BLACKPINK’s Historic Concerts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan Drive Record Tourism Revenue and Boost Local Economy

When the world-famous K-pop group BLACKPINK performed in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on September 18 and 19, 2025, the city saw a spike in excitement and business. For the first time in Taiwanese history, a female group performed two consecutive large-scale shows in the same city, both at the Kaohsiung National Stadium. Fans were not the only ones affected by this event; the city’s tourism and local industries both experienced notable growth as a result.

A Pink Wave Hits Kaohsiung

The BLACKPINK concerts were a major tourism event for Kaohsiung, with the city reporting a staggering 300 million New Taiwan dollars (approximately 13.9 billion Korean won) in tourism revenue. Local media outlets, including the Free New Paper, highlighted how BLACKPINK’s performances injected fresh energy into the city. The Kaohsiung City Government noted that the event had a positive effect on local businesses, including those in alleyways, night markets, department stores, accommodations, and other industries.

The Kaohsiung National Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 55,000, was filled to the brim with enthusiastic fans. Despite the venue’s capacity limits, a large number of ticketless fans gathered outside the stadium, cheering for their idols. According to local estimates, the total attendance for both nights was impressive, with 63,000 people on the 18th and 59,000 on the 19th, bringing the total to 120,000 visitors.

Transport and Public Engagement

The influx of visitors for the BLACKPINK concerts had a notable effect on public transportation in Kaohsiung. The city’s MRT system recorded its highest ridership of the year on the first day of the concert, reaching 323,601 passengers. This surpassed the previous record of 250,000, set during BLACKPINK’s 2023 Kaohsiung concert. On the second day, ridership remained high at 281,511, reflecting the continued demand for transport as concertgoers travelled to and from the venue.

Local landmarks and infrastructure also saw increased engagement due to the concert’s success. From the 13th to the 19th of September, six prominent sites in the city were illuminated in BLACKPINK’s signature pink colour, adding to the festive atmosphere. These landmarks included Aihe Pier, Dagang Bridge, Kaohsiung Port Passenger Terminal, Kaohsiung Pop Music Center, Kaohsiung Station, and Meilidao Station. Additionally, a “K-pop Dance” competition was held in the central shopping district, where both locals and visitors joined in the fun. The city’s creative efforts helped build an immersive experience for visitors and created lasting memories of the concert.

Local Economy Experiences Boost

As expected, local businesses, especially those near popular tourist spots, benefitted greatly from the concert. Representative night markets in Kaohsiung, including Rueifeng, Liuhe, and Cijin, were particularly lively during the concert period. These night markets stayed open until 1 or 2 am, with long lines forming outside popular stalls. Sales figures increased by over 30% compared to normal days, showing the profound effect the BLACKPINK event had on the local economy.

Ahead of the event, Kaohsiung City officials ensured that the city was prepared for the large influx of tourists. The government worked closely with businesses and tourism stakeholders to enhance the visitor experience. With the city bathed in pink, fans could not only enjoy the concerts but also experience Kaohsiung in a completely new way. The city became a canvas for creative expression, driven by the energy of the K-pop fandom.

BLACKPINK’s Global Impact and Tour Milestones

The concert in Kaohsiung was part of BLACKPINK’s ongoing world tour, ‘DEADLINE’, which began in Goyang, South Korea, in July 2025. Following their successful stadium tours in North America and Europe, BLACKPINK made Kaohsiung the first stop of their Asian leg. This also marked a historic moment for Taiwan, as the country had never before hosted back-to-back concerts by a female group on such a large scale.

Following the success of their Kaohsiung performances, BLACKPINK will continue their tour with 20 shows across eight cities, including Bangkok, Jakarta, Bulacan, Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and other major Asian destinations. The group’s ability to draw massive crowds and generate such a positive economic impact speaks to their global influence and the power of K-pop as a driving force for tourism.

Kaohsiung’s Strategic Efforts in Tourism Promotion

Kaohsiung’s proactive approach to welcoming international visitors has proven effective. From lighting up major landmarks to hosting cultural events and competitions, the city has turned BLACKPINK’s concert into an opportunity to showcase its vibrant culture and boost tourism. The efforts by the Kaohsiung City Government, led by Mayor Chen Chi-mai, have played a crucial role in turning the event into a tourism bonanza.

Mayor Chen’s personal involvement in promoting the event through social media also contributed to the overall excitement. He even shared a playful image of himself with a pink-haired filter, encouraging fans and residents to embrace the “pink wave” and cheer for the concert. His engagement helped create a sense of unity and excitement across the city, further enhancing Kaohsiung’s reputation as a dynamic cultural and tourism hub.

A Success Story for Tourism

The popularity of BLACKPINK’s performances in Kaohsiung demonstrates the strong bond between K-pop and travel. In addition to drawing a sizable crowd, the concerts—one of Taiwan’s most important tourism events in recent years—also helped the local economy, small businesses, and transportation infrastructure. Kaohsiung’s position as a major international travel destination has been cemented as a result of the city’s embrace of the “pink wave”, demonstrating the enormous benefits of careful travel planning and cultural interaction. Kaohsiung has demonstrated how major events can support sustained tourism growth as BLACKPINK continues their global tour.

The post BLACKPINK’s Historic Concerts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan Drive Record Tourism Revenue and Boost Local Economy appeared first on Travel and Tour World