Korea Grand Sale to Run Until Next February—Record 1,750 Companies Participate

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the Visit Korea Committee announced on the 17th that the '2026 Korea Grand Sale' will be held until February 22 next year. The event aims to boost winter tourism demand among foreigners during the off-season and stimulate tourism spending.
Since its launch in 2011, the Korea Grand Sale has become a leading shopping and tourism festival for foreign visitors, based on private sector participation in areas such as airlines, accommodation, shopping, dining, experiences, and convenience services. The event has contributed to revitalizing winter tourism in Korea each year.
This year, the event starts earlier than usual, beginning in December, and the duration has been extended from the previous 45 days to 68 days. As a result, more foreign tourists can enjoy the benefits, and a record 1,750 companies from various sectors—including airlines, accommodation, retail, and beauty—are participating.
The opening ceremony was held at Community House Masil in Myeong-dong, Seoul, with key company representatives and foreign tourists in attendance. The event kicked off with a video themed 'Korea Grand Sale: An Exciting Voyage Toward the Sea of Hallyu' and a celebratory K-pop performance.
During the event, a flight ticket discount promotion involving 10 domestic airlines, including Korean Air, will offer up to 96% off on Korea-bound international routes. The hotel industry is also introducing experience-based accommodation packages, providing benefits such as free ice rink access, palace admission tickets, and beauty packages.
Major retailers—including department stores, duty-free shops, outlets, large supermarkets, and convenience stores—will offer gifts, discount coupons, and welcome presents based on purchase amounts to enhance satisfaction among foreign tourists.
Additionally, five themed experience programs utilizing K-content—food, K-pop, beauty and fashion, wellness, and culture and arts—will be offered to provide integrated tourism and consumption experiences. Activities include K-food cooking and tasting, learning K-pop choreography, Hanbok experiences, traditional Korean medicine programs, and musical performances, all designed to showcase the multifaceted appeal of Korean culture.
The event will also promote regional tourism through train travel packages connecting Jeonju, Taebaek, and the East Coast, as well as programs linked to local festivals. In addition, the Welcome Center in Myeong-dong, Seoul, mobile 'Play Trucks,' and interactive 'Play Lounges' will serve as hubs for information, experiences, and shopping for foreign visitors.
Dae-hyun Kim, Vice Minister of MCST, stated, "We hope that foreign tourists visiting Korea during this event will enjoy abundant benefits and the vibrant charm of K-culture. We also expect the Korea Grand Sale to serve as a solid foundation for sustainable and balanced growth in Korea’s inbound tourism market."
jsm64@fnnews.com Jung Soon-min Reporter