Did You Know You Can Travel to Korea and Enjoy Incredible Benefits at the Start of the Year?

Did you know that winter might actually be one of the best times to visit South Korea?

While many travelers overlook January and February, Korea has turned its low season into an opportunity through one of its most exciting nationwide events: Korea Grand Sale.

From discounted flights and hotels to shopping perks, dining benefits, and immersive K-culture experiences, Korea Grand Sale is designed specifically for international travelers. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning Korea lover, this event offers a rare chance to explore the country more conveniently and at a lower cost.

Let’s take a deep dive into what Korea Grand Sale is, why it was created, how it has evolved over the years, and why it’s especially attractive for foreign visitors.

What Is Korea Grand Sale?

Korea Grand Sale is Korea’s largest shopping, cultural, and tourism festival, organized at the national level to attract international visitors during the winter off-season.

For the 2025–2026 edition, the event runs nationwide from December 17, 2025, to February 22, 2026, offering a wide range of exclusive discounts and benefits across multiple sectors, including:

The event is hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in collaboration with the Visit Korea Committee, alongside hundreds of private companies in travel, retail, and lifestyle industries.

Why Was Korea Grand Sale Created?

Korea Grand Sale was launched in 2011 with a clear goal:

👉 Boost inbound tourism during the winter low season (January and February).

Traditionally, winter has been a slower period for international tourism in Korea. Rather than accepting this seasonal decline, the government chose to turn winter into a strategic advantage by offering compelling incentives to foreign travelers.

The objectives of Korea Grand Sale are to:

As Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Jang Mi-ran stated during the opening ceremony in Myeong-dong:

“Through the Korea Grand Sale, we hope foreign tourists visiting Korea can enjoy various sales promotions and the diverse charms of K-culture.”

How Korea Grand Sale Has Evolved Over the Years

Since its launch in 2011, Korea Grand Sale has grown larger, more diverse, and more visitor-focused every year.

Record-Breaking Participation and Results (2025)

According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, last year’s Korea Grand Sale attracted a record 346,000 foreign tourists, more than twice the number from the previous year.

Key highlights from last year:

In a post-event survey:

Kim Jung-hoon, Head of the Tourism Export Strategy Promotion Team, commented:

“We attracted more than twice as many foreign tourists as last year thanks to strong global interest in Korean culture and active public-private collaboration.”

What Makes Korea Grand Sale Especially Great for Foreigners?

Unlike regular sales events, Korea Grand Sale is designed exclusively for foreign tourists and foreign residents. Many promotions are not available to Korean nationals, making this event truly special for international visitors.

1. Major Flight Discounts

During previous editions:

Online travel agencies such as Trip.com and Konest also offered up to 31% discounts on flights from China, Hong Kong, and Japan.

2. Accommodation Deals Nationwide

Hotels and resorts across Korea participate, including brands like:

Visitors could enjoy up to 19% discounts on accommodations, making winter stays far more affordable.

3. Shopping & Beauty Perks Across Korea

Shopping benefits extend nationwide, not just in Seoul:

4. Dining & Transportation Benefits

To improve daily convenience for foreign travelers:

Navigation and event information in English, Japanese, and Chinese are also available via Naver Map.

5. Immersive K-Culture Experiences

Korea Grand Sale is not just about shopping — it’s also about experiencing Korean culture.

Past programs included:

Highlights:

Korea Grand Sale Welcome Centers

To further support foreign visitors, Korea Grand Sale Welcome Centers are installed in major tourist areas.

📍 Main Welcome Center (2025–2026)

Location:

NOON Square 1F

14 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

(서울특별시 중구 명동길 14, 눈스퀘어 1층)

Services include:

Inquiries:

📞 +82-70-8789-5600 / +82-70-8789-5700

Additional welcome centers are typically installed in areas like Hongdae, Seongsu, and Gangnam.

Korea Grand Sale 2025–2026: Key Information

Why You Should Visit Korea During Korea Grand Sale

Korea Grand Sale turns winter into an exceptional travel season by combining:

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to visit Korea — or to return — this is it. Fewer crowds, better prices, and curated experiences make Korea Grand Sale one of the smartest ways to travel to Korea.

✨ Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Korea in a more affordable, comfortable, and unforgettable way this winter.