Korea has found a unique way to attract more tourists to visit the country in its low season. Since 2011, the country holds the Korea Grand Sale, a shopping paradise for visitors from abroad. The Korea Grand Sale, however, is more than just with great discounts – it is a shopping festival combined with touristic and cultural experiences, held in winter time when tourists can also enjoy a stunning snow-covered scenery.
The Korea Grand Sale which runs from January 20 to February 28 is part of the “2016-2018 Visit Korea Year” campaign that offers tourists various benefits for shopping, accommodation, transportation, entertainment, health and beauty, food and beverages, airlines, duty free, amusement parks and many more, including winter sports promotions from ski resorts in welcoming the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games.
Ski resorts in all over Korea will participate by giving special rates and preparing events for participants who can experience winter sports in popular areas like Dongdaemun in Seoul.
Regarding airfares and transportation, Jeju Air offers an early bird discount up to 91% from the normal price for special flights from overseas to Korea. Airport Express also provides a 25% discount for the Express Train ticket for passengers with an official coupon of the Korea Grand Sale. Tourists from abroad can enjoy a 30% discount for the transportation card M-Pass, provided by Korea Smart Card.
Shilla Stay offers a 50% discount for room reservations as well as a free upgrade to deluxe rooms, while Lotte World Adventure and Everland, two of Korea’s main theme parks, offer a 30% discount for the entrance ticket.
Shopping lovers can also enjoy various offers from shopping centers and malls like Doota Mall that offers a VIP coupon where customers can get a 30% discount at several branded fashion and cosmetics stores. Olive Young, Shinsegae Duty Free and Lotte Department Store offer discounts based on total spending.
During the period of Korea Grand Sale, there will be a “Special Theme Week” and various events special for foreign tourists that includes of several themes, such as Must-Buy Week, Must-See Week, Must-Do Week and Must-Eat Week.
As part of the “2016-2018 Visit Korea Year” campaign, discounts up to 50% will be offered at the Hands Free Service that includes baggage delivery and luggage storage services at shopping centers, hotels, aiports and main tourist areas. The Visit Korea Committee also promotes the K-Tour Card exclusively for foreign tourists to be used as tourism and transportation card. With the K-Tour Card, tourists can use all modes of transportation in Korea such as subway, bus and taxi. In addition, they can also enjoy discounts at various attractions like duty free shops, museums and amusement parks.
