‘Korea Sale Festa’ kicks off with huge discounts from retailers


South Korea kicked off a nationwide shopping event Thursday with a variety of promotions, cultural and entertainment events to draw more shoppers at home and abroad, and revive the sluggish domestic consumption.

The massive shopping campaign called the “Korea Sale Festa” runs until Oct. 9, involving major retailers, manufacturers and traditional markets, while cultural and entertainment programs for foreign travelers will be held throughout October.

The shopping festival is jointly hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to tie up the retail industry with tourism and cultural sectors in time for the major Chinese holiday season. (Yonhap)

Seoul International Fireworks Festival 


Seoul International Fireworks Festival is an annual event of extravagant firework displays by firework masters from home and abroad, attracting more than a million spectators every year.

Celebrating its 16th year, one of the most anticipated autumn festivals in Seoul is taking place outside the Yeouinaru Station at Han River Park.

Prior to the firework show, visitors will also be able to enjoy various live performances and hands-on cultural programs.

The 16th annual Seoul International Fireworks Festival will take place on Oct. 8. Programs will kick start at 1 p.m. with the fireworks display starting around 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.hanwhafireworks.com.

Moonlight Tour at Suwon Hwaseong


Similar to that of the Seoul palaces’ nighttime palace openings, the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress will soon be open to visitors who want to take a nighttime stroll in the historic structure.

On selected dates until Oct. 16, the Suwon Cultural Foundation will open the UNESCO World Heritage Suwon Hwaseong and Hwaseong Haenggung Palace to the public for a special nighttime program known as “Moonlight Tour at Suwon Hwaseong.” Participants can enjoy various programs such as poetry readings and traditional performances.

Tickets are listed at 20,000 won and must be purchased in advance at interpark.com.

2016 Changdeok Palace Moonlight Foreigners Tour


Changdeok Palace Moonlight Tour, one of Seoul’s most popular palace tours, returns once again this year allowing guests the special opportunity to wander around the place grounds under the moonlight.

Typically closed off to the public at night, the annual event allows a limited number of visitors to explore the gorgeously lit-up Changdeok Palace grounds in a special guided tour. Allowing only 100 international guests per tour, the palace will host its annual nighttime palace festivities on selected days until Oct. 16. It should be noted that Koreans are not permitted to join the foreigner-exclusive tours. Tickets to the event cost 30,000 won and must be purchased in advance at interpark.com.

Busan Fireworks Festival


The annual Busan Fireworks Festival gearing up for its 12th year, kicking off its festivities Oct. 22 along Gwangalli Beach.

Along with its breathtaking fireworks display show, the festival will feature a myriad of diverse events, including live music and street performances. The annual festival is one of the city’s biggest and most popular events, attracting more than 1 million national and international visitors every year.

Although in the past the festival has been held for two days, this year’s festivities is slated to be held for one night only. For more information, visit www.bff.or.kr.