Filling the gap left by China’s travel ban on Korea, South Korea courts Taiwanese tourists for independent travel

▲ The Seoul Metropolitan Government, Gyeonggi Province, and Incheon City in South Korea will hold a joint tourism promotion event in Taiwan to welcome Taiwanese tourists for independent travel. (Photo / Provided by Kim Long)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Tensions between mainland China and South Korea have been escalating recently due to the THAAD dispute, with China taking strong measures to issue a “travel ban on Korea.” Many Chinese tourists have directly refused to visit South Korea, but a “Seoul without Chinese people” has thrilled Korean netizens. The Seoul Metropolitan Government, Gyeonggi Province, and Incheon City in South Korea are eager to attract Taiwanese tourists and will soon hold a joint promotional event, using highlights such as filming sites of the Korean drama “Goblin” and famous local snacks to promote independent travel to South Korea.

According to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, a source from the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization stated that to fill the gap left by Chinese tourists and diversify the tourism market, they decided to hold a promotional briefing targeting independent Taiwanese travelers, showcasing the Korean Wave hub—Gyeonggi, Incheon, and Seoul.

▲ The travel ban has significantly reduced the number of Chinese tourists visiting South Korea. (Photo / Screenshot from SBS)

For the first time, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, Incheon City Tourism Organization, and Seoul Tourism Marketing Corporation will join forces overseas. From the 24th to the 25th, they will hold the “2017 Gyeonggi, Incheon, Seoul Independent Travel Promotion Briefing” at the Taipei City Cultural and Creative Design Center.

At the promotional event, hosts of Taiwan’s popular travel variety show “Foodie Tour” will introduce major tourist attractions in the Seoul metropolitan area—including filming locations of the hit Korean drama “Goblin”—to local travel agency staff and 300 international independent travelers. Information about famous local snacks, public transportation, and other details will be provided, along with discount activities for popular attractions such as Everland and Korean Folk Village.

The event will also include a lottery, giving away free independent travel vouchers for Gyeonggi, Incheon, and Seoul to strongly attract Taiwanese tourists to visit.