Tourists in Korea can get a VAT refund by shopping at tax-free shops, asking for a refund slip at checkout, and showing the items and passport at the airport before check-in. Refunds come as cash, card credit or a mobile payout. Minimum spend, caps and fees change, so verify current rules on the official sites below.
Last checked: 2026-11-07
- Who qualifies for a tax refund in Korea
- Step 1: Claiming at the shop
- Step 2: Claiming at the airport
- Instant refund, kiosk refund and refund counters compared
- Common mistakes that cost you money
- FAQ
- Sources
- Related guides
Who qualifies for a tax refund in Korea
Korea charges a value-added tax, usually called VAT, on most goods. The standard rate is 10 percent. Short-term visitors can often get part of that tax back.
The rules are set by the Korean tax authorities. They are applied through the shops and refund companies that handle the paperwork.
In general, you qualify if you meet these conditions:
- You are a foreign tourist, not a Korean resident.
- You are leaving Korea within a set period after buying the goods. This period has changed over time, so check the current limit.
- You bought the goods at a shop that is registered for tax refunds.
- You meet the minimum spend per receipt, if one applies.
- You carry the goods out of the country in your luggage.
Some people are treated differently. Foreigners who live or work in Korea usually do not qualify under the tourist scheme. Their situation can depend on visa type and length of stay.
If you are unsure which group you belong to, ask at the shop or check the official tax and customs sites listed in the Sources section.
Some goods are excluded from refunds. Services such as hotels, meals and spa treatments are generally not refundable. Items consumed in Korea are not refundable either.
Certain goods may also face extra limits. Check the official guidance if you plan to buy items such as food, medicine or very high-value goods.
Step 1: Claiming at the shop
Everything starts at the till. If you skip this step, you cannot fix it at the airport.
Look for a sign saying tax free or tax refund at the shop entrance or counter. The sign comes in different designs depending on the refund company, so do not rely on one look. Ask the staff if you cannot see one.
- Check the shop takes part. Not every shop offers tax-free shopping. Small market stalls often do not.
- Buy your items. Keep each purchase together with its receipt.
- Show your passport at checkout. You need the physical passport, not a photo of it.
- Ask for a tax refund slip or a tax-free receipt. Staff may print it or process it electronically.
- Check your details. Your name, passport number and the purchase amount should be correct.
- Keep every document. Store the slip and the receipt with your passport.
Many shops use one of two systems. In an instant refund, the shop takes the tax off at the till and you pay a lower price. In a post-purchase refund, you pay the full price and claim the money later at the airport or a kiosk.
Instant refunds usually come with conditions. You must still take the goods out of Korea. You may be asked to confirm the export at the airport. If you skip that step, you could face penalties or a later charge.
Ask the cashier which kind of refund applies before you pay. Shops and refund companies explain the process differently, and the details can vary.
Do not remove tags or open sealed packaging if the shop asks you to leave it intact. Customs officers may ask to see the goods.
Step 2: Claiming at the airport
Arrive earlier than you normally would. Refund queues can be long at busy times. Many travellers plan for extra time, but check your airport and airline advice for guidance.
The usual steps look like this. Layout and procedures differ by airport and terminal, so follow the signs on the day.
- Go to the customs or tax refund area first. At many airports, this happens before you check in luggage. That is because customs may want to see the goods.
- Show your passport, boarding pass and goods. Customs may check items against your receipts.
- Get your slips stamped or confirmed. This may be a stamp or an electronic confirmation, depending on the system.
- Use a self-service kiosk if available. Scan your passport and receipts. The kiosk confirms the export and shows your refund options.
- Collect your refund. Choose cash, card credit or another method offered.
- Check in your bags afterwards, unless staff tell you otherwise.
Rules on cash limits and payout methods can change. You may be able to collect a refund in Korean won. Some systems allow a payout to a credit card or a mobile payment method.
Check the official refund company websites before you travel. They list the current options and any fees.
If your goods are in checked luggage, you usually need to show them to customs before check-in. Do not pack them in a bag you have already handed over. Keep them in your carry-on or in luggage you can reopen.
Some goods may need to stay in your hand luggage. Liquids, gels and similar items have their own airline and security rules. Check the airline’s guidance before you pack refund goods.
Instant refund, kiosk refund and refund counters compared
Different shops and refund companies use different methods. Here is a general comparison. Use it as a guide only, because limits, fees and rules change.
| Method | When you get the money | Where you do it | Typical points to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant refund at the shop | At the till, as a lower price | In the shop | Per-receipt and total limits; you must still export the goods |
| Kiosk refund at the airport | After scanning, same visit | Airport self-service kiosk | Customs confirmation first; payout options vary |
| Refund counter at the airport | After staff process your slips | Airport refund counter | Queues; cash limits; possible handling fees |
| City refund counter | After processing in the city | Selected refund points | Availability varies; export confirmation still needed |
To show how the maths works, here is a simple example. This is an illustration, not a quote. Rates, fees and thresholds may differ.
| Purchase (example) | Price | VAT included at 10% | Possible refund before fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skincare set | $50 / 70,000 KRW | about $4.55 / 6,364 KRW | Less than the full VAT amount, depending on the refund company |
| Jacket | $100 / 140,000 KRW | about $9.09 / 12,727 KRW | Less than the full VAT amount, depending on the refund company |
Exchange rates move, so the dollar figures are rounded and approximate. The actual refund you receive is usually lower than the VAT paid. Handling fees are normally deducted.
Check the exact refund table on the refund company’s site or ask at the counter.
Common mistakes that cost you money
Most failed refunds come from a few simple errors. Here are the ones to avoid.
- Forgetting your passport. You need it at the shop and again at the airport. A copy is not enough.
- Buying at a shop that is not registered. Always ask before you pay.
- Losing slips or receipts. Without them, you cannot claim. Keep them in one folder.
- Checking in your bags too early. If customs needs to see the goods, you must reach them first.
- Using the goods or removing tags. Officers may refuse a claim if items look used or opened.
- Running out of time. Refund queues and customs checks take time. Plan extra time at the airport.
- Ignoring the time limit. There is a limit on how soon after purchase you must leave Korea. Check the current rule.
- Not confirming the export for an instant refund. The shop discount can be reversed if you skip this step.
One more tip is worth saying aloud. Take photos of your slips and receipts as a backup. This will not replace the originals, but it helps if you lose something.
If you leave Korea from a port or a smaller airport, procedures may differ. Check ahead with the refund company or the local customs office. Do not assume the process matches a large international airport.
FAQ
How much can I get back in a tax refund in Korea?
The refund is based on the 10 percent VAT in the price. You rarely get the full amount back, because refund companies take a handling fee. The exact figure depends on the shop, the refund company and your total spend. Verify the current figures on the official sites.
Do I need to bring the items I bought to the airport?
Yes, usually. Customs may ask to see the goods before you check in. Keep them in your carry-on or in luggage you can easily reopen. Services and items you consume in Korea are generally not refundable.
Can I claim a tax refund after I check in my luggage?
It is risky. If customs needs to inspect your goods, they must be with you. Plan to visit the customs and refund area before check-in. Rules can vary by airport, so follow the signs and staff instructions.
Is there a minimum amount I must spend?
Often there is a minimum spend per receipt. The amount has changed over time. Check the current threshold on the official tourism, tax or customs websites before you shop.
What if the shop does not offer tax-free shopping?
Then you cannot claim a refund for that purchase. Ask at the till before you pay. Look for a tax-free sign or ask staff whether they take part in the scheme.
Sources
- Korea Customs Service: https://www.customs.go.kr/
- National Tax Service of Korea: https://www.nts.go.kr/
- Korea Tourism Organization (Visit Korea): https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/
- Incheon International Airport: https://www.airport.kr/
Rules, limits and fees change often. Always confirm the current details on these official sites before you travel.
Leave a Reply