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Sources, method and corrections

Each figure on this site traces to a published source. This page lists them, explains how the calculators work and describes how we correct mistakes. Figures were last checked on October 13, 2026.

Sources

  • Tax-free refund table: Global Tax Free, refund rate table (80 bands, 6,000,000 KRW and above: 90% of VAT). merchant.gtfetrs.com
  • Instant, downtown and airport refund limits: Korea Customs Service rules as reported in the press (for example Kukinews, April 2026) and in refund-operator guidance checked October 2026: instant refund below 1,000,000 KRW per receipt and up to 5,000,000 KRW in total, downtown counters up to 6,000,000 KRW per transaction, 15,000 KRW minimum per receipt.
  • Hotel VAT refund (designated lodging): Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism notices. Q3 2026 designation result · Q4 2026 application notice
  • Climate Card short-term pass: Seoul Metropolitan Government transport portal. Climate Card introduction · How to use
  • Seoul taxi fares: Seoul Metropolitan Government taxi fare notice (page modified 3 April 2026): 4,800 KRW for 1.6 km, 100 KRW per 131 m or 30 seconds; night surcharges 20%/40%, out-of-city 20%, combined maximum 60%.
  • Subway and bus fares: Seoul Metropolitan Government fare adjustment effective 28 June 2025, as reported in the press: subway 1,550 KRW by transit card and 1,650 KRW by cash single ticket; city bus 1,500 KRW.
  • Airport limousine bus: operator fare page. airportlimousine.co.kr (17,000 KRW direct; 16,000 KRW via Gimpo).
  • AREX: operator site arex.or.kr. Fares as listed in fare guides checked October 2026: 4,750 KRW (T1) and 5,350 KRW (T2) all-stop to Seoul Station; Express about 13,000 KRW. Published Express fares differ between sources, so use the price shown at purchase.

How the calculators work

  • Hotel: service charge = room × rate. VAT = 10% of room plus service (×1.21) or of room only (×1.20), your choice. All-in mode divides the final price by the same factor.
  • Tax refund: looks the receipt up in the 80-band table; 6,000,000 KRW and above uses 90% of VAT (price ÷ 11), rounded down below 100 won.
  • Transit: total rides × fare against the short-term pass price.
  • Airport: fares per person times travellers; taxi meter = 4,800 KRW + 100 KRW for every 131 m after 1.6 km, with one taxi per four travellers.

Update and correction policy

Fares and rules change. We re-check figures regularly and show the check date on each page. If you see an error, email shkim@hotelseoul.biz with the page and the source; we correct confirmed errors promptly and update the check date.

Limits

Results are planning estimates. Your hotel bill, store receipt or fare display is the final authority. See the terms and disclaimer.