Morning begins in Myeongdong. The streets are only beginning to stir as travelers make their way toward Gimpo Airport. Before Taiwan appears on the horizon, the journey has already begun—with warm soup dumplings, familiar aromas, and the quiet anticipation of crossing the sea.
Across the Sea: A Curated Journey from Seoul to Taipei
For more than half a century, Seoul and Taipei have shared more than a flight path. Since becoming sister cities in 1968, the two capitals have remained connected through culture, cuisine, and the quiet rhythm of travelers crossing the East China Sea.
Some journeys begin before boarding a plane.
Long before boarding, the journey quietly begins in Seoul. In Seoul’s Myeongdong, the world-renowned Din Tai Fung (large abundant pot, 鼎泰豐) offers an authentic taste of Taiwan—a fitting first stop before stepping aboard a flight. It is a gentle reminder that some journeys begin long before the airport, unfolding first through familiar flavors, shared traditions, and simple curiosity.
1. Logistics: The Seamless Transition
Navigating between these two metropolises requires minimal friction if prepared correctly.
Crossing the East China Sea
Flights from Seoul (Gimpo airport:GMP) to Taipei typically take 2 hours 30 minutes, with round-trip tickets ranging from 175 USD to 290.
Travel Tip: Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) offer the widest range of international flights. However, travelers staying in central Seoul may find the Gimpo(GMP)–Songshan(TSA) route a more convenient option, thanks to its easy access to both city centers.
Entry Requirements:
- K-ETA (South Korea): Travelers should apply at least 72 hours (3 days) before departure; however, applying 2–4 weeks in advance is recommended to mitigate any system delays. Once approved, it is valid for three years of multiple entries.
👉 https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/newapply/index.do?locale=EN - K-ETA Exemptions: Citizens of several countries—including the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia—are temporarily exempt from K-ETA until December 31, 2026, and may enter with just their passport.
- TWAC (Taiwan Online Arrival Card): This is not a visa, but an online pre-arrival registration. It should be submitted 24 to 72 hours before your flight to Taiwan to ensure flight and accommodation details are accurate. The process usually takes only a few minutes.
👉 https://twac.immigration.gov.tw/
Essential Travel Tip: Always carry proof of onward travel (your return ticket). Both Korean and Taiwanese immigration officers may require proof that you intend to leave the country.
2. Curated Itineraries: Three Ways to Experience Taipei
I. The Classic Day Trip: “Yeh-Shih-Jin-Ji”
For those seeking nature and tradition outside the city, this is a comprehensive day trip.
- The Route: Yehliu Geopark (unique rock formations) → Shifen (sky lantern release and waterfall) → Jinguashi (historic gold mining village) → Jiufen (the lantern-lit street that inspired Spirited Away).
- Recommendation: Book a private “English-speaking driver” taxi tour via platforms like KKday for a comfortable, stress-free experience.
II. The City Soul: History & Nightlife
Perfect for a balanced day of culture and modern architecture within the city.
- The Route: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (witness the changing of the guard) → Yongkang Street (for beef noodle soup and mango shaved ice) → Longshan Temple (best visited at dusk for the atmospheric lighting) → Taipei 101 Observatory (for panoramic views).
III. The Romantic Sunset: Tamsui
For a more laid-back, scenic experience.
- The Route: Fort San Domingo → Aletheia University → Waterfront/Fisherman’s Wharf (sunset and ferry ride) → Shilin Night Market (for late-night exploration).
3. Practicalities: Navigating the Local Life
Travel Well, Spend Wisely (Per Day, Per Person)
| Style | Daily Budget (TWD) | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | 1,300 – 1,600 | Local beef noodles, street food, free sightseeing. |
| Standard | 2,000 – 2,500 | One upscale meal, cafe hopping, major attractions. |
| Leisure | 3,200+ | Fine dining, craft cocktails, souvenirs. |
Important Local Nuances
- The “No Food” Rule: The Taipei MRT (subway) strictly prohibits any food or drink, including gum or water. Consumption is forbidden from the moment you cross the yellow line at the ticket gate. Penalties can reach up to 7,500 TWD.
- Tipping Culture: Tipping is not expected in Taiwan. Most restaurants include a 10% service charge in the final bill.
- The Receipt Lottery: Keep your transaction receipts! They serve as a government-run lottery ticket with eight-digit numbers. Check them online to see if you’ve won.
- Cash Still Matters: While many places are modern, many night markets and smaller shops are cash-only. Keep at least 50% of your budget in TWD.
Explore Taipei’s core attractions with KKday
4. The Souvenir Edit
Skip the generic trinkets and look for these curated items:
- High-Mountain Oolong Tea: Grown in the misty mountains of Alishan and Lishan, Taiwan’s high-mountain oolong is prized for its delicate floral aroma and smooth finish. It is a timeless souvenir for tea lovers.
- Nougat Crackers: Visit L’Atelier Lotus or Mimi Crackers for the perfect “sweet and savory” treat. Visit early in the morning to avoid sell-outs.
- Pineapple Cakes (fènglísū, 鳳梨酥):SunnyHills is the gold standard, offering a sophisticated, high-fiber pineapple filling and a gracious “welcome tea” service in-store.
- Kavalan Whisky: Purchase a bottle or miniature set of this world-renowned, award-winning Taiwanese single malt whisky.
- Local Lifestyle: Explore Yongkang Street for independent boutiques offering organic soaps, artisan teas, and locally designed goods.
Editor’s Note
Some destinations are measured by distance. Others by the memories they quietly leave behind.
Seoul and Taipei belong to the latter.
Every journey changes a place on the map.
The best journeys also change something within us.
Travel beautifully. Return differently.
Some stories begin in Taipei.
Others continue in Seoul.
🎬 Seoul & Taipei on Screen
- Hear Me (2009, 聽說) Starring: Eddie Peng, Ivy Chen, Michelle Chen
A heartfelt Taiwanese romance filmed in Taipei, celebrating quiet emotions, everyday kindness, and the city’s youthful charm. - A Time Called You (2023, 너의 시간 속으로) Starring: Ahn Hyo-seop, Jeon Yeo-been
The Korean adaptation of Taiwan’s beloved drama Someday or One Day, reflecting the creative dialogue between Taipei and Seoul. - Someday or One Day (2019, 想見你) Starring: Greg Hsu, Alice Ko, Patrick Shih
One of Taiwan’s most acclaimed dramas, later inspiring the Korean remake A Time Called You. - Your Name Engraved Herein (2020, 刻在你心底的名字) Starring: Edward Chen, Tseng Jing-hua
An internationally acclaimed coming-of-age film that introduced many global viewers to modern Taiwanese cinema.
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- Myeongdong Travel Guide 2026 – Where to Stay, Eat & Shop in Seoul
- The Layered City: A Journey Through Seoul’s Hidden Histories
- Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces & Myeongdong Itinerary
- Seoul Food Tours: Where to Eat Beyond the Guidebooks
- Healing Korea – When Food Becomes Medicine
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