Anther Tourist Destination

The Korean government decided to ramp up the number of post-sale duty-free shops (mini duty-free shops) to attract more foreign tourists to traditional markets.
The Korean government decided to ramp up the number of post-sale duty-free shops (mini duty-free shops) to attract more foreign tourists to traditional markets.

 

At a meeting of economy-related ministers on March 21, the Korean government decided to ramp up the number of post-sale duty-free shops (mini duty-free shops) and open guesthouses to draw more foreign tourists.  

First of all, in traditional markets, the government will set up policy-based stores which sell popular Korean products to foreign tourists such as perfumes cosmetics, clothing, food, medicinal plants and run them as post-purchase duty-free shops. On a trial basis, such a shop will open in Nambu Market in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province. If the pilot project becomes successful, the government will scale up the number of the shop.     

The Post-Purchase Duty-Free Shop System allows stores to issue sales certificates to both nationals and foreigners when they buy products amounting to 30,000 won or more. Then the foreigners hand in the certificates at a reimbursement office in the airport,   

By contrast, pre-purchase duty-free shops refer to duty-free shops in departure areas of airports or downtown duty-free shops where products’ prices are devoid of duties. Already, 12,000 post-purchase duty-free shops are being run. But a few of them are selling agricultural and fishery products in traditional markets.  

Guesthouses will be built in or near traditional markets crowded with tourists. One guesthouse will open as a pilot project this year. Next year, it will swell to ten. They will number 30 in 2020 

Last year, foreign tourists to Korea totaled 13,230,000. But it was found that they enjoyed shopping mostly in duty-free shops and department stores.

 

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