Korean low-cost airline T'way Air makes inaugural flight to Taichung, drawing a wave of Korean tourists to ChingChuanKang Airport

Director Chen Sheng-shan of the Tourism Bureau places a flower wreath on the first passenger arriving in Taichung on T'way Air’s maiden flight. (Photo by Chen Shih-chung)

Provided by the Transportation Bureau: Upon arrival in Taichung, visitors can enjoy free direct rides on Bus A1 to explore city attractions such as the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and Taichung Park. (Photo by Chen Shih-chung)

Korean low-cost carrier “T'way Air” carried nearly 200 passengers on its inaugural flight to Taichung, arriving at Taichung International Airport in the evening. Chen Sheng-shan, Director of Taichung City Government’s Tourism and Travel Bureau, represented Mayor Lin Chia-lung to personally welcome the first Korean low-cost flight at the airport and presented souvenirs to greet the tourists. Chen Sheng-shan said he hopes to expand the Korean tourist market through an “inbound–outbound via Taichung” travel model and establish Taichung International Airport as Taiwan’s hub for low-cost carriers.

Chen Sheng-shan stated that in preparation for the 2018 Taichung World Flora Exposition, the municipal government has been actively expanding inbound–outbound flight routes. Three months ago, a delegation was specifically sent to visit T'way Air and Jin Air, two Korean low-cost carriers. During the meeting with T'way Air President Chung Hong-geun, the president immediately expressed willingness to launch scheduled flights to Taichung by the end of this year. Subsequent efforts were made to coordinate direct flight arrangements, and the arrival of 200 Korean tourists flying directly to Taichung is seen as opening up new opportunities for mutual tourism between the two regions.

The city’s Tourism and Travel Bureau specially prepared Taichung-themed souvenirs, pastries, the Central Taiwan Fun Pass, and travel brochures to distribute to each Korean passenger on the inaugural flight. They were also warmly welcomed by a grand reception team including 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 15, the airline will operate direct flights from Incheon International Airport in Korea to Taichung every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. He noted that Taichung and Central Taiwan boast abundant tourism resources, numerous emerging attractions, and great charm, expressing strong confidence in the tourism potential of Central Taiwan. The company aims to eventually offer daily flights, and the Taipei–Seoul route holds promising prospects.

The Transportation Bureau stated that to meet the transportation needs of low-cost carrier travelers, Korean visitors can make a reservation via the T'way Air Facebook fan page message link. Upon entering Taichung, they can enjoy free direct rides on Bus A1 to visit attractions such as the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and Taichung Park. A Korean couple who took the flight remarked in surprise, “The transportation transfer at Taichung Airport is so comfortable and convenient.”