Tainan's mayor brings juicy mangoes of Taiwan to Korea

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che introduces the city's Irwin mango and dishes created with the mango variety, commonly known as apple mango here, to Korean consumers during an event at Lotte Hotel Seoul, July 13. Courtesy of SAM Communications

By Kwon Mee-yoo

Located in Southern Taiwan, Tainan is celebrated for its rich agriculture, particularly its prized mangoes. Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che visited Korea last week bringing the sweet, juicy treats from his city.

"I have come to present the mangoes of Tainan to Korea. They are in their peak season. Had I come two months earlier, I would have showcased our pineapples," Mayor Huang said during an interview with The Korea Times at a hotel in Seoul, July 13, boasting the city's agriculture based on favorable climate, state-of-the-art technology and skilled farmers with bundles of know-how.

Huang explained that Taiwan, with its tropical climate, is an abundant source of a variety of tropical fruits such as pineapples and mangoes.

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at Lotte Hotel Seoul, July 13. Courtesy of SAM Communications

"Tainan, in particular, has superior soil quality, resulting in fruit of higher quality compared to the rest of Taiwan. Our main harvests include pineapples in April and May, mangoes in June and July and pomelos in October, which are traditionally consumed during the Mid-Autumn Festival," he said.

"Tainan mangoes have a unique appeal, blending sweetness with a perfect balance of tartness. With a sugar content of around 15 brix, they harmonize exceptionally well with acidity. A characteristic feature is their thin skin and plentiful flesh. Nothing is more disappointing than peeling a mango only to find a small fruit inside ― that's not an issue with our mangoes."

Tainan's exceptional mangoes are based on three pivotal elements of Tainan's agriculture.

"First, Tainan has a naturally favorable geographical environment, playing a significant role in the growth of these fruits. Secondly, the farmers possess a wealth of expertise and knowledge, which they've honed over the years. Their experience and know-how in managing various crop factors lead to an output of remarkable quality," Huang said.

"We also have cultivation techniques for mango farming, an advanced practice that enhances the yield. These three factors ― natural geography, farmer expertise and advanced cultivation techniques ― play together in ensuring the high quality of Tainan's mangoes."

According to the mayor, the Tainan region grows a diverse array of over ten types of mangoes.

"Our export strategy is focused on tailoring to the market's popular varieties. Preferences for mango varieties can vary by region, hence we strive to cater to these distinct tastes. For instance, we predominantly export the Irwin variety, popularly referred to as apple mango, to Korea, while the Jinhuang mango, known for its golden yellow color and elongated shape, is primarily exported to Singapore," he said.

Tainan sends approximately 3-5 percent of its mango yield overseas, with Korea ranking as a prime destination for these succulent fruits. The export of Tainan's mangoes to Korea witnessed an impressive surge this year, exceeding 500 tons, an increase of 216 tons compared to last year.

"Consumer preferences vary widely. For instance, during my visit to Korea, I noticed a significant number of singles and young people prefer smaller packaging in Korea," he said.

Pomelo is another fruit of Tainan that the mayor wants to introduce to Korea.

"It is similar to grapefruit, but larger and sweeter. We usually have pomelo for Mid-Autumn Festival and Korea celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival like Taiwan, so it would be nice to have the opportunity to export Taiwanese festival staples to Korea," Huang said.

Tainan's 400th anniversary

Tainan is set to mark its 400th anniversary next year, and the city is buzzing with anticipation as various celebratory events are being prepared. Tainan is known as the oldest city in Taiwan thanks to its rich historical background that traces back four centuries when the city was established by the Dutch as a trading base in 1624.

"Tainan is a historic city with agriculture, high technology and gastronomy," Huang said. "Next year promises to be a monumental one for Tainan as it celebrates its 400th anniversary. With an abundance of cultural and historical treasures to showcase, it's the perfect time for tourists to sample Tainan's rich heritage."

Mayor Huang noted a series of events lined up for the celebration from the Orchid Fair in February to the Mango Festival in June, alongside other religious and folklore festivals.

"The 400th-anniversary celebration isn't just about commemorating the past but also showcasing Tainan's industrial, cultural and religious richness. It's a year-long celebration that encapsulates the city's diverse charms," he said.

Tainan is also famous for Koreans after the Taiwanese drama "Someday or One Day," which used Tainan as its main filming location.

"After the airing of 'Someday or One Day,' the influx of Korean tourists to Tainan has noticeably increased. Given this trend, the city aims to highlight its burgeoning tourism industry based on cultural content, hoping to draw even more international visitors to Tainan," the mayor said.