Seoul to launch mega shopping event for foreign tourists

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Tuesday that it will kick off its biggest shopping event of the year for foreign tourists here this week to help them feel more satisfied with their trip and to boost tourism.

The 2012 Seoul Summer Sale, the fifth in a series, will be held for one month from June 29-July 29, where 4,228 department stores, duty free shops, cosmetic shops and restaurants in the capital city offer discount and tax-free shopping opportunities, the city government said.

Under the theme of "Beauty," this year's festival, in particular, targets female tourists in their 20 and 30s. Special make-up shows will be held on weekends where make-up techniques of celebrities here will be demonstrated, according to the city.

Other cultural events are also planned, including traditional performances and special sweepstakes events with free gifts, it added.

Super Junior has been appointed to be honorary ambassadors of the event, where the famous K-pop group will be featured on a variety of promotional materials, including guidebooks and discount cards, the municipal government said.

Tourists are allowed to get a discount card either online, offline or via mobile devices, according to the city government. The online card is available on the Web site http://seoulsale.com, while the mobile version can be downloaded from m.seoulsale.com. Tourists can also pick one up at tourist information centers in downtown Seoul, it added.

"Discount rates differ according to each shop from a minimum of 5 percent to 70 percent," said Ku Bon-sang, the director of the tourism department at the city government.

"It is expected to benefit foreign tourists in real terms, which will improve their satisfaction with their trips here and help bring more visitors to the city," he added. (Yonhap)

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