# 520 Is No Longer Just for Couples! Agoda Reveals Busan and Chiayi as Emerging Favorites Among Solo Travelers

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/520-is-no-longer-just-for-couples-agoda-reveals-busan-and-chiayi-as-emerging-favorites-among-solo-travelers
- Published: 2026-06-05T09:00:00+07:00
- Author: PR Newswire

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TAIPEI, June 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — "520" (May 20), widely recognized in Taiwan 
as an unofficial "Love Day" due to its similar pronunciation to "I love you" in 
Mandarin, has evolved beyond a celebration for couples. Today, more Taiwanese are
embracing solo travel as a form of self-reward and personal ritual. In response 
to this trend, digital travel platform Agoda has observed growing interest in solo
travel among Taiwanese travelers. According to Agoda data, searches made by Taiwanese
solo travelers increased by 16% year-on-year between January and April 2026, highlighting
how independent travel is becoming an increasingly popular trend.

 [  ](https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2567836/Agoda.html)

International solo travel interest grew by 20%, outpacing domestic solo travel growth
at 10%. Agoda’s findings suggest that more Taiwanese travelers are choosing to travel
alone overseas, seeking short, flexible getaways as a way to relax, recharge, and
prioritize self-care.

**Busan Emerges as the Fastest-Growing Overseas Destination for Taiwanese Solo Travelers**

Japan and South Korea remain the most popular destinations for Taiwanese solo travelers,
with Tokyo, Seoul, and Osaka ranking among the top searched cities. However, Busan
emerged as the fastest-growing overseas destination, recording a 71% increase in
searches and becoming one of the latest favorites among Taiwanese solo travelers.

Meanwhile, searches for Fukuoka and Sapporo also rose by 51% and 33%, respectively.
Agoda’s findings show that Taiwanese solo travelers are increasingly drawn to urban
hubs that are ideal for short getaways, and combine food, shopping, and local cultural
experiences, contributing to the growing popularity of "slow-paced city travel" 
across Northeast Asia.

**Chiayi Becomes a Rising Favorite for Domestic Solo Travel**

Domestic solo travel demand is also on the rise, with Chiayi recording the strongest
growth among domestic destinations with a 42% increase in searches. Kaohsiung and
Taitung followed with a 24% and 22% growth in travel interest, respectively, reflecting
growing solo traveler interest in destinations that offer local charm, nature, and
slower travel experiences.

Recently, Chiayi has emerged as one of Taiwan’s hottest destinations for solo travelers
and slow-paced city getaways. This year, the Chiayi Arts Festival teamed up with
the popular mobile app _Pikmin Bloom_ to launch the "Pikmin Bloom Mini Walk" event,
turning the city into a walkable exploration experience that attracted travelers
eager to wander through Chiayi’s streets, cafes, and cultural spots at their own
pace.

According to statistics from the Taiwan Tourism Administration’s Taiwan Stay, Chiayi
City recorded more than 2.17 million accommodation stays in 2025, reaching a historic
high. The growing popularity of Chiayi also reflects a broader shift in travel behavior,
as more Taiwanese travelers embrace solo travel and experience-driven trips focused
on relaxation, exploration, and lifestyle experiences rather than packed itineraries.

**Jishan Chai, Country Director for Taiwan at Agoda said**: "520 has traditionally
been associated with romantic getaways and couple travel, but in recent years we
have observed more Taiwanese solo travelers embracing ‘self-reward travel’ during
this period. Through solo trips, city walks, or short getaways, travelers are creating
opportunities to relax and reset. Travel is no longer only about sharing experiences
with others. it is increasingly becoming a way for people to take care of themselves
and seek better life balance, whether solo or with a travel partner."

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  |  This article was produced by Cision PR Newswire, our trusted news partner. The views expressed and the content presented here are solely those of the author and may not fully reflect the opinions of Thailand Business News. |

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**Read the original article :** [520 Is No Longer Just for Couples! Agoda Reveals Busan and Chiayi as Emerging Favorites Among Solo Travelers ](http://www.prnasia.com/story/archive/4976088_AE76088_0?rand=184833)