Foreign tourists get free palace entry, up to 25% off duty-free shopping during Korea Grand Festival

What happened: The second Korea Grand Festival runs Oct. 29 to Nov. 15, linking about 40,000 companies with tourism and culture programs. Foreign visitors get free entry to the four main Joseon-era palaces, Jongmyo Shrine and the royal tombs. Key numbers: Festival runs Oct. 29 to Nov. 15. Why it matters: The government said it will promote regional festivals and attractions so that foreign tourists, whose numbers are at a record high, travel beyond the Seoul area. The 18-day event combines discount campaigns that individual ministries used to run separately into one national event.

The second Korea Grand Festival runs Oct. 29 to Nov. 15, linking about 40,000 companies with tourism and culture programs. Foreign visitors get free entry to the four main Joseon-era palaces, Jongmyo Shrine and the royal tombs.

The government said it will promote regional festivals and attractions so that foreign tourists, whose numbers are at a record high, travel beyond the Seoul area. The 18-day event combines discount campaigns that individual ministries used to run separately into one national event.