Tax refund rules for tourists (2026)
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Minimum spend | ₩15,000 or more on one receipt at one “Tax Free” store |
| Instant refund | Taken off at the counter when one purchase is under ₩1,000,000 and your trip total stays within ₩5,000,000 |
| Larger purchases | Claim at a downtown refund counter or at the airport before you fly |
| Time limit | Within 3 months of the purchase |
| Who qualifies | Foreign visitors staying in Korea under 6 months; bring your passport |
How much do you get back?
Prices in Korea already include 10% VAT, so the tax inside a price is price × 10 ÷ 110 (about 9.1%). The refund company keeps a handling fee, so most shoppers get back about 5–8% of what they paid. The exact figure follows the refund company’s table at each store.
| You paid | VAT inside | Expected refund (5–8%) |
|---|---|---|
| ₩15,000 | ₩1,364 | ₩750 – ₩1,200 |
| ₩50,000 | ₩4,545 | ₩2,500 – ₩4,000 |
| ₩100,000 | ₩9,091 | ₩5,000 – ₩8,000 |
| ₩300,000 | ₩27,273 | ₩15,000 – ₩24,000 |
| ₩1,000,000 | ₩90,909 | ₩50,000 – ₩80,000 |
Tips
- Several small purchases at different stores can’t be added together to reach ₩15,000. Buy in one store, on one receipt.
- Cosmetic surgery and dermatology treatments were removed from the refund program at the end of 2025.
- Plan the rest of your budget with the Korea trip cost calculator.
Checked Nov 13, 2026. Rules from Korea’s VAT refund scheme for foreign tourists as summarized by travel and refund-operator guides; refund rates vary by operator.
