Travelers to South Korea may purchase and use Korea Pass prepaid cards at the Korea Grand Sale, which began Jan. 24 and runs through Feb. 28 in the capital city of Seoul.
During the annual event, foreign tourists may use their cards to access discounts and free benefits toward shopping, dining, hotel accommodations and cultural shows at 14,000 shops and stores across the country.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism launched the cards initiative to push visitor spending during the sale and in the travel-heavy season. The program also includes credit and prepaid cards for Korean nationals to use during the sale.
The ministry officially launched the smart cards in December in cooperation with Lotte Card Co Ltd., a nationwide card issuer, and the Korea Tourism Organization. Consumers also may use the cards on subways, buses and taxis, a spokesperson for the ministry tells PaymentsSource.
“But the real benefit of these cards will be the discount benefits that cardholders will get at stores, tourist spots, museums and restaurants in Seoul,” he says.
The cards are available for free in denominations of 50,000 won [US$45 or 33 euros], 100,000 won, 300,000 won and 500,000 won at airports, Lotte Marts run by the Lotte Group and 7-Eleven stores, the spokesperson says. “We also plan to sell these cards online at a later date,” he says.
Travelers may redeem any remaining value in their card accounts at airports, 7-Eleven stores and at select tax-preparation service providers.
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