Korea Tax Refund Shopping Tourists in Korea: Practical Guide for Foreign Travelers

Quick answer

Foreign tourists in Korea can claim a refund on the 10% Value-Added Tax (VAT) included in most purchases. The refund is available at participating stores for single receipts of at least KRW 30,000. You can get your refund at the airport, at city refund centers, or via an in-store instant refund. The key is to keep your receipts, have your passport ready, and allow enough time at the airport for the refund process.

Best route

Step 1: Shop at tax-free stores

Look for stores displaying "Tax Free" or "Global Blue" or "Tax Refund" signs. Major department stores, large chains (like Lotte, Hyundai, Shinsegae), and many independent shops participate. The minimum purchase for a single receipt is usually KRW 30,000. Some stores offer instant refund at the counter – you pay the after-tax amount directly. For others, you pay the full price and claim the refund later.

Step 2: Get your tax refund receipt

When you pay, show your passport and ask for a tax refund receipt (often called a "Tax Free Receipt" or "Refund Slip"). The store will attach it to your normal receipt or give it separately. Keep all slips safe.

Step 3: Choose your refund method

• Airport refund: Most common. Process at the airport after check-in but before security.
• City refund centers: Located in Myeongdong, Hongdae, and other shopping districts. You can get cash refunds before your flight, but you still need to get your receipts validated at the airport.
• In-store instant refund: Some stores (e.g., Lotte Duty Free, some Olive Young branches) deduct the tax at the counter. You don't need to do anything else.

Step 4: At the airport (if not instant refund)

1. Check in and get your boarding pass (but keep your luggage accessible if you have refund items in checked baggage).
2. Go to the Tax Refund counter (usually near the departure hall, before security). Look for signs: "Tax Refund" or "Global Blue" or "Korea Tax Free".
3. Present your passport, receipts, and refund slips. The officer may ask to see the purchased items, especially for high-value goods. Have them handy in your carry-on or easily accessible in checked luggage.
4. Get your refund – either cash (in KRW, USD, JPY, or CNY) or credit to your card. Some machines (KIOSK) allow self-service.
5. If your total refund is over KRW 75,000, you must go through customs inspection (declare at the customs desk) before proceeding to the refund counter.

Step 5: After security (for checked items)

If you already checked your luggage, you can still claim refunds for items in checked baggage at the customs desk before security. For carry-on items, there is a refund counter after security near the boarding gates.

Timing and tickets

Best time to shop

• Weekdays: Less crowded, especially in the morning.
• Avoid Korean holidays (Chuseok, Lunar New Year) when stores may be closed or crowded.
• Seasonal sales: January, July, and end-of-year sales offer additional discounts.

Airport refund timing

• Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights. The refund process can take 15–30 minutes, but queues can be longer during peak times (morning and evening).
• Refund counters are usually open from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM, but check your airport's specific hours.

City refund centers

• Myeongdong: Global Blue office near Myeongdong Station, open 10:00–20:00.
• Hongdae: Near Hongik University Station, open 10:00–19:00.
• Dongdaemun: At Doota Mall, open 10:00–22:00.

Payment methods

• Cash: Most refunds are given in KRW, but some counters offer USD, JPY, or CNY.
• Credit card: Refund can be credited to your card, but it may take 3–7 business days.
• Alipay/WeChat Pay: Available at some counters.

Photo plan

While not a photo-heavy topic, you may want to snap pictures of:

• Your receipts and refund slips – as a backup in case you lose them.
• The store's tax-free sign – to remember which stores participate.
• The airport refund counter location – to find it easily later.

Mistakes to avoid

1. Not bringing your passport: You must show your passport at the time of purchase and at refund. No passport, no refund.
2. Throwing away receipts: Keep every receipt and refund slip until you leave Korea.
3. Checking in luggage with refund items before customs: If you have high-value items (total refund over KRW 75,000), you need to show them to customs before checking in. Pack them in an easily accessible bag.
4. Waiting until the last minute: Airport refund queues can be long. Arrive early.
5. Using the wrong refund counter: Some counters only handle certain refund operators (Global Blue, Korea Tax Free, etc.). Check which operator your store uses.
6. Assuming all stores offer instant refund: Most don't. Always ask at the counter.
7. Not knowing the minimum purchase: Single receipt must be at least KRW 30,000. Multiple receipts from the same store can be combined on the same day? No – each receipt is separate. But you can combine receipts from the same store on the same day if the store issues a single refund slip. Ask the cashier.

Source check

• VisitKorea official tax refund guide: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/ – Search for "tax refund" for the latest procedures and participating stores.
• Global Blue Korea: https://www.globalblue.com/korea/ – Check refund rates and counter locations.
• Korea Customs Service: https://www.customs.go.kr/ – Official rules on duty-free and tax refund limits.
• Incheon Airport Tax Refund: https://www.airport.kr/ – Check counter locations and operating hours.

FAQ

Q: How much tax can I get back?

A: The VAT is 10%. The refund amount is approximately 8–9% after fees. For example, on a KRW 100,000 purchase, you get about KRW 8,000–9,000 back.

Q: Is there a minimum purchase?

A: Yes, at least KRW 30,000 per single receipt. Some stores have higher minimums.

Q: Can I get a refund on food or services?

A: No, only goods (physical products) are eligible. Services like hotel stays, meals, or tours are not refundable.

Q: Do I need to keep the items in my carry-on?

A: Not necessarily, but if your total refund is over KRW 75,000, you must show the items to customs. Pack them in an accessible bag.

Q: Can I get a refund if I leave by ferry?

A: Yes, most international ferry terminals have tax refund counters.

Q: What if I forget to get a refund at the airport?

A: You can mail your receipts to the refund operator within 3 months, but it's complicated. Best to do it at the airport.

Q: Are duty-free shops different from tax refund shops?

A: Yes. Duty-free shops (e.g., at the airport or downtown duty-free stores) sell goods without VAT at the point of sale. You don't need to claim a refund later. Tax refund shops charge VAT, and you claim it back.

Q: Can I use a tax refund service for online purchases?

A: Generally no, unless the online store explicitly offers tax-free shopping for tourists (rare).

Q: What if my refund is denied?

A: Common reasons: missing receipt, passport not shown, purchase below minimum, or item not eligible. Check with the refund operator.

Q: Is there a limit on how much I can claim?

A: No official limit, but for amounts over KRW 75,000, customs inspection is required. For very large amounts, you may need to declare at customs.

Q: Can I get a refund if I am a Korean resident?

A: No, tax refund is only for foreign tourists who have been in Korea for less than 6 months and are leaving within 3 months of purchase.