Tax refunds in Korea: how to get VAT back
Foreign visitors get part of the VAT back when they shop at stores showing a "TAX FREE" or "Tax Refund" sign. Often all it takes is showing your passport, so it is well worth knowing how it works.
Last checked: October 2026
The basics
| Item | Details (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Foreign visitors staying in Korea for less than six months, among others |
| Minimum spend | ₩15,000 per receipt at one store (₩30,000 at some stores) |
| Refund | About 5–8% of the price after fees |
| You need | Your passport, shown when you pay |
| Deadline | Leave Korea and claim within three months of purchase |
Instant refunds at the till
At stores offering instant refunds, show your passport when you pay and the tax is taken off on the spot — no airport paperwork needed. Many cosmetics chains such as Olive Young and most large malls offer it.
Instant refunds have limits per purchase and for your whole stay (roughly under ₩1 million per purchase and up to ₩5 million in total). Purchases above the limits are refunded the regular way.
Claiming at the airport or in the city
At stores without instant refunds, ask for a tax refund receipt. On your departure day, scan your passport and receipts at a refund kiosk or counter at Incheon or Gimpo to receive your refund. Myeongdong and other shopping areas also have city refund counters.
For larger purchases, customs may need to see the goods before you check in. Keep your purchases unused and with you until you know whether they need to be inspected.
Tax refunds vs duty-free shops
Duty-free shops such as Shilla and Lotte Duty Free sell at tax-free prices from the start. Items bought at a city duty-free shop are collected at the airport pick-up counter on your departure day — a different system from tax refunds.
Fares and times are estimates as of 2026-10 and may change. Check official sources for the latest information.
FAQ
Can I combine receipts from different stores to reach ₩15,000?
No. The minimum applies to each receipt at a single store.
Any tips for buying cosmetics?
Always carry your passport. With an instant refund you pay less on the spot and skip the airport paperwork.
What if I forget to claim at the airport?
Refunds must be claimed when you leave Korea, so allow enough time at the airport.
More guides
- Incheon Airport to central SeoulThree ways from Incheon Airport into Seoul — AREX train, limousine bus and taxi — with times, fares and how to choose.
- Gimpo Airport to central SeoulGimpo Airport is about 20 minutes from central Seoul by train. Which line to take — AREX, Line 5 or Line 9 — plus taxi times and typical fares.
- Entering Korea: K-ETA and the e-Arrival CardWho needs a K-ETA, which countries are exempt until 31 December 2026, how to submit the e-Arrival Card, and what to know about customs before you fly to Seoul.
- Money in Korea: cards, cash and currency exchangeCards work almost everywhere in Seoul, but street food, markets and transit-card top-ups still need cash. Where to exchange, prepaid travel cards like WOWPASS, and mobile payments.
- Staying connected in Korea: eSIM, SIM card or pocket Wi-FiYou will need mobile data for maps and translation apps. eSIMs, Korean SIM cards, pocket Wi-Fi and home-carrier roaming compared, and how to choose.
- Transit cards: T-money and the Climate Card passYou need a transit card for Seoul's subway and buses. How to buy and top up T-money, and prices for the unlimited Climate Card tourist pass.
- How to ride the Seoul subwayTelling lines apart, transferring, how fares work, first and last trains, and etiquette — a beginner's guide to the Seoul subway.
- Taking taxis in Seoul and booking appsTypes of Seoul taxi, fares, the late-night surcharge, how to pay, and using the visitor-friendly k.ride app.
- Seoul palace guide: closing days, fees and free entry in hanbokClosing days and fees for Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Jongmyo and more, free entry in hanbok, the combination ticket, and Bukchon's visiting hours.
- Seoul weather by season and what to packSeoul has cold winters and hot, humid summers. Average temperatures by season, what to wear, and weather to watch for — monsoon rain, yellow dust and fine dust.