Adorable A-Heo Lands in Seoul's Hongdae, Pingtung Seeks More Korean Visitors

Pingtung County sent its popular tourism mascot A-Heo to Seoul as it seeks to attract more independent Korean travelers to southern Taiwan.

At a flash event in the busy Hongdae district, the three-meter mascot quickly drew young Koreans and tourists who stopped to take photographs. Organizers distributed Pingtung-themed creative products and offered visitors a chance to win round-trip tickets between Korea and Kaohsiung.

The county chose Hongdae because many Korean visitors to Taiwan travel independently and the district attracts young trend-conscious crowds. The event also displayed itineraries created by Korean influencers and handed out illustrated transport guides showing how to reach Pingtung from the airport and Kaohsiung.

Food formed another part of the campaign. Visitors received free mango and honey-lemon smoothies, along with mango ice pops made from sweet Irwin mangoes from Fangshan. Tourism officials promoted Pingtung as a destination for restorative travel, pointing to its 137-kilometer coastline, Mount Beidawu, seafood from Donggang and the county's warm southern climate.

The campaign also featured mascot characters based on the Hengchun Peninsula. Through photo installations, travel information and food, county officials hope to make Pingtung a leading choice for Korean visitors traveling independently in Taiwan.