Some 40,000 companies nationwide to participate through November 15, offering steep discounts on groceries and everyday goods
Local currency vouchers to offer up to 17% discounts alongside special promotional sales for Onnuri gift certificates
A nationwide consumption event offering discounted sales on premium Korean beef (Hanwoo), fishery products, kimchi-making ingredients, automobiles, and home appliances is set to kick off on October 29. With enhanced discount benefits for regional love vouchers and Onnuri gift certificates, consumers are expected to have a wider range of choices for grocery shopping and household goods.
During a Cabinet meeting on October 27, the South Korean government reported its implementation plan for the "2nd Korea Grand Festival." The event will run for 18 days from October 29 to November 15, with participation from approximately 40,000 companies across the country.
This year, the government has integrated previous consumption initiatives, such as the Companion Festival and the Korea Sale FESTA, to deliver diverse discount benefits not only through large retailers but also in traditional markets and neighborhood commercial districts.
Up to 50% Off Hanwoo and Seafoods… Discounts on Kimchi Ingredients
Food discounts will commence on October 28, a day ahead of the main event. Premium Hanwoo beef will be sold at discounts of up to 50% at distribution outlets nationwide through November 8, while major fishery products such as dried seaweed, salted shrimp, and sun-dried salt will be available at up to 50% off until November 29.
Ahead of the peak kimchi-making season, core ingredients including napa cabbage, radishes, chili peppers, garlic, and ginger will go on sale from October 29 through December 2. Some 300 distribution channels, including nationwide supermarkets and regional agricultural cooperatives, will participate, offering discounts of up to 40%.
Major hypermarkets and corporate supermarkets (SSMs)—including E-Mart, Lotte Mart, and Homeplus—will offer up to 50% discounts and "buy-one-get-one-free" promotions on agricultural, livestock, and fishery products, processed foods, and daily necessities.
The discount items have also been expanded to include automobiles and home appliances. Starting November 1, five domestic automakers—Hyundai Motor, Kia, GM Korea, Renault Korea, and KG Mobility—will participate in the promotional event, with certified pre-owned vehicles from Hyundai Motor and Kia included for the first time. Specific vehicle models and discount rates will be unveiled on the opening day of the event.
Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics will offer discounted prices on major home appliances, while department stores plan to host special exhibitions centered on winter apparel. Online shopping malls will also distribute discount coupons applicable to products from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro-merchants.
Up to 17% Discounts on Local Vouchers… Expanded Benefits for Onnuri Gift Certificates
Gift certificate discount benefits are also set to increase. Discount rates for regional love vouchers will be raised by 5 percentage points compared to previous levels, reaching 13% for the Seoul metropolitan area, 15% for non-metropolitan regions, and 17% for population-declining areas.
Under a 15% discount rate in non-metropolitan regions, consumers can purchase 100,000 won worth of vouchers for 85,000 won. Actual purchase limits and sales schedules vary by local government.
For digital Onnuri gift certificates, the discount rate will be temporarily raised from 7% to 10% over a five-day period from November 2 to November 6. During this period, consumers can purchase 100,000 won worth of certificates for 90,000 won, providing additional benefits to visitors of traditional markets and merchants affiliated with the Onnuri network.
A "Win-Win Consumption Lottery" totaling 1.7 billion won will also be operated for gift certificate users. Every time a consumer accumulates 3,000 won in payments made via digital Onnuri gift certificates through November 15, they will receive one lottery entry, up to a maximum of 10 entries per person. Payments made in non-metropolitan areas will earn double entries.
A total of 5,600 winners will be selected, with the top 10 first-place winners each receiving digital Onnuri gift certificates worth 30 million won. To enter, users must apply separately through the digital Onnuri mobile application.
Discount and coupon events will also be held across 159 regional commercial districts and traditional markets nationwide. Events linking prominent regional culinary landmarks such as Sungsimdang, Samjin Amuk, and Taegeukdang with surrounding commercial districts have also been arranged.
Beyond shopping, cultural facility access benefits are included. During the event period, the four major royal palaces—including Gyeongbokgung—as well as Jongmyo Shrine and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty will offer free admission (excluding regular closing days and the Huwon Secret Garden at Changdeokgung).
Because discount schedules and participating entities vary by category, consumers are advised to check the event periods prior to making purchases. Discount rates and purchase limits for regional love vouchers also differ across local government jurisdictions.
