"Let's Shop Korean Tourism"... Opening of '2022 Korea Grand Sale'

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on the 12th that it will hold the '2022 Korea Grand Sale' for foreigners from the 13th to February 28th in cooperation with the Korea Tourism Organization.

The Korea Grand Sale is a shopping and cultural tourism festival designed to promote visits by foreign tourists during Korea's low tourism season in winter and to increase tourism revenue. It has been held since 2011 based on the voluntary participation of various private companies in sectors such as airlines, accommodation, shopping, and entertainment.

This year, although it is difficult for foreigners to visit Korea due to COVID-19, the event will be conducted mainly online to continuously attract interest in Korea as a shopping tourism destination. In particular, 'K-Beauty' has been selected as a special theme to introduce popular Korean beauty products and offer various benefits.

On the opening day, a 'K-Beauty Show' will be held. A Korean beauty experience event will take place in Myeongdong, a symbolic location for inbound tourism, together with foreign influencers residing in Korea.

During the event period, a 'K-Beauty Special Discount Sale' will also be held. Popular Korean beauty products will be sold at discounted prices through e-commerce platforms such as Gmarket Global and Global 11st. Major domestic duty-free shops will also promote foreigner consumption by providing reward points based on purchase amounts.

To alleviate the disappointment of not being able to visit in person due to COVID-19, opportunities to indirectly experience Korean shopping culture tourism online have been prepared. Video lectures that allow foreigners worldwide to experience and learn about Korean culture such as Korean cuisine, Korean language, and Korean crafts will be offered at discounted prices to maintain interest in Korea.

Detailed information about this event can be found on the Korea Grand Sale official website. Companies wishing to participate in the Korea Grand Sale can apply through the participant recruitment website until the end of the event.

A Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism official stated, "Through the Korea Grand Sale, we will widely promote Korea as a shopping tourism destination worldwide and raise expectations for travel to Korea."