By Charles Audouin
Photos = Jeon Han
Video = Lee Jun Young
"We hope that you fully enjoy Korea's taste and style."
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yu In Chon said this on Jan. 11 at the opening ceremony of Korea Grand Sale 2024, an international shopping, cultural and tourism extravaganza, at Ondream Society in the Myeong-dong neighborhood of Seoul's Jung-gu District.
"We will do our best to prepare so that overseas visitors to Korea suffer no inconvenience, have good memories, and retain the nation's taste and style in their hearts."
The ceremony was attended by approximately 80 people including Minister Yu, Visit Korea Committee Chairperson Lee Boo-jin, representatives from participating companies and foreign tourists.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yu In Chon on Jan. 11 delivers a welcoming speech at the opening ceremony of the Korea Grand Sale 2024 at Ondream Society in the Myeong-dong neighborhood of Seoul's Jung-gu District.
Under the theme "Your Special Moment in Korea," 1,650 companies, the most in the event's history, will participate in this year's edition through Feb. 29. Promotions for overseas travelers are available by theme like K-pop, culture, beauty, food and shopping.
All nine of the country's air carriers offer up to 91% off fare for Korea-bound flights on 145 routes, along with additional services as benefits. In lodging, Lotte Hotels & Resorts, Shilla Stay and the hotel site Agoda present up to 80% in discounts as well as stay packages that include transportation, experiences and shopping.
Welcome centers for Korea Grand Sale are in Myeong-dong, Hongdae and Seongsu, three prime places in the capital frequented by foreign tourists, and a coupon book and a giveaway for buyers of goods in these areas are planned.
Korean cultural experience events will also be held to welcome visitors from abroad. Programs available only in the country include classes for K-pop dance, Korean cooking and one-point makeup.
Those who visit for the Winter Youth Olympics in Gangwon-do Province can get benefits in shopping and tourism such as ski packages and discounts on accommodation and at convenience stores.
More information on the event including major benefits is available on the sale's official website: http://en.koreagrandsale.co.kr.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yu In Chon (third from left) on Jan. 11 poses for photos with Visit Korea Committee Chairperson Lee Boo-jin (third from right) and others attending the opening ceremony of Korea Grand Sale 2024 at Ondream Society in the Myeong-dong neighborhood of Seoul's Jung-gu District.
caudouin@korea.kr
