✈ Everything Foreign Visitors Need to Know for Traveling Korea in 2026 Korea Grand Sale Season
As the 2026 Korea Grand Sale (Dec 17, 2025 – Feb 22, 2026) brings a surge of international travelers to Korea, it's crucial to be well-prepared before your trip.
This complete guide covers:
- Tax refunds
- Payment options
- Transportation cards
- SIM cards & Wi-Fi
- Translation apps
- Emergency services
- And much more—specifically optimized for foreign visitors during the Korea Grand Sale.
Let’s dive in 👇
Ultimate Guide to Korea Grand Sale 2026 | Benefits, Shopping, K-Culture Experiences & More
🎉 Ultimate Guide to Korea Grand Sale 2026 | Benefits, Shopping, K-Culture Experiences & MoreIf you're planning to visit Korea this winter, there’s no better time than during the 2026 Korea Grand Sale — Korea’s largest shopping, culture, and touris
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💸 1. Tax Refund Tips for Foreign Tourists
Korea offers a VAT (Value Added Tax) refund program for non-residents.
✅ Eligibility:
- Must be a non-resident (foreign tourist)
- Purchase of KRW 150,000+ at one store
- Purchase must be within 3 months of departure
- For personal use only (not for resale)
✅ Refund Methods:
- Instant refund: Show passport at checkout in participating stores
- Airport refund: Visit tax refund counters before departure
- Mobile app refund: Use Global Blue, Easy Tax, or K-Refund
💡 TIP: During Korea Grand Sale, select stores offer extra cashback & gift events on top of tax refunds!
👉 [See the list of instant refund stores]
💳 2. Payment Methods in Korea
South Korea is mostly cashless. These are the most accepted options:
- Credit Cards: VISA, Mastercard, JCB, AMEX
- UnionPay: Accepted in major stores with up to 15% additional discounts
- WOWPASS: Foreigners-only prepaid card with favorable exchange rates
- Mobile Payments: KakaoPay, Naver Pay (some support foreign cards)
💡 ATMs for foreigners are available at:
- Incheon Airport
- Myeongdong
- Itaewon
- Gangnam
🚌 3. Transportation Tips – T-money & Travel Passes
- T-money Card: For subways, buses, taxis. Available at convenience stores.
- Korea Tour Card: T-money + special discounts for tourists
- K-Train Packages: Special routes to Jeonju, Taebaek, East Coast areas
💡 TIP: You can also use T-money for airport trains and airport buses.
👉 [Explore regional K-Train routes]
📱 4. SIM Cards & Internet Access
- Airport SIM pickup: KT, LG U+, SKT foreigner SIMs
- Pocket Wi-Fi rental: Daily rental, ideal for group travelers
- eSIM: Activate online (perfect for iPhone users)
💡 Bundle Deal Tip: Many tourists choose the WOWPASS + SIM combo package
🗣 5. Language & Translation Help
- English fluency: Moderate to high in Seoul, Busan, and tourist areas
- Tourist Info Centers: Multilingual help at Myeongdong Welcome Center & major locations
- Recommended Apps:
- Papago (best for Korean translation)
- Google Translate
- Naver Dictionary
💡 Most experience programs offer English/Chinese language support.
🧭 6. Safety & Emergency Contacts
Emergency Numbers:
- 112 – Police
- 119 – Medical/fire emergencies
- 1330 – Korea Travel Hotline (24/7 multilingual help)
Hospitals with English service:
- Seoul Medical Center
- Samsung Medical Center (International Clinic)
💡 TIP: Some hotels during Korea Grand Sale provide foreigner emergency assistance services.
📱 7. Must-Have Apps for Your Trip
| Function | Recommended Apps |
| Translation | Papago, Google Translate |
| Navigation | Naver Map, Kakao Map |
| Currency | XE Currency, Naver Exchange Rates |
| Shopping | MUSINSA, Olive Young, Trip.com |
| Discounts | Korea Grand Sale App, Klook |
| Transportation | Kakao T (taxi), Subway Korea, Korail |
✅ Final Travel Checklist for Smart Visitors
The 2026 Korea Grand Sale is more than a shopping festival—
it’s a season full of tailored travel perks for foreigners.
With your:
- Passport
- T-money
- WOWPASS
- SIM card
- Essential apps
…you’re already 90% ready for a seamless trip in Korea.
🛍 Don’t forget to use the tax refund system—it can save you more than you expect!
👉 [Explore Korea Grand Sale shopping benefits]
👉 [See full K-Culture Experience Program Guide]
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