Taipei’s Ximending has long been a popular tourist district for its energetic street ambience, myriad of shops, and enormous selection of restaurants. Unfortunately, a recent machete attack has made many wary of visiting the neighborhood for fear of their safety.
Even in drizzle, the rainbow street landmark outside Ximen MRT Exit 6 still draws the enthusiasm of photo-takers. The Ximending area is a happening spot for most people who visit Taipei, especially among Korean tourists who have dubbed it “Taiwan's Myeongdong” after a bustling shopping area in Seoul.
However, a recent machete attack on a South Korean exchange student has tourists shocked and wary. According to CNA, the student was injured on Saturday morning following a dispute with a local man. The victim has been hospitalized, and the reasons behind the altercation are under investigation.
In response, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) has increased patrol in the Ximending area to ensure public safety. According to police statistics, altercations are more likely from midnight to 6 a.m. after people have been drinking. Therefore, officers will be on guard at high-risk hotspots, forming a safety network to ensure the security of tourist attractions.
With South Korea ranking third highest in the number of tourists, shop signs in the area are specially marked with Korean. When asked what they thought of their Taiwan experience, some visitors responded with shock, saying, "It's very sad.”
One hopes that with increased police presence in the Ximending district, visitors can once again feel safe and enjoy the area’s famous streets, shops, and food.