Travel & getting around
Tax refund in Korea: get VAT back when you shop
As of: October 2026 · Leben in Korea
Shopping in Seoul is fun, and with the tax refund you get part of the tax back. Here's who qualifies and which ways there are. The information comes from VISITKOREA; limits can change, so check the current details on the official website before bigger purchases.
Who gets the tax refund?
The tax refund is for non-Koreans who have been in Korea for less than six months.
You have to spend at least ₩15,000 per receipt, in a shop with a "Tax Refund" or "Tax Free" sign.
The goods must be new, unopened and unused, and you have to leave Korea within three months of the purchase.
Way 1: instantly at the till
Show your passport at the till. This works for purchases from ₩15,000 and under ₩1,000,000 per payment, up to ₩5,000,000 per trip in total.
Way 2: at the airport or port
At the airport or port there's no purchase limit. You get the refund at the counter or kiosk after the security check.
Before check-in you show the goods and receipts to customs and get the "Customs Export Approval" stamp.
Way 3: tax refund counters in the city
In the city there are tax refund counters for receipts up to ₩6,000,000. They only refund receipts from their own company. When you leave, you report this to customs at the airport.
Checklist
- Carry your passport when shopping
- Keep your tax refund receipts
- Leave the goods unopened
- At a city counter: bring an international credit card
Sources
As of: October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice. No guarantee; the official authorities have the final word.