Tax-free shopping in Korea: step by step
Korea refunds the VAT on goods bought by foreign visitors. There are three ways to claim it, and the right one depends on how much you spend per receipt. This is the process from the shop counter to the airport.
Step 1: Shop where the TAX FREE sign is displayed
Only stores registered as tax-free shops can issue refund documents. Look for the TAX FREE sign at the entrance and show your passport at payment. The minimum is 15,000 KRW on one receipt.
Step 2: Pick a refund route
- Instant refund in the store. The tax is taken off the price at payment. It applies to receipts under 1,000,000 KRW, with up to 5,000,000 KRW in total during your stay.
- Downtown refund counter. You pay the full price and collect the refund at a counter in the city before leaving, for transactions up to 6,000,000 KRW.
- Airport refund. On the day you leave, get customs confirmation of the goods at the airport and use a refund kiosk or counter. A mailbox is available for confirmed documents.
Step 3: Take the goods out of Korea
Goods must leave Korea within three months of purchase. If earlier purchases were not taken out in that time, instant refunds on later purchases are not available. Keep goods easy to show if customs asks.
How much will you get?
The refund follows a table by price band, not a flat percentage. A 100,000 KRW receipt returns 7,000 KRW; a 1,000,000 KRW receipt returns 75,000 KRW. Enter your receipts into the refund calculator.
Common mistakes
- Expecting restaurants, hotels or services to be covered. Tax-free shopping is for goods.
- Splitting one purchase into small receipts. Each receipt is assessed individually.
- Arriving at the airport without time for customs confirmation and the refund counter.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreign residents claim tax-free refunds?
The scheme is for visiting foreign tourists. Long-term residents are normally not eligible; check the store's rules.
Which route is best?
Instant refund is the simplest under 1,000,000 KRW per receipt. Larger purchases need a downtown counter or the airport.
Is cash or card refund offered?
It varies by operator and counter. Ask at the refund point.
How early should I get to the airport?
Allow extra time, as the process includes customs confirmation before the refund counter.