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[Yanolja Research Insights] Vol.27 What Makes a City Memorable? TripAdvisor-Based Analysis of Tourism Products in Northeast Asia

 What Makes a City Memorable? Key Insights from Northeast Asia’s Tourism Landscape

Discover what sets Northeast Asia’s leading cities apart in the eyes of travelers from around the world. Our latest analysis dives deep into the tourism offerings of Seoul, Busan, Tokyo, Osaka, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, and Kaohsiung, using real-time data from TripAdvisor to reveal what makes each city truly unforgettable.


Tourism as a Driver of City Identity

  • Tourism is more than just an economic force—it shapes the very image and identity of cities.
  • Northeast Asia’s major cities are not only competing for visitor numbers but also for the quality and memorability of the experiences they offer.

How Cities Build Their Tourism Portfolios

  • Tokyo and Beijing lead in the sheer number of tourism products, offering the broadest range of experiences.
  • Seoul and Taipei focus on affordability and accessibility, making them attractive to a wide spectrum of travelers.
  • Kaohsiung stands out for its premium pricing, despite a smaller product range, hinting at a focus on exclusive experiences.

What Tourists Love Most: Key Themes by City

  • Seoul: Excursions to the DMZ and Nami Island, immersive traditional culture, and premium culinary experiences are top draws.
  • Busan: City tours and local cuisine highlight the city’s unique regional charm.
  • Tokyo: A balanced mix of traditional culture, subculture (like anime and cosplay), and scenic outskirts tours, including Mt. Fuji.
  • Beijing: Iconic heritage sites such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City anchor the city’s appeal.
  • Shanghai: Water town excursions and intercity tours blend tradition with modern connectivity.
  • Taipei: Emotional, scenic tours to places like Jiufen and Yangmingshan create a tranquil, nostalgic atmosphere.

Distinctive Strategies for Memorable Experiences

  • Hub-and-Spoke Model: Cities like Seoul and Beijing use the urban core as a gateway to rich, immersive experiences in surrounding regions.
  • City-Centered Efficiency: Osaka and Kaohsiung focus on dense, walkable attractions for time-conscious travelers.
  • Emotional and Cultural Depth: Taipei and Tokyo leverage emotional resonance and cultural subcultures to create lasting memories.

What Sets Top Cities Apart

  • Success comes not from the number of attractions, but from delivering a coherent, authentic, and emotionally engaging sense of place.
  • Cities that align their tourism products with local narratives and cultural storytelling achieve higher satisfaction and stronger brand identity.



Want to dive deeper into these insights and see how your favorite city ranks? Visit our official website for the full analysis and detailed city-by-city breakdown!
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Location: Seoul, South Korea

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