Seoul hotel price calculator: service charge and VAT
Many Seoul hotels, especially 4- and 5-star properties, quote a room rate before a service charge and VAT. Enter the rate to see what you will actually pay.
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How a Korean hotel price is built
A room advertised as "plus plus" (often written ++ or "excluding tax and service") has two charges added at checkout. The service charge, normally 10%, is the hotel's own fee for service. The VAT, 10%, is the national value-added tax. Budget hotels, guesthouses and many mid-range properties instead quote a single all-in price, so always check which kind of price you are looking at.
10% + 10% is not always 20%
If VAT is charged on the room rate plus the service charge, the two add up to 21% (a 200,000 KRW room becomes 242,000 KRW). If VAT is charged on the room rate only, the total is 20% higher (240,000 KRW). Both patterns exist, which is why the calculator lets you choose. Your booking confirmation or the hotel's price notice will show which one applies.
| Quoted rate (KRW) | Total, VAT on room + service (×1.21) | Total, VAT on room only (×1.20) |
|---|---|---|
| 100,000 | 121,000 | 120,000 |
| 150,000 | 181,500 | 180,000 |
| 200,000 | 242,000 | 240,000 |
| 300,000 | 363,000 | 360,000 |
| 500,000 | 605,000 | 600,000 |
Working backwards from a final price
Booking sites sometimes show a final price that already includes everything. Choose "All-in" and the calculator splits it back into room charge, service charge and VAT, so you can compare it fairly with a hotel that quotes plus plus.
Is any of the VAT refundable?
Korea has a special refund of the VAT on lodging for foreign visitors, but only at hotels designated for the scheme, only for stays of up to 30 nights, and the refund is paid after a handling fee is deducted. Most hotels are not part of it. The VAT figure above is therefore the most that could be in play, not what you will get back. Our hotel VAT refund guide explains the conditions.
Do I tip on top of the service charge?
No. The service charge is the service payment, and tipping is not part of Korean hospitality. See the tipping guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is the service charge mandatory?
If a hotel quotes its rates plus service charge, it is added to the bill. Hotels that quote all-in prices usually do not add anything further. Check the price notice on your booking.
Why is my total 21% higher and not 20%?
Because VAT is charged on the room rate and on the service charge. 100 + 10 + 11 = 121.
Can foreigners get the hotel VAT back?
Only at hotels designated for the lodging VAT refund and only if the conditions are met. See the guide linked above.
Does this include a city or tourist tax?
No. The calculator covers service charge and VAT only.