How do tourists get a tax refund in Korea?
Shop at stores showing a Tax Free or Tax Refund sign and show your passport. Spend at least 15,000 won per purchase. You can get the tax taken off right at the register, or get a refund voucher and claim it downtown or at the airport when you leave.
Updated 2026-10-15Who can get a refund
VISITKOREA says foreign visitors staying in Korea for less than six months qualify, as do overseas Koreans who have lived abroad for two years or more and are staying three months or less. People working in Korea, diplomats and US military personnel are not eligible. Goods must leave Korea within three months of purchase, unopened and unused. Services like cooked food or massages do not qualify.
Immediate refund at the store
At participating stores, you can pay the price with tax already taken off. Show your passport at the register. VISITKOREA lists the rules as a single payment of at least 15,000 won and under 1 million won, with a total of 5 million won or less for your whole trip. Department stores, big supermarkets and some convenience store and beauty chains offer it. This saves you a stop at the airport.
Refund at the airport
If you paid full price, ask the store for a refund voucher (the minimum is also 15,000 won). When you leave Korea, show your goods, vouchers and passport to customs for export confirmation, then collect your refund at a refund counter or self-service kiosk. Leave extra time before your flight, and keep the items in your hand luggage or show them before checking your bag, as customs may want to see them.
Downtown refund and other options
VISITKOREA also describes downtown refunds, where you take your voucher, passport and credit card to a staffed refund center or kiosk in the city, for single purchases up to 6 million won. You still need export confirmation when you leave. There are mailbox and mobile refund options too, run by refund operators. Amounts you get back depend on the operator, so check the details on your voucher.
People also ask
Do I need my passport to shop tax free?
Yes. Stores check your passport to confirm you are eligible, both for immediate refunds and for issuing a refund voucher.
Can I combine small purchases to reach 15,000 won?
The minimum applies per purchase at one store, so buy together in one payment. Check with the store if you are unsure.
Can I get a refund on my hotel?
VISITKOREA describes a separate accommodation refund for individual foreign tourists covering up to 30 nights at participating hotels, excluding package tours and separate service charges. Ask your hotel and check before you go.