Travellers in South Korea can now stretch their spending further, with Marriott Bonvoy members able to collect points while shopping at Shinsegae Duty Free.
The new partnership, launched on 26 August, marks Marriott Bonvoy’s first global tie-up with a duty-free retailer. Members will receive 2 points for every KRW 1,000 (US$0.72) spent in Shinsegae Duty Free stores, both offline and online, with up to 1,000 points available each month once purchases are picked up.
The deal also brings instant status matching. Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite members will be upgraded to Shinsegae Duty Free Black, while Platinum, Titanium and Ambassador Elites will receive Shinsegae VIP status. Shinsegae Black and VIP members will, in turn, enjoy Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite.
To celebrate, a limited-time pop-up at Shinsegae Duty Free Myeongdong (26 August to 4 September) offers a travel-themed space where visitors can learn more about Marriott Bonvoy. New members who sign up on-site will receive a welcome gift in limited quantities, and customers linking both accounts will unlock additional rewards.
“We are extremely excited to collaborate with Shinsegae Duty Free in South Korea for Marriott Bonvoy’s very first global strategic duty-free partnership,” said Duke Nam, area vice president, South Korea, Vietnam, and Philippines, Marriott International.
“By offering integrated benefits such as membership tier matching and points earning, we are creating a differentiated experience that connects shopping and travel,” added Hojin Yang, Executive Vice President of Sales Division, Shinsegae Duty Free.
The move follows Marriott Bonvoy’s points transfer partnership with Hana Bank, expanding opportunities for members to earn rewards beyond hotel stays.