KOREA GRAND SALE 2026: Ultimate Shopping & Travel Festival Guide (Up to 96% Off Flights!)

If you're looking for the ultimate Korean travel experience combined with incredible shopping deals, the KOREA GRAND SALE 2026 is your golden opportunity. This nationwide festival brings together over 1,750 participating companies offering exclusive discounts across flights, accommodations, shopping, dining, and cultural experiences that you simply cannot miss.

What Makes KOREA GRAND SALE 2026 Special?

The KOREA GRAND SALE 2026 has launched earlier than ever before, starting December 17, 2025, and running for a record-breaking 68 days through February 22, 2026. This marks the longest duration in the festival's history since its inception in 2011. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, along with the Visit Korea Committee, has orchestrated this massive shopping and tourism festival specifically to attract international visitors during Korea's winter season.

What sets the KOREA GRAND SALE 2026 apart from typical shopping events is its comprehensive approach. This isn't just about retail discounts—it's a complete cultural immersion experience. The festival seamlessly blends shopping with Korean culture through five themed experience programs: K-Gourmet (traditional food experiences), K-Exciting (K-pop and entertainment), K-Stylish (fashion and beauty), K-Healing (wellness activities), and K-Inspired (traditional arts and crafts).

International travelers can visit the Welcome Center located in Myeongdong, Seoul's premier shopping district. This convenient hub offers multilingual interpretation services in English, Chinese, and Japanese, along with free WiFi, travel information, and exciting prize giveaways. The center serves as your starting point to navigate all the incredible benefits waiting throughout Korea.

Unbeatable Discounts & Exclusive Benefits

The savings available during KOREA GRAND SALE 2026 are truly exceptional. Beyond the headline-grabbing flight deals, visitors can access a comprehensive range of benefits across multiple sectors. Participating hotels have created special experience-based packages that go far beyond simple room discounts. For instance, the Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul offers guests complimentary ice rink access plus free admission to Korea's magnificent historic palaces. The Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun features a Discover K-Beauty package complete with Olive Young gift cards.

• Shopping Paradise: Major retailers including duty-free stores, department stores, and convenience chains offer coupons, membership upgrades, and free gifts. K-beauty powerhouse Olive Young, fashion platform Musinsa Standard, and K-pop merchandise haven Ktown4u provide discounts up to 90%.
• Cultural Access: Free or discounted admission to iconic landmarks including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Deoksugung Palace. Museums, traditional villages, and UNESCO World Heritage sites participate in the program.
• Transportation Benefits: Discounted passes for Seoul's metro system, KTX high-speed trains, and intercity buses make exploring Korea both convenient and affordable.
• Authentic Experiences: Participate in K-pop dance lessons, Korean cooking classes, hanbok fittings, calligraphy workshops, and traditional arts demonstrations—all at special rates.

The KOREA GRAND SALE 2026 also features innovative mobile Play Trucks that travel to major tourist destinations across the country. These trucks bring the festival experience beyond Seoul to cities like Daejeon, Busan, and Jeonju, ensuring regional businesses and attractions receive equal attention while providing visitors with diverse experiences throughout their journey.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

To maximize your KOREA GRAND SALE 2026 experience, strategic planning is essential. Begin by visiting the official website at en.koreagrandsale.co.kr where you can explore participating businesses, download discount coupons, and plan your itinerary. The website provides detailed information in multiple languages and is regularly updated with new offers and events.

Consider timing your visit to coincide with specific themed weeks. The festival rotates through different focus areas—some weeks emphasize fashion and beauty, others highlight food and cultural experiences. Following the official Instagram account @visitkoreacommittee keeps you updated on daily specials and flash promotions. Many participating businesses offer additional last-minute deals that aren't advertised in advance.

Don't limit yourself to Seoul. The KOREA GRAND SALE 2026 extends nationwide, with exceptional opportunities in regional cities. Busan offers coastal charm with seafood markets and beach culture, Jeonju is famous for traditional hanok villages and authentic Korean cuisine, while Jeju Island combines natural beauty with unique local products. Each destination provides distinct experiences complemented by festival discounts.

Remember to bring your passport when shopping at duty-free stores and participating retailers, as many discounts require identification verification. Some deals are exclusively for foreign tourists, so always mention you're an international visitor. Download essential apps like Papago for translation, KakaoMap for navigation, and the Korea Grand Sale app for real-time updates on promotions.