A promotional video for the 2026 Korea Grand Sale performs on digital billboards on Myeong-dong procuring avenue in Jung District, Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
Korea on Wednesday launched the 2026 Korea Grand Sale, a two-month nationwide procuring and cultural pageant aimed toward attracting extra international vacationers and stimulating home spending throughout the winter low season.
The occasion, organized by the Ministry of Tradition, Sports activities and Tourism and the Go to Korea Committee, will run till Feb. 22, that includes file participation from round 1,750 corporations, together with airways, accommodations, retailers and meals and sweetness manufacturers.
Officers stated the annual promotional occasion, first held in 2011, has been prolonged from 45 to 68 days to present extra guests entry to journey and procuring advantages.
The opening ceremony happened in central Seoul’s procuring and tourism district of Myeong-dong, the place officers, international vacationers and enterprise representatives gathered to rejoice below the pageant’s theme, “A Thrilling Voyage Towards the Sea of Hallyu.” The occasion featured a video presentation and vigorous Ok-pop efficiency by the dance group Ok-Tigers.
Among the many corporations collaborating are 10 home airways, led by Korean Air, providing reductions of as much as 96 p.c on flights to Korea. Partnering accommodations have designed particular experience-based packages — from free skating and palace tickets to Ok-beauty present playing cards and cooking courses.
Retailers, together with duty-free shops, shops and comfort chains, have expanded their promotions with coupons, membership upgrades and free presents. Fashionable Korean manufacturers reminiscent of CJ Olive Younger, Musinsa Commonplace, Samhwa Fishcake and Ktown4u are becoming a member of in, providing reductions of as much as 90 p.c and limited-edition souvenirs.
The marketing campaign additionally highlights Korean cultural content material by means of 5 themed expertise applications — Ok-Connoisseur, Ok-Thrilling, Ok-Fashionable, Ok-Therapeutic and Ok-Impressed — combining procuring with meals excursions, Ok-pop dance classes, magnificence workshops, wellness actions and conventional arts experiences.
To broaden financial advantages past the capital, the federal government and tour operators have launched Ok-Prepare applications linking Seoul with regional locations reminiscent of Jeonju, Taebaek, and the East Coast. Vacationers can be part of one-day excursions that includes native delicacies, festivals and cultural actions.
Cellular pop-ups often known as Play Vans will journey throughout main cities by means of January, whereas a short lived Play Lounge in Seoul’s Bukchon district will provide hands-on experiences and product showcases.
“We hope guests will benefit from the wealthy advantages and numerous attraction of Ok-culture by means of this occasion,” Vice Minister Kim Dae-hyun stated, expressing hopes that the annual sale will function “a strong stepping-stone for balanced, sustainable progress in Korea’s tourism market.”
Extra particulars can be found at en.koreagrandsale.co.kr.
