Korea’s tourist tax refund system allows foreign visitors to reclaim the Value Added Tax (VAT) of up to 10% paid on purchases over 15,000 won at registered stores. Unlike Japan’s point-of-sale exemption, Korea’s system requires paying the full price, including tax, at the store and then claiming a refund at the time of departure. Here is how it works, step by step.
Quick Answer: Korea VAT refund: Pay the full price including tax at stores displaying the Tax Free / Global Blue / Planet logo. Keep receipts and a tax refund form from each store. Claim the refund at Incheon Airport before check-in (or use the automatic kiosks). Minimum purchase: 15,000 won per store. No maximum. Compare with Japan’s system in the Japan tax-free shopping guide.
How the Korea Tax Refund Works
Step 1: Shop at Registered Stores
Look for stores displaying the Tax Free, Global Blue, or Planet Tax Free logo. Most major department stores (Lotte, Shinsegae, Hyundai), the Myeongdong shopping area (see the Myeongdong shopping guide), Dongdaemun Market, and many brand stores are registered. Convenience stores and most small independent shops are not.
Step 2: Request a Tax Refund Form at the Register
When making a qualifying purchase (15,000 won or more per store), show your passport and ask for a tax refund receipt or Global Blue/Planet voucher. The store will attach a refund slip to your receipt. Keep all slips and receipts throughout your trip.
Step 3: Claim at the Airport
At Incheon Airport, claim your refund before check-in:
- Self-service kiosk refund. Several automated kiosks in the departure hall process refunds of up to 75,000 won per receipt instantly. Insert your refund slips, scan your passport, and receive cash or a credit to your card.
- Counter refund: for larger amounts or if kiosks are unavailable, visit the tax refund counter (Korea Customs Service or Global Blue counters in the departure hall, before and after security). Show your receipts, refund slips, and passport. The items must still be in your possession (goods must not have been consumed or checked in).
- City refund locations: Global Blue partner hotels and some department stores offer advance city refunds, where you receive the refund in the city and then surrender the stamped receipt at the airport. This avoids airport queues.
Refund Amounts
The standard VAT rate in Korea is 10%. The refund you receive is approximately 7-9% of the purchase price (the difference reflects handling fees deducted by the refund operators). For a 100,000-won purchase, you would receive approximately 7,000 to 9,000 won in refund.
Minimum and Maximum Purchases
Minimum: 15,000 won per store per receipt. Purchases below this threshold do not qualify.
Maximum: There is no maximum single purchase limit, but customers may be required to provide a declaration for very large quantities of goods.
What Qualifies for a Tax Refund
- All goods purchased for export: clothing, electronics, cosmetics, accessories, food (packaged and sealed)
- Items must be taken out of Korea and remain in your possession at the airport to claim a refund.
What does NOT qualify: restaurant meals, hotel stays, transport, services.
Best Shopping Areas for Tax Refund
Myeongdong (see the Myeongdong shopping guide) has the highest density of tax-refund-registered stores for K-beauty and fashion. The skincare brands (see Korea skincare shopping guide) are all registered. Lotte and Shinsegae department stores have dedicated tax refund counters. The Dongdaemun Market guide covers another major shopping area.
Comparing Korea and Japan Tax Refund
Korea and Japan handle tourist tax refunds differently. Korea: pay tax at purchase, claim refund at the airport. Japan: tax is deducted at the point of sale, no airport refund needed. If visiting both countries, the Japanese system (see Japan tax-free shopping guide) is more convenient but has stricter rules about not using items before departure.
Nearby Guides
- Myeongdong shopping guide
- Korea skincare shopping guide
- Seoul shopping guide
- Dongdaemun Market guide
- Japan tax-free shopping guide
- Japan Korea budget guide
FAQ
How much VAT do I get back in Korea?
Approximately 7-9% of the purchase price after handling fees. With 100,000 won spent, you receive approximately 7,000 to 9,000 won. The refund operator’s service fee partially offsets the 10% VAT.
Do I need to show my passport when shopping in Korea?
Yes, when requesting a tax refund slip. Show your passport at the register at the time of purchase, not after. The store records your passport number on the refund form.
What happens if I forget to claim my refund at the airport?
Global Blue and Planet Tax Free refund slips have a validity period (usually 3 months from the purchase date). If you forget to claim at the airport, you can submit the original stamped refund slips by mail after departure. Check the refund operator’s website for the mail-in procedure. However, the airport kiosk or counter is the easiest and fastest method.
