Top 10 Countries Taiwanese Travel to Series / Classic Korean Cities at the Expo

Written / Reported and Compiled by Li Xinyi, MOOK Travel Life Network

The number of annual outbound trips by Taiwanese has been rising year by year, reaching as high as 9.5 million last year. Taking the 2011 statistics as an example, the most frequently visited Asian countries/regions by Taiwanese when traveling abroad were Mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. Both Mainland China and Hong Kong saw over two million visitors each, and despite the floods last year, the number of Taiwanese visiting Thailand still increased compared to 2010 and 2009, reaching 382,635 trips, ranking sixth in the overall TOP10.

Countries outside Asia included the United States in fifth place (404,848 trips), the Netherlands in seventh (85,238 trips), Canada in eighth (67,733 trips), Australia in ninth (54,889 trips), and the United Kingdom in tenth (36,376 trips). Among these popular destinations for Taiwanese, which have you been to? And what must-see spots are there? The 2012 Yeosu Expo has already kicked off last Saturday (May 12)—check out which other classic cities in South Korea are worth visiting right now!

1. Seoul

With the rise of the Korean Wave, Seoul has become a top shopping destination for many. You could easily spend a whole day in the Myeongdong area, where there are not only numerous affordable cosmetic shops with plenty of free samples, but also an overwhelming selection of fashion and accessory stores. Insadong, Apgujeong, and Ewha Womans University are also famous shopping districts in Seoul. Want to know what’s trending in Korea? A stroll around here will tell you everything.

2. Areas Around Seoul

Around Seoul, you’ll find Incheon Folklore & Ceramic Village, the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea in Panmunjom. There are also top Korean drama filming locations such as the MBC Dae Jang Geum Village and the exterior sets of Full House, all showcasing the beauty of Korea’s traditional and modern cultures.

3. Gyeongju

Dotted with historic relics and steeped in the beauty of Buddhist art, Gyeongju, this ancient city, is known as an “open-air museum without walls.” Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Every traveler who steps into this region is captivated by Gyeongju’s unique charm and willingly falls under the spell of its enchanting ancient atmosphere.

4. Busan

As South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan lies on the coast, and many of its famous attractions are located near the shoreline, such as Haeundae Beach, which boasts a 2-kilometer stretch of white sand. Taejongdae, located at the southern tip of Yeongdo Island, features a romantic seaside promenade with breathtaking views of dramatic cliffs.