and enjoy complimentary rides on the A1 sightseeing bus upon arrival in Taichung to visit attractions such as the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and Taichung Park. A Korean couple who took the flight expressed surprise, saying, “The transportation transfer at Taichung Airport is so comfortable and convenient!”