Quick Summary
Non-resident foreign visitors staying in Korea for less than 6 months can claim VAT back on eligible purchases. Done right, you get up to 10% back.
Key takeaways
- Eligible: non-residents staying less than 6 months. Bring your passport when you shop.
- Minimum purchase: ₩15,000 or more on the same day at the same tax-refund store.
- Look for 'TAX REFUND', 'TAX FREE' or 'Global Blue' signs at the store.
- Refund rate is roughly 9–10% of your purchase price depending on the operator and payment method.
- Do the customs verification BEFORE checking in your luggage at the airport.
- Refund options: cash (KRW), credit card refund, Alipay, WeChat Pay or other mobile payments.
Official resources
- National Tax Service — Official Website — VAT rules and official tax-refund guidance for visitors.
- Korea Customs Service — Official Website — Customs declarations, duty-free allowances and prohibited items.
Why It Matters
Korean prices already include 10% VAT. As a short-term visitor you are entitled to most of that back, but only if you shop at participating stores and complete the airport steps before departure.
Up to 10% back on shopping
On a large shopping day the refund is significant — but unclaimed receipts are simply money left behind.
Only for short-term visitors
The refund is for non-residents staying in Korea less than 6 months, which covers most tourists and short business trips.
Timing at the airport matters
Customs may want to see the goods, so verification happens before you check in your luggage — not after.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 01
1. Check that you are eligible
You must be a non-resident foreign visitor staying in Korea for less than 6 months.
- 02
2. Shop at tax-refund stores
Look for 'TAX REFUND', 'TAX FREE' or 'Global Blue' signage. Only purchases at participating stores can be refunded.
- 03
3. Meet the minimum spend
You need ₩15,000 or more on the same day at the same tax-refund store for that receipt to qualify.
- 04
4. Show your passport at the counter
The store issues a tax-refund receipt in your name, so carry your passport whenever you plan to shop.
- 05
5. Keep every refund receipt together
Store the tax-refund slips with your passport. Missing slips cannot be reissued at the airport.
- 06
6. Complete customs verification before check-in
At the airport, do the customs verification step BEFORE checking in your luggage, because the goods may need to be shown.
- 07
7. Claim the refund in the departure area
After immigration, use the refund counters or self-service refund kiosks to receive your money.
- 08
8. Choose your refund method
You can take cash in KRW, or receive the refund to your credit card, Alipay, WeChat Pay or another mobile payment method.
- 09
9. Expect roughly 9–10% back
The exact rate depends on the refund operator and the payment method you choose.
Important Tips
Ask for the tax-refund slip at payment
It cannot be issued later — request it while you are still at the cashier.
Group purchases in one store
The ₩15,000 minimum applies per store per day, so combining items helps you qualify.
Arrive earlier than usual
Customs verification plus refund queues take extra time on departure day.
Cash refunds are immediate
Cash is paid in KRW at the refund counter — useful if you want to spend it before boarding.
Card refunds go back to the same card
Choose the card refund option if you paid by card and don't need cash.
Keep goods accessible
Do not pack refund items deep in your checked luggage before verification.
Don't skip verification
Without the customs step, the refund cannot be paid out.
Common Mistakes
Don't
Checking in luggage before customs verification.
Do
Complete the customs verification first — officers may ask to see the purchased goods.
Don't
Shopping without your passport.
Do
Bring your passport when you shop so the store can issue the tax-refund receipt.
Don't
Assuming every store offers tax refunds.
Do
Only stores with 'TAX REFUND', 'TAX FREE' or 'Global Blue' signage participate.
Don't
Splitting a small purchase across stores.
Do
You need ₩15,000 or more on the same day at the same store for the receipt to qualify.
Don't
Losing the refund slips before departure.
Do
Keep all refund slips together with your passport until you claim at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can claim a tax refund in Korea?+
Non-resident foreign visitors staying in Korea for less than 6 months.
What is the minimum purchase?+
₩15,000 or more on the same day at the same tax-refund store.
How much do I get back?+
Roughly 9–10% of the purchase price, depending on the refund operator and payment method.
Where do I claim the refund?+
At the airport: complete customs verification before check-in, then use the refund counters or kiosks in the departure area.
How can the refund be paid?+
Cash in KRW, credit card refund, Alipay, WeChat Pay or other mobile payments.
Official Resources
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