Shopping in South Korea is a dream for travelers, from luxury beauty brands and trendy K-fashion to unique souvenirs. The best part? If you’re a visitor, you can enjoy a Korea tax refund for tourists, helping you save even more on your purchases.
Here’s a complete guide explaining how to get tax refund in Korea, the Korea tax refund rate, and everything you need to know before you fly home.
🧾 What Is the Korea Tax Refund?
When you shop in South Korea, a 10% Value-Added Tax (VAT) is included in the price of most goods. The Korea tax refund system lets foreign visitors reclaim part of this tax when leaving the country.
That means you can get back some of what you paid, especially if you plan to shop big in Seoul, Busan, or Jeju.
💡 Korea Tax Refund for Tourist: Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for a tax refund in Korea, you must meet these conditions:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
Tourist Status | You must be a foreign tourist staying in Korea for less than 6 months. |
Where to Shop | Purchases must be made at “Tax-Free” or “Tax-Refund” stores (look for the official sign). |
Minimum Spending | Your total spend per receipt must be at least ₩100,000 KRW to qualify. |
Goods Condition | Items must be unused and taken out of Korea within 3 months of purchase. |
💰 How Much Is Tax Refund in Korea?
Wondering how much is tax refund in Korea? The official VAT rate is 10%, but after processing fees, tourists typically get back around 5%–8% of their total purchase amount.
| Category | Amount (KRW) | Approx. Amount (SGD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Minimum purchase per receipt | ₩15,000 | ~S$15 | Required to qualify for a tax refund |
Maximum refund per receipt | ₩1,000,000 | ~S$1,000 | Upper refund limit for a single receipt |
Maximum total refund per trip | ₩5,000,000 | ~S$5,000 | Total refund limit across all purchases |
Example refund | ₩300,000 purchase → ₩15,000–₩24,000 refund | ~S$300 purchase → S$15–S$24 refund | Refund amount depends on service fee and method |
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📈 Korea Tax Refund Rate
Here’s a quick overview of the Korea tax refund rate based on spending:
Purchase Amount | Approx. Refund | Notes |
|---|---|---|
₩15,000 – ₩100,000 | 5%–7% | Basic rate after fees |
₩100,000 – ₩1,000,000 | 6%–8% | Higher spend = slightly better rate |
₩1,000,000+ | 8% (max) | Must claim at airport counter |
🛍️ How to Get Tax Refund in Korea
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get tax refund in Korea:
Shop at Tax-Free Stores
- Choose shops with “TAX FREE” or “TAX REFUND” labels.
- Present your passport at checkout and ask for a “tax refund receipt” (or the refund form).
- Keep the goods unused and in original packaging, because you may need to show them at customs when departing.
Choose Instant or Airport Refund
- Instant Refund: Some stores offer an immediate discount at checkout if your purchase total is under ₩500,000.
- Airport Refund: If you didn’t get an instant refund, head to the tax refund counter or kiosk at Incheon, Gimpo, or other airports before checking in.
At the airport (or departure point)
- Go to the Customs Tax Refund Kiosk before security.
- Scan your passport and refund slips.
- If asked, show your unused items for inspection.
- Once approved, get your refund in cash (KRW, USD, or other) or credited to your credit card.
✈️ Where to Claim the Tax Refund
You can find tax refund counters or kiosks at:
| Refund Location | Details / Notes |
|---|---|
Incheon International Airport (T1 & T2) | Major refund counters available in both terminals before and after immigration. |
Busan Gimhae Airport | Refund service available for travelers departing from Busan. |
Gimpo International Airport | Convenient for domestic and short-haul international flights; refund counters near departure area. |
Jeju International Airport | Refund counters for tourists leaving Jeju Island directly. |
Selected city refund locations | Available in popular shopping areas such as Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, and Hongdae for same-day or early refunds. |
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🎯 Final Thoughts
The Korea tax refund for tourist program is one of the easiest ways to save money while shopping. With a refund rate of up to 8%, it’s definitely worth taking the time to process your claim.
Whether you’re hunting for K-beauty, tech gadgets, or stylish fashion finds, knowing how much is tax refund in Korea and how to get tax refund in Korea ensures you shop smart and get more value from your trip.
So, next time you’re in Seoul or Busan, keep your receipts and enjoy those extra savings, a perfect way to end your Korean shopping adventure!
FAQ: Korea Tax Refund
Who is eligible for the Korea tax refund?
Foreign tourists staying in Korea for less than 6 months who purchase goods from tax-free or tax-refund stores are eligible.How can tourists get a tax refund in Korea?
You can get a refund instantly in-store at participating shops or at airports and city refund counters (Incheon, Gimpo, Busan, Jeju, Myeongdong, Dongdaemun).When should I claim my tax refund?
Goods must be taken out of Korea within 3 months of purchase, and refunds should be processed before you depart.What documents are required for a tax refund?
You’ll need your passport, receipts, and purchased goods for inspection if requested.Can I get my refund in another currency?
Refunds are usually given in Korean Won (KRW), though some operators may offer other currencies or credit card refunds.