By KHT Staff. AI illustration based on a 2019 proposed design for Kaohsiung’s unbuilt “love Ferris wheel.”
KAOHSIUNG — KMT mayoral candidate Ko Chih-en (柯志恩) has defended the tourism concept behind former mayor Han Kuo-yu’s (韓國瑜) proposed “love Ferris wheel,” saying it could link a waterfront attraction with jewelry, wedding photography and other businesses.
Asked during an Oct. 28 interview on TVBS’s Situation Room whether she would revive the proposal if elected, Ko said the idea deserved consideration beyond the ridicule it had attracted.
She described a destination where couples could buy rings, take wedding photographs and return years later to mark anniversaries. Her remarks outlined the commercial concept but did not specify a site, budget, financing arrangement or construction timetable.
The proposal dates to Han’s 2018 mayoral campaign. His administration subsequently sought investor interest and identified four possible sites in 2019: three around Kaohsiung’s port and one in the Jhongdu (中都) area.
Land availability was an issue then. CNA reported in August 2019 that the city did not own three of the proposed sites and held less than half of the fourth site. The project was being promoted to private investors, rather than solely as a city-funded attraction.
Ko’s comments drew criticism from local civic advocacy group 高雄好過日, according to Liberty Times. The group questioned whether suitable land was available along the lower Love River (愛河) and whether another Ferris wheel would add enough value to justify pursuing the project.
It also argued that waterfront tourism should prioritize cultural attractions, visitor experiences and the surrounding environment. Those objections concern the proposal’s feasibility and tourism value; Ko’s interview did not provide a detailed development plan against which to assess them.
