The Pingtung County Government is actively enhancing the international tourism market. County Mayor Zhou Chun-mi led a tourism delegation to Mokpo City in South Jeolla Province, South Korea, to attend the 38th Taiwan-Korea Tourism Exchange Conference. During the conference, it was announced that the 2026 edition will be held in Pingtung, and Mayor Zhou promptly invited Korean friends to visit next year to experience the multifaceted charm of the region.

Greeting the Korean tourism partners, Mayor Zhou emphasized that Pingtung is a land cherished by the sun, uniquely located along the Pacific Ocean, the Strait of Pescadores, and the Taiwan Strait, which provides opportunities for surfing, snorkeling, and diving. Pingtung also showcases beautiful mountain scenery, including the magnificent Dawu Mountain over 3,000 meters high. Culturally, Pingtung blends indigenous, Minnan, Hakka, and new settler cultures into a unique landscape.

In recent years, Pingtung has received international recognition, being listed alongside Xiaoliuqiu as one of Taiwan's five hidden gems by National Geographic magazine. Additionally, South Korea's EBS television has extensively covered Pingtung's ecological tourism and cultural features, sincerely inviting everyone to experience swimming with sea turtles, enjoying the vast Pacific Ocean from Kenting National Park, or stepping into indigenous villages to feel the depth and authenticity of indigenous culture.

Beyond its natural beauty, Pingtung is an important production area for tropical fruits, particularly the well-known Pingtung Aiwen mango, known for its sweet and tangy flavor, which is highly favored by foreign travelers. Moreover, Donggang in Pingtung is the hometown of black tuna, with every part of the fish usable, including the belly used for top-grade sashimi, making it a paradise for food lovers.

For Korean travelers, Pingtung is not far away, with just a two-hour direct flight to Kaohsiung International Airport, followed by a thirty-minute bus ride. This journey is just the right length to allow visitors to slow down and prepare for a rejuvenating experience. Mayor Zhou hopes that this Taiwan-Korea Tourism Exchange Conference will open mutual hearts.

The Transportation and Tourism Department of the County Government noted that this conference is not only an annual event for tourism cooperation between the two countries but also an important platform for understanding each other's travel trends. The Pingtung tourism delegation will use Korean official data and feedback from industry executives to grasp Korean travelers' preferences and potential travel destinations in southern Taiwan, forming a basis for future product development and international marketing strategies.

It was also discovered in discussions that whether for domestic or international travelers, shortening travel time and improving booking systems are key to enhancing tourism competitiveness. The County Government has gradually provided online booking services for the hospitality industry. For example, foreign visitors traveling to Kenting from Xiaogang Airport can take the direct airport shuttle line 9117B straight to Kenting, while the government is actively upgrading facilities at major tourist sites. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the establishment of Hengchun, with a series of marketing activities launched to attract both domestic and international tourists to visit the southern border of Taiwan.

The Transportation and Tourism Department stated that during this trip, the County Government established closer ties with various local governments and tourism units in Korea, with plans for further deepening bilateral tourism exchange and mutual visits for product development. By positioning itself as a “Passionate Southern Land” brand, Pingtung aims to become the preferred destination for Korean free and in-depth travel experiences.

The County Government has also prepared a series of local specialty gifts, including chocolate gift boxes made from local cocoa beans, cutlery sets designed with indigenous motifs, and various small gifts representing Pingtung's lifestyle, conveying gratitude and an invitation to the Korean tourism industry. Citizens are encouraged to stay tuned for the latest tourism information from Pingtung, available through the “Pingtung Travel Website” (https://www.ipingtung.com/), and the “Pingtung GO” Facebook, Instagram, and Threads accounts.