Experience the Best of Korea: Grand Sale Brings Shopping, Culture, and Unbeatable Deals

Published on December 18, 2025

South Korea is set to host the highly anticipated 2026 Korea Grand Sale, the country’s largest shopping tourism event, which will run through February 22, 2026. This iconic event, first launched in 2011, has become a major attraction for international tourists, offering them unparalleled discounts, exclusive offers, and a wide variety of experiences. This year, the sale is back bigger and better than ever, featuring even more perks for visitors and a longer duration to give winter-weary travelers additional reasons to visit Korea.

The Korea Grand Sale brings together over 1,750 companies across various sectors, including travel, retail, beauty, hospitality, dining, and transportation, providing visitors with exciting deals and experiences across the country. It is one of the most significant shopping tourism events in Asia, drawing millions of tourists eager to experience the best of Korea’s offerings at discounted prices.

Korea Grand Sale: A Shopping and Cultural Extravaganza

One of the main highlights of the 2026 Korea Grand Sale is the massive flight discounts available for international travelers. Partnering with airlines from around the world, the event offers special promotions and limited-time offers on airfare, making it easier for tourists to plan their trips to Korea. With airfare being one of the biggest expenses for travelers, these discounts make Korea a more affordable destination, especially during the winter season.

In addition to flight savings, the event provides exclusive discounts on a wide range of products, from K-beauty items and K-fashion to traditional Korean crafts and souvenirs. Korea’s world-famous beauty products, particularly K-beauty skincare and cosmetics, are a major draw for international shoppers, and the Korea Grand Sale offers shoppers incredible deals on these sought-after items. Whether it’s skincare essentials, makeup, or haircare products, the sale makes it easy for visitors to stock up on Korea’s top beauty products.

For fashion enthusiasts, the sale includes significant discounts at Korea’s renowned shopping districts, such as Myeongdong, Insadong, and Dongdaemun in Seoul, where visitors can shop for the latest trends in Korean fashion. The event also showcases Korean fashion designers, allowing international tourists to experience the creativity and innovation of the country’s growing fashion industry.

Free Admission to Historic Palaces and Attractions

Another exciting feature of the 2026 Korea Grand Sale is the free admission to several of Korea’s most iconic historical landmarks, including the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Deoksugung Palace in Seoul. As part of the sale’s promotion, tourists can enjoy these cultural treasures at no cost, allowing them to explore Korea’s rich heritage and history.

In addition to the palaces, many other cultural sites across the country will offer discounted or free admission during the event, making it an ideal time for tourists to visit Korea’s museums, traditional villages, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The free access to these sites allows visitors to immerse themselves in Korea’s past while experiencing the vibrant modern culture of the country.

Gastronomy and Dining Offers

The Korea Grand Sale also includes special dining offers, making it a gastronomic adventure for food lovers. Travelers can enjoy discounts at top restaurants, offering a taste of traditional Korean cuisine, including kimchi, bibimbap, bulgogi, and Korean BBQ. Visitors can also explore Korea’s street food scene, with local delicacies such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and mandu (dumplings) available at discounted prices during the event.

Transportation Deals for Easy Travel

To make travel within Korea more convenient, the sale also includes discounted transportation passes for tourists. These passes provide access to Seoul’s metro system, KTX high-speed trains, and intercity buses, helping visitors move easily between attractions and destinations. The transportation deals make it easier for tourists to explore Korea’s vibrant cities, picturesque landscapes, and coastal regions without worrying about travel costs.

Cultural Events and Experiences

Alongside shopping and dining, the 2026 Korea Grand Sale also offers an array of cultural events and experiences that showcase the best of Korean traditions. These include live performances of K-pop, traditional Korean dance, and theater. Tourists can also participate in hands-on cultural workshops, such as Korean cooking classes, calligraphy sessions, and hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) fittings. These experiences allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Korea’s cultural richness while enjoying their stay in the country.

Tourism Impact and Future Growth

The Korea Grand Sale is not only a major event for shoppers, but it also plays a vital role in Korea’s tourism sector. The sale attracts millions of international tourists each year, contributing significantly to the local economy by boosting retail sales, increasing hotel bookings, and driving demand for services in the hospitality and transportation industries. By promoting sustainable tourism and providing exclusive deals, the sale also encourages visitors to explore lesser-known destinations in Korea, helping to spread the benefits of tourism across the country.

Looking ahead, the Tourism Organization of Korea (T.O.K) plans to continue promoting the event as a key part of its tourism strategy, to attract more visitors from emerging markets and expand its global appeal. The continued success of the Korea Grand Sale will help to solidify Korea’s status as a premier shopping and cultural destination in Asia.

Conclusion

The 2026 Korea Grand Sale offers an exceptional opportunity for travelers to experience Korea’s unique culture, vibrant shopping scene, and delicious cuisine. With its wide range of discounts on flights, shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, the event is set to attract more international visitors, driving growth in Korea’s tourism sector. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, beauty aficionado, or culture seeker, the Korea Grand Sale is an unmissable event for those looking to explore Korea in style.