Nestled on the Pine Garden Plateau beside the Meilun River, Karenko Broadcasting Station stands adjacent to Pine Garden. Originally the Hualien Station of the Broadcasting Corporation of China, this historic building has stood for over 80 years. Recognized as a Hualien County Historic Building, it has recently undergone extensive restoration funded by the Ministry of Culture. With its grand reopening in late 2024, the site is set to become a cultural hub for sound art, offering immersive experiences for visitors.
During the final years of World War II, the Japanese government established Karenko Broadcasting Station in 1942 as part of its efforts to tighten control over Taiwan and extend its influence across South China and Southeast Asia through radio broadcasts. The station was also a key tool in the Japanese military’s Greater East Asia War propaganda campaign. It was not until 1944 that the station officially began operations. According to historical records, broadcasts within Taiwan were conducted in Hokkien, Hakka, and Fuzhou dialects, while international transmissions were aired in Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese, English, Malay, and Thai, underscoring the station’s strategic significance in Japan’s wartime communications. After the war, the station was taken over by the Broadcasting Corporation of China (BCC) and renamed Hualien Station, becoming a key broadcasting center in the region. It remained in operation until 2017, when the station was relocated to downtown Hualien, leaving behind a legacy of historical artifacts and invaluable records of Taiwan’s broadcasting history.
A Space That Preserves Hualien’s Voice｜A Frequency Tuned to Local Culture
Stepping into Karenko Broadcasting Station, visitors are greeted not only by the warmth of its historical architecture, but also by a curated exhibition lining the corridors, recounting the station’s history through carefully preserved records and narratives. As part of the station's opening exhibitions, visitors can explore not only the Karenko Broadcasting Station’s historical timeline but also a series of curated displays, including the BCC Cultural Relics Exhibition, the Broadcast Program Experience Room, the Hualien Soundscape Map, and the History of Recording Technology. These exhibits offer an immersive, hands-on experience, allowing guests to see, touch, and even sense the distinct atmosphere of vintage broadcasting equipment. Through these interactive elements, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Hualien’s broadcasting history and the enduring legacy of sound transmission from the past.
Among these, the Hualien Soundscape Map stands out as a particularly immersive experience. Through an audio-based exploration, visitors can travel through time and space—hearing the ebb and flow of ocean tides, the rustling of the sea breeze, or the roar of motorbikes along the coastal highway. Much like a living local publication, this exhibit captures the diverse soundscapes of Hualien, preserving the city’s stories and daily rhythms. As visitors listen, they begin to form a deep emotional connection with the region, resonating with the sounds that define Hualien’s unique charm.
INFO｜ Karenko Broadcasting Station
Address: No. 96, Songyuan St., Hualien City
Business hours: 10:00-17:00(Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Lavatory: Yes
※Free admission; Broadcast Program Experience Room requires reservation and additional fees