How to Get a Tax Refund in Korea : Complete Guide for Tourists (2026)
Shopping in Korea is already amazing — but did you know you can get up to 10% of your money back? Korea’s tourist tax refund system lets foreign visitors reclaim the Value Added Tax (VAT) on most purchases. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Korea Tax Refund?
South Korea charges a 10% VAT on most goods. As a foreign tourist, you’re exempt from paying this tax on items you take out of the country. After service fees, you’ll typically get back around 5–8% of your total purchase price.
For example, that ₩100,000 skincare haul at Olive Young? You could walk away paying closer to ₩93,000.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for a tax refund, you must be a non-resident of Korea who does not earn income in the country, and you must have stayed in Korea for less than 6 months.
Note: If you’re on a long-term work or student visa, you’re generally not eligible.
What’s the Minimum Spend?
The minimum spend was recently lowered to ₩15,000 per single transaction — down from the old ₩30,000 rule — making it easier than ever to qualify for a refund.
Note: Some stores may still require ₩30,000 minimum, so always check.
What Can (and Can’t) You Claim?
Eligible items:
- Clothing, shoes, bags
- Cosmetics and skincare (unopened)
- Electronics
- K-pop merchandise
- Packaged food (sealed) — e.g. boxed ginseng, dried seaweed
Not eligible:
- Restaurant meals and cafe drinks
- Hotel stays
- Services
- Medical/cosmetic surgery procedures (abolished as of January 1, 2026)
Which Stores Offer Tax Refunds?
Not every store in Korea offers tax refunds — only registered “Tax Free” partner stores. Look for the Global Blue, Global Tax Free, or KT Taxfree logo on the store entrance.
Most major destinations ARE registered:
- Olive Young
- Major department stores (Lotte, Shinsegae, Hyundai)
- Outlets and large shopping malls
- Most stores in Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Gangnam
Not sure? Just ask the staff: “Do you offer tax refund?”
Where You CAN’T Get a Tax Refund (Even If You Think You Can)
This is where many tourists get caught out:
| Store Type | Tax Refund? |
| Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) | No |
| Daiso (most branches) | Most branches No |
| Daiso in Myeongdong / Hongdae | Some branches Yes |
| Restaurants & cafes | No |
| Hotels | No |
| Street food stalls | No |
| Supermarkets (some) | Varies by branch |
Pro tip: Even within the same chain, different branches may have different policies. Always ask before you pay.
Three Ways to Get Your Refund
■ Method 1: Immediate In-Store Refund (Easiest)
Look for stores with a “Tax Free” sign. At checkout, say “Tax Free please” (택스프리 주세요) and show your passport. The tax is deducted immediately from your bill — no airport paperwork needed.
This works for purchases under ₩1,000,000 per receipt. For purchases over that amount, you’ll need to claim at the airport instead.
■ Method 2: Airport Refund
If you paid full price in-store, you can claim your refund at the airport before departure.
Step-by-step
- Keep all tax refund receipts and purchased goods unopened
- At Incheon Airport, go to the Customs Tax Refund Kiosk before check-in
- Scan your passport and refund slips
- Collect your refund in cash or to your credit card
Arrive at least 3 hours early, especially during peak seasons. The kiosk line can stretch to 30+ minutes.
■ Method 3: Downtown Refund Kiosk
You can also get your refund early at designated downtown kiosks in Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, and major department stores — before you even head to the airport.
Note: Your credit card is held as a deposit until you scan your passport at airport customs before departure. Don’t skip this step or you’ll be charged the refund amount plus a penalty.
Key Rules to Remember
- Goods must be taken out of Korea within 3 months of purchase
- Items must be unopened and unused when shown to customs
- The total refund limit for immediate in-store refunds is ₩5,000,000 for your entire stay
- Each store issues its own refund document — you cannot combine receipts from different stores
Where to Claim at Incheon Airport
Tax refund counters and kiosks are available at Incheon, Gimpo, Busan, and Jeju airports, and also at downtown locations in Myeongdong and Dongdaemun.
At Incheon Airport specifically:
- Go to the Customs Tax Refund Kiosk on Departure Floor before checking in your luggage
- For larger purchases, visit the Customs Inspection Counter first
- After clearing immigration, there is an additional Tax Refund Counter inside the departure area
Pro Tips
- Keep your refund documents separate from regular receipts, stored with your passport from day one. No documents = no refund, and there’s no way to reissue them.
- You do NOT need a Korean phone number or ARC card. Airport kiosks only require your passport.
- Shopping at department stores like Lotte or Shinsegae? You may be able to combine receipts from different counters on the same day at their Customer Service desk.
- Keep cosmetics and electronics completely sealed until you leave Korea — if a customs officer sees you’ve used a “tax-free” product, your refund will be rejected.
- Items must be taken as carry-on luggage if customs may want to inspect them. Don’t check tax-free items in your baggage before getting your refund stamp.
FAQ
Can I get a refund on Olive Young purchases?
Yes! Olive Young participates in the tax refund system at most branches. Show your passport at checkout and ask for a tax refund receipt.
Can I get a refund at Daiso?
Only at select branches (mainly Myeongdong and Hongdae). Most Daiso branches don’t offer it — even staff may not know. Ask before you buy.
Can I get a refund on food?
Only on sealed, packaged food items like boxed ginseng or dried seaweed. Restaurant meals and opened food don’t qualify.
What if I forget to claim at the airport?
If you forgot to scan receipts before checking your bags, kiosks inside the terminal (after security) can still process smaller receipts. For larger purchases, you’re likely out of luck if bags are already checked.
Cash or card refund?
You can choose either at the airport counter or kiosk.
Do I need to show my purchases at customs?
Customs may ask to inspect your items, especially for larger amounts. Keep tax-free purchases in your carry-on, not checked baggage.
Happy shopping in Korea — and don’t leave that tax refund on the table!