As part of attempts to revive the sluggish economy, the government is hosting a two-week sale event called “Korea Black Friday” from October first through the 14th. The nationwide event involves department stores, shopping centers and supermarkets. Joseph Kim has more on the discounts available to local shoppers.

Korea Black Friday, the term borrowed from the United States’ post-holiday sales event, has increased consumer interest because it is the largest sale event being participated by supermarkets, shopping malls and traditional markets nationwide.

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Dongmun Fish Market handing out gift certificates

The Dongmun Fish Market will offer gift certificates to customers who spend a certain amount of money during the Korea Black Friday period.

[Interview]
Hyun Chang-hoon / Dongmun Fish Market Merchants Association
As part of the Korea Black Friday event, we’ll hand out gift certificates to customers between October 12 and 15. And after discussions with the Small Enterprise Development Agency, from October 5 to 11...
"블랙프라이데이에 같이 동참하고자 12일부터 15일까지 제주동문수산시장을 찾아오는 고객분들께 보답해 드릴 수 있는 행사를 계획중입니다.
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그리고 소상공인진흥공단과 협의 후 5일부터 11일까지 또..."

The Dongmun Public Market will also hold an event giving away gift vouchers and free gifts. A supermarket in Jeju city is discounting up-to-50 percent off around 1000 different items including clothing, daily necessities and groceries.

[INTERVIEW]
Kim Byung-gook / Processed food manager, Emart
We usually offer discounts or giveaways on special sales, but this time we are marking down prices on all products that are participating in the Korea Grand Sale.
기존에는 행사상품 위주에 대한 할인행사나 증정행사가 진행됐던 반면,
지금 코리아 그랜드 세일을 맞이해서 참여 브랜드에 대한 전 상품 위주로
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진행하고 있습니다.

However, on the first day of Korea Black Friday, some showed disappointment after finding out that it is just like an ordinary sales event.

[INTERVIEW]
Kim Ri-ah / Hallim-eup, Jeju City
I feel like something is missing when comparing it to Black Friday in the USA. But since it has just begun, I am hoping it will get better.
"아무래도 외국보다는 할인행사가 부족한 것 같은 느낌이 있어요. 그래도 아직 초기 단계니까 조금씩 더 발전할 거라고 생각합니다."

[REPORTER]
Joseph Kim

Starting with high expectations, the Korea Black Friday Event is drawing attention on whether or not it will meet tourists’ and consumers’ satisfaction.

Joseph Kim KCTV