The 2025 Taipei International Tourism Expo kicked off, with the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and the Gangwon Tourism Organization holding a tourism presentation on the 23rd, officially launching the "2025-2026 Gangwon Visit Year" promotion plan, highlighting their strong commitment to the Taiwanese tourism market.

Gangwon Province, known for filming locations like Nami Island from "Winter Sonata" and the autumn foliage of Seoraksan, has attracted over 50,000 Taiwanese tourists each year, particularly during the popular autumn and winter seasons. This presentation attracted more than 160 members from Taiwanese tourism associations and industry professionals, showing the high interest and growth potential of Gangwon in Taiwan's market.

The event featured three major components: the "Gangwon Media Forum," "B2B Networking," and the "Gangwon Tourism Presentation," covering media promotion and industry collaboration, while engaging in practical discussions with Taiwanese travel agencies. Gangwon Tourism Organization's representative, Choi Sung-hyun, introduced the four-season tourism resources in Gangwon, popular filming spots for Korean dramas and K-pop, and special wellness tours, emphasizing the province's diverse charm and competitive advantages as an international tourism hotspot.

In addition to its natural beauty, Gangwon is a hub of Hallyu (Korean Wave) culture, having been featured in classic Korean dramas such as "Winter Sonata," "Boys Over Flowers," and "Goblin." It has also served as the backdrop for global K-pop stars like BTS in their albums, music videos, and variety shows, making it a pilgrimage site for fans worldwide. Moreover, Nami Island's seasonal beauty, the serene atmosphere of Naksansa Temple, historical sites in Gangneung, and modern art spaces are also must-visit spots for Taiwanese travelers.

At the Gangwon tourism presentation, representatives from 15 cities and counties of Gangwon gathered to unveil new tourism highlights, including the “2025-2026 Gangwon Visit Year” thematic initiatives, new tourism resources combining marine sports and resort experiences, winter sports and snow festivals, Hallyu-themed tours centered on Korean drama and K-pop filming locations, and wellness-themed itineraries designed for the Asian market.

Choi Sung-hyun indicated that Taiwan is a crucial market for the popularity of Hallyu culture and Korean travel. This event serves as a launch point for the comprehensive marketing plan of the “2025-2026 Gangwon Visit Year.” Additionally, there will be ongoing efforts to develop tailored travel products that cater to Taiwanese preferences, providing more opportunities for visitors to experience Gangwon's unique seasonal beauty and deep charm. The Gangwon Tourism Organization emphasized that they will continue to deepen strategic cooperation with the Taiwanese market, attracting more Taiwanese tourists to Gangwon Province through diverse tourism resources, further promoting the mutual development of the tourism industries in both regions.