A nationwide large-scale discount event will feature discounts on everything from automobiles and electronics to Korean beef, seafood, and clothing.
The government reported on the plans for the '2nd Korea Grand Festival' during a Cabinet meeting on the 27th. The event will take place from the 29th to November 15, spanning 18 days across the country. It will integrate various consumer promotion initiatives from different ministries, including the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's K-Sale Festa, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' Donghaeng Festival, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' discounts on Korean beef and kimjang ingredients, and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' Korea Seafood Festival.
This year, the government aims to expand participation to approximately 40,000 businesses and strengthen connections between local markets and tourism and cultural programs. Five domestic automakers will offer discounts on key models, including mid-size sedans and SUVs. Hyundai Motor, Kia, GM Korea, Renault Korea, and KG Mobility will participate, with specific models and discount rates to be announced on November 1. For the first time, Hyundai and Kia's certified used cars will also be included in the event.
Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics will also offer discounts on major home appliances starting November 1. Mid-sized appliance companies like Winix will provide discounts of up to 39% on items such as air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers.
Large supermarkets and hypermarkets will sell key agricultural, marine products, and household goods at discounts of up to 50% or through buy-one-get-one-free promotions. Department stores will hold sales on winter clothing with discounts of up to 50% and special fashion brand events. Convenience stores will also participate with discounts on popular lunch boxes and special products.
A large-scale food discount event will take place as well. From October 28 to November 8, Korean beef will be sold at discounts of up to 50% at retailers nationwide. In preparation for kimjang season, key ingredients such as napa cabbage, radishes, chili peppers, and garlic will be discounted by up to 40% from the 29th to December 2. Major seafood products, including seaweed, salted shrimp, and sun-dried salt, will be available at discounts of up to 50% from October 28 to November 29.
Benefits will also be provided to promote consumption in traditional markets and small businesses. From November 2 to 6, the discount rate for digital Onnuri gift certificates will increase from 7% to 10%. A 'Coexistence Consumption Lottery' worth 1.7 billion won will be operated for users of digital Onnuri gift certificates, offering a lottery ticket for every 30,000 won spent. A total of 5,600 winners will receive prizes, with the top prize being 30 million won. Additional lottery tickets will be provided for purchases made outside the capital region.
The government will also run regional programs, including discount events, market tours, and coupon distributions in 159 local commercial districts and markets nationwide. Programs will be established to connect visitors to representative local stores, such as Daejeon’s Seongsim Bakery, Busan’s Samjin Eomuk, and Seoul’s Taegukdang, with nearby shops. This initiative aims to extend the consumption effect beyond individual stores to the entire local economy.
Special events for foreign tourists will also be organized. Twenty-five duty-free shops nationwide will offer discounts of up to 25% on select products, and cultural events will include free access to the four major palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, and royal tombs, as well as free performances at the National Theater. The grand opening event will take place on the 31st at the old Andong Station in Gyeongsangbuk-do. The government stated, 'Through this event, we aim to stimulate consumption across regions and sectors and develop it into a representative consumer event that includes foreign tourists.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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