目前臺灣有四個小鎮通過慢城認證,並以最高分的「大林鎮」(79.71分)與次高分的「南庄鄉」(62.83分)作為分析。研究動機在於大林與南庄都曾是產業發達的小鎮,後來因為交通便利、人口外移等因素,導致傳統文化及產業沒落,而科技發展日新月異與高樓大廈日漸林立,使得人們休閒空間也越來越少,與家人及朋友的關係也漸行漸遠。是故慢城乃為維護傳統產業與文化,讓人民「吃在地、食當季」以活絡當地產業外,也讓人民體驗傳統文化生活,吃的健康與安心,拉近彼此間的距離。因此本研究之目的在於探討「大林」與「南庄」申請慢城認證之過程、獲取慢城認證後之經營方式及對地方是否產生效益。透過比較研究法、個案研究法與深度訪談法進行研究,其中訪談對象包含公部門人員、專家學者與在地慢城推動之業者。本研究主要發現大林與南庄兩大慢城不同之處在於:大林當初是由大林鎮公所邀請南華大學協助擬定慢城計畫,並由公所申請國際慢城認證,目前主要以民間慢城發展協會推動慢城宣導,並以行銷當地農特產品及大林小旅行為目的;南庄主要以苗栗縣政府為主導申請與推動慢城宣導,並以行銷觀光、手作體驗等為目的,也因為南庄有政府的大力支持,辦理地方活動也相當多元,讓慢城理念推廣較為順利。最後,本研究針對慢城推廣提出以下建議:一、強化在地農產品與慢城連結。二、強化在地導覽解說員服務能力。三、政府與民間相互合作,培養慢城共識。四、強調地方文化產業與價值體驗結合。五、減少開發與生態環境破壞。
Currently, there are four small towns that have been certified as slow-paced towns. This research aims to analyze both Dar-Lin town, ranking first with the score of 79.71, and Nan-Juang town, ranking second with the score of 62.83. The impetus of this research lies in the fact that both Dar-Lin and Nan-Juang used to be the towns featuring their respective industrial development. However, with the aid of convenience of transportation, people moved out of town, which led to the decline of traditional culture and industry, more advanced technology, and the erection of big mansions. As it turned out, the space for people's leisure activities became less and less, coupled with the increasing distance for the relationship between family members and friends. The very purpose of a slow-paced town is to sustain traditional industries and cultures, and to let people eat local food and eat in season. Thus, this research is aimed at delving into the whole process of applying for slow-paced town for both Dar-Lin and Nan-Juang, their managing styles after being certified as slow-paced town, and whether it may yield benefit to the locals. The research methodology has employed comparative research method, individual case study and in-depth interview, with the interviewees including public officials, experts & academics and local merchants promoting slow-paced town. The major finding of this research is that the major difference between two slow-paced town, Dar-Lin and Nan-Juang, lies in the following facts. Nan-Wha University was invited by Dar-Lin town hall to help set up a slow-paced town project, added with the application, conducted by the town hall, for the international certification for slow-paced town. Currently, the slow-paced town propaganda is driven by the developing association of private sectors, with its objective of selling the local agricultural and specific products as well as the traveling to Dar-Lin. The project of Nan-Juang is Primarily directed by the Miao-Li county government to apply for and promote slow-paced town, with the objective of selling tourism, by-hand experience, etc. And because of the enormous support stemming from the county government of Nan-Juang, the local activities have been fairly diverse, making the promotion of slow-paced town exceedingly smooth. Through the in-depth interview as well as comparative analysis, this research has put forth the following suggestions for the comprehensive promotion of slow-paced town. First, reinforce the combination of agricultural products and slow-paced town. Second, cement the serving capability of local tour guides and commentators. Third, the government and private sectors collaborate closely with each other and foster consensus for slow-paced town. Fourth, lay stress upon the combination between cultural industry and value experience. Fifth, reduce development and destruction of eco-environment.