Short answer: The 2027 Korea Grand Sale (코리아그랜드세일) runs from December 23, 2026 to February 13, 2027 (53 days). It is Korea's biggest government-backed shopping and travel festival for foreign visitors, with discounts on flights, hotels, shopping, food, beauty and attractions. This year's special theme is food. Some airline and online travel deals are already live, so if you plan a winter trip to Korea, now is a good time to compare prices.
Korea Grand Sale 2027 at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | Dec 23, 2026 (Wed) – Feb 13, 2027 (Sat), 53 days |
| Early promotions | From mid-October 2026 (flights, OTAs, shopping), dates vary by deal |
| Special theme | Food (미식): food culture experiences and dining promotions |
| Welcome Center | Noon Square 1F, Myeongdong, Seoul · 11:00 – 20:00 daily |
| Pop-up centers | Touring regions such as Gangwon and Gyeongnam (dates vary) |
| Cost | Free to join; no sign-up needed |
| Organizers | Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism · Visit Korea Committee |
| Official site | en.koreagrandsale.co.kr |
What kind of discounts to expect
The full list of 2027 partners is still being finalized (companies can apply until November 30, 2026). But the festival has run every winter since 2011, and last edition gives a good idea of what is coming:
| Category | Last edition (2026) |
|---|---|
| Flights to Korea | 10 Korean airlines, including Korean Air, offered up to 96% off selected routes to Korea |
| Hotels & tours | Room discounts and activity coupons through OTAs such as Agoda, Fliggy and Konest; hotel packages bundled with palace passes |
| Shopping | Department stores, duty-free shops, outlets, supermarkets and convenience stores gave gifts by spending tier, discount vouchers and membership upgrades |
| Payment apps | Up to 15% instant discount or cashback at major stores when paying with foreigner-friendly apps such as WOWPASS and UnionPay |
| Scale | About 1,750 participating companies, the largest ever |
Exact 2027 offers will be announced on the official site. We will update this guide when they are published.
The 2027 food theme: what it means for you
For the first time, food is the headline theme. Expect promotions on restaurants, cooking classes, market food tours and food-related experiences alongside the usual shopping deals. If Korean food is a big part of your trip (Korean BBQ, street food in Myeongdong, Gwangjang Market, temple food), check the food category on the official site before you book tours.
How to get the deals: step by step
- Before you fly: Check the official site and partner airlines or OTAs for early flight and hotel promotions. Some started in October, so do not wait until December.
- Bring your passport: Most in-store offers require proof that you are a foreign visitor.
- Visit the Myeongdong Welcome Center: Pick up the Korea Grand Sale coupon book, get travel information and join the lucky draw events.
- Keep your receipts: The Welcome Center runs receipt-reward events linked to local shops.
- Pay smart: A foreigner-friendly payment card or app may add an extra instant discount on top of store deals.
- Claim your tax refund: Grand Sale discounts and the tourist tax refund can be combined. Spend at least KRW 15,000 in a tax-free shop and you can get roughly 4–8% back. See our tax refund guide.
Is December–February a good time to visit Korea?
For bargains, yes. Winter is low season, which is exactly why the Grand Sale exists. You get lower hotel prices, ski resorts in Gangwon, winter festivals, Christmas and New Year lights in Seoul, and the Lunar New Year (Seollal) holiday from February 6 to 9, 2027. The trade-off is the cold: Seoul often drops below −10°C in January, so pack a warm coat. Also note that many shops and restaurants close for one or two days during Seollal.
Frequently asked questions
When is Korea Grand Sale 2027?
December 23, 2026 to February 13, 2027. Some airline and online travel promotions began in mid-October 2026.
Do I need to register for Korea Grand Sale?
No. There is no fee and no sign-up. You use the coupons and show your passport at participating stores.
Can foreign residents with an ARC use the deals?
Many offers target short-term visitors with a passport. Some stores accept foreign residents too, but this varies. The tourist tax refund is only for visitors who have stayed less than 6 months.
Where is the Korea Grand Sale Welcome Center?
On the first floor of Noon Square in Myeongdong, Seoul, open 11:00 – 20:00 daily during the festival. Mobile welcome centers also tour other regions.
Are flights really up to 96% off?
That was the maximum on a limited number of seats and routes last edition. Most discounts are smaller, so compare the final price, taxes and baggage rules before booking.
Visiting in mid-November instead? Read what changes on Suneung Day (Nov 19), when flights pause and commutes start late.
Last checked: November 4, 2026, against Korea Tourism Organization festival data and Visit Korea Committee announcements. 2026 figures are from the previous edition and may differ in 2027. This guide is general information; confirm offers on the official Korea Grand Sale website.
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