A foreign tourist on Jan. 13 looks at cosmetics in Seoul's Jung-gu District on the first day of this year's Korea Grand Sale. (Yonhap News)

By Kim Eun-young

The summer edition of Korea Grand Sale, a shopping, cultural and tourism festival for foreign nationals, began on Aug. 10.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Visit Korea Committee on Aug. 9 said "Korea Grand Sale - Summer Special" will run through Aug. 31.

Opened at the start of every year, the festival is a leading shopping and tourism event offering many benefits in tourism content and shopping to attract more foreign tourists to Korea.

To spur recovery in domestic tourism, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, the sale is being held in conjunction with this year's Seoul Festa (Aug. 10-14). 

The coronavirus led to the government suspending visa-free entry by nationals from Japan, Taiwan and Macao, but the temporary lifting of the restriction this month is expected to have a synergistic effect.

Incheon International Airport and Korea Airports Corp. on Aug. 10 held a welcoming event for foreign visitors at the airport. From Aug. 10-12, foreign influencers from regions like Asia and Europe who reside in Korea will be invited to conduct promotional tours.

Over the sale period, seven airlines including Korean Air and Asiana will offer up to 92% off on Korea-bound flight tickets. Lotte Hotel and Shilla Stay will offer a maximum 72% discount for longer hotel stays and free room upgrades.

Visitors can also get up to 76% off on online travel sites such as Klook and Creatrip on domestic visits by individuals and admission to tourist attractions. Discounts are also available at duty-free shops and branches of the health and beauty franchise Olive Young. Those visiting Seoul, Gangwon-do Province, Busan and Jeju Island can get discounts at restaurants and on express trains to the airport and benefits in currency exchange.

More information is available on the Korea Grand Sale's website: www.koreagrandsale.co.kr.

This is the promotional poster for the summer edition of Korea Grand Sale. (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)