550 small businesses and 9 major retailers to join sale events June 10–16; Hwamyeong Ecological Park to host 'Byeolbada Busan Night Market'

A guide sign for participating stores during the Big Sale Week [Busan city government]
A guide sign for participating stores during the Big Sale Week [Busan city government]

The Busan city government announced Monday it will run a "Busan Big Sale Week" and themed night markets to boost spending by domestic and international tourists visiting the city for the "BTS World Tour: Arirang in Busan" concerts on Friday and Saturday.

The city plans to support local commercial districts by centering the initiative on voluntary private-sector discount events, alongside a Busan pop-up store and special discount sales of Dongbaekjeon tourism gift certificates.

The privately led Big Sale Week, involving 550 small businesses and nine major retailers, runs June 10–16. Shoppers at participating stores will receive an additional 2 percent cashback on Dongbaekjeon payments, along with store-run discounts and gift giveaways.

Major commercial districts — including Haridangil, Jeonpo Saitgil, the Busan National University area and Busanjin Market — as well as large retailers such as Lotte Department Store's Busan main branch, Lotte Mall Dongbusan and E-mart Haeundae will hold various discount events and promotions. Participating stores at Busanjin Market will offer 10 percent off all items, while stores in alley commercial districts will give BTS fans who show proof of fandom a 15 to 20 percent discount or a free add-on service. E-mart Haeundae will offer a free Hillspa pass to visitors who present a BTS concert ticket and a purchase receipt of 30,000 won (about $19) or more.

The city will also provide free accommodation to foreign tourists through a citizen-run "Busan-style Homestay" program. At Busan Station Plaza, a pop-up store featuring 37 booths run by 28 businesses will display and sell products from local small businesses, leading Busan brands, B-beauty items and crafts.

A themed night market, the "Byeolbada Busan Night Market," will run for five days from June 10 through June 14 at the lotus pond area of Hwamyeong Ecological Park, blending traditional liquor, food and hands-on programs. Foreign tourists visiting Busan will receive a traditional liquor exchange voucher in their welcome kit, and event guide leaflets will be available in Korean and English.

"We will use the Busan Big Sale Week to spread a culture of spending, and ensure that the economic boost from the concerts reaches commercial districts throughout the city — translating into higher sales for small-business owners and a recovery of the local economy," a city official said.


kaf2002@heraldcorp.com