How to Get a Tax Refund in South Korea | 2025 Guide to Tax-Free Shopping

Tax-Free Shopping in Korea: Everything You Need to Know

How to claim Tax Refund in South Korea?

If you're planning to shop in South Korea, you don’t want to miss out on tax-free shopping. However, if it's your first time, you may feel a little confused about what tax exemption and tax refunds are, and how to claim them. Don't worry—we've got you covered with this detailed guide on tax-free shopping and the best ways to claim your tax refund in South Korea!

Understanding South Korea’s Tax Refund System

There are three main ways to claim a tax refund in South Korea:

Duty-Free Shopping (Pre-Tax Exemption) – Purchasing goods tax-free at designated duty-free stores.
Immediate Tax Refund – Getting an instant tax deduction at participating stores.
Tax Refund After Purchase – Paying the full price initially and claiming a refund at the airport before departure.

1. Duty-Free Shopping (Pre-Tax Exemption)

When shopping at designated duty-free stores, you don’t pay VAT, individual consumption tax, tobacco tax, or alcohol tax.

Duty Free Shop in South Korea

Where to Shop Duty-Free

Top Duty-Free Department Stores: Shinsegae, Shilla, Lotte
Locations: Airports & major downtown shopping areas
Requirements: Valid passport & proof of departure (flight ticket)

Purchase Limits

General Duty-Free Allowance: $800 USD per person
Additional Allowances:

Alcohol: 1 bottle (max 1L, up to $400 USD)
Perfume: Up to 60ml
Cigarettes: Up to 200 sticks

🚨 Exceeding the limit? Any amount over $800 USD is subject to import taxes.

2. Immediate Tax Refund (In-Store Tax Deduction)

This option allows tourists to receive an instant tax refund at checkout instead of waiting until they leave the country.

In-store tax reduction in South Korea

Eligibility & Limits

Minimum purchase per receipt: 15,000 KRW
Maximum refund per purchase: 1,000,000 KRW
Total spending limit for the trip: 5,000,000 KRW

How to Get an Immediate Refund

Shop at certified tax-free stores (look for the VAT refund logo).
Present your passport at checkout for an instant tax deduction.
If needed, process your refund at the store’s service desk.

🔹 If purchases exceed 1,000,000 KRW or the total limit of 5,000,000 KRW, you must claim your tax refund at the airport instead.

3. Tax Refund After Purchase (Airport Refund Process)

This is the most common tax refund method in Korea. Tourists pay the full price upfront and then claim a refund at the airport before leaving.

Policy for tax refund currency

How to Get a Tax Refund at the Airport in South Korea

✅ Ensure You Meet the Tax Refund Requirements

If you made purchases at a tax-free store, present your passport to the store staff and request a tax refund form or receipt. Keep the tax refund form, receipt, and purchased goods (unused and unopened) until you depart from South Korea.

To qualify for a tax refund, your purchase must have been made within three months before your departure. If you plan to claim a VAT refund at the airport, arrive early to account for potential crowds.

Receipt and Tax Refund slip for Custom Declaration

✈️ Check-In and Declare Tax Refund Items

At the airline check-in counter, collect your boarding pass. You must carry the items you are claiming a tax refund for and related documents in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked baggage.

If you wish to check these items in, inform the airline staff during check-in. You can tag your luggage for customs verification and proceed to the customs declaration desk. There is a designated area at the customs checkpoint to leave your baggage for inspection.

🏧 Use the Self-Service Tax Refund Kiosk (For Refunds Under 75,000 KRW)

Kiosk Tax Refund for Refunds Under 75,000 KRW

Go to a tax refund kiosk in the airport terminal.
Select a language, scan your passport, and receive your refund slip.
Check if customs verification is required. If not, collect your cash refund after security.
Kiosks in the public area only scan receipts—cash refunds are available after passing security.
Random customs inspections may occur. If selected, present your passport, purchased items, and refund documents at the Customs Declaration Counter.

🔎 Customs Inspection for Refunds Over 75,000 KRW

Custon inspection for refunds over 75,000 KRW

If your total refund exceeds 75,000 KRW, visit the Customs Inspection Area before proceeding.
Customs checks are mandatory for:
- Refunds over 75,000 KRW
- South Korean passport holders living abroad for 2+ years
If your receipt was pre-scanned at a kiosk, but customs verification is still required, proceed to the Customs Counter with:
- Passport
- Unopened purchased items
- Receipts & tax refund documents
After customs verification, you’ll receive an export confirmation stamp.

Stamped tax refund slip

💵 Collect Your Tax Refund

Go to the Tax Refund Counter and submit your stamped tax refund documents to receive cash instantly.
If the refund counter is closed, drop your stamped refund documents in the Refund Box. The refund will be processed via bank transfer later.

Tax Refund Locations at Incheon Airport

Note: Tax refund locations at Incheon Airport may change. Check the official Incheon Airport website for the latest information.

Tax refund locations at Incheon Airport terminal 1, 3rd floor

Terminal 1, 3rd Floor

Near Gate 28 in the duty-free area, near B and E in the east public area, near J and L in the west public area, and at the center of the 3rd-floor lobby.
A kiosk is available near check-in counters. Scan your refund receipt and passport to check if customs declaration is required.

Tax refund locations at Incheon Airport terminal 2, 3rd floor

Terminal 2, 3rd Floor

Near check-in areas D and E, and near Gates 250, 249, and 253 in the duty-free area.
Cash refunds can be collected at the lounge near Gate 249 after security.

City Tax Refunds

City tax refund centers are available in major tourist areas and require a credit card as a guarantee. Refund proof must be presented at the airport when leaving South Korea.

Tax refund kiosk in city

Follow these steps to get your refund:

📌 How to Claim Your City Tax Refund

Shop at tax-free stores – Look for stores affiliated with Global Tax Free or Global Blue.
Collect your tax refund slip – Request it at checkout.
Visit a tax refund office or kiosk – Bring your passport, tax refund slip, and credit card to a staffed refund office or self-service kiosk in the city.

💰 Refund Limits

Global Tax Free: Purchases between 15,000 KRW – 6,000,000 KRW qualify for a refund.
Global Blue: Certain city locations have a tax refund limit of 390,000 KRW.

✈️ Important: Airport Verification Required

Before leaving South Korea, present your tax refund proof at the airport for final approval.
A credit card is required as a guarantee.
You must depart within three weeks of receiving your refund.

✅ Key Reminders

Refunds apply only to purchases from affiliated stores.
Keep your tax refund proof until airport verification is complete.
If shopping at a Global Tax Free store, claim your refund at a Global Tax Free counter (same for Global Blue).

Get the most out of your shopping experience in South Korea by securing your tax refund with ease!

Common Asked Questions About Tax-Free Shopping in Korea

1) Where Can I Get a Tax Refund at Different Airports?

Gimpo Airport: Gates 1, 2 & 3 (2nd floor, near Lotte Duty-Free).
Gimhae Airport: Counter B26 (2nd floor).
Jeju Airport: Gate 5 (3rd floor).

2) Where Are the Tax Refund Locations in the City?

Tax refund counters are available throughout the city, including subway stations.
If shopping at a duty-free department store, check for an in-store refund counter.

3) How Much Tax Refund Can I Get?

The refund amount depends on:
✔ Total purchase amount
✔ VAT rate (typically 10%)
✔ Service fees charged by the tax refund agency

👉 After fees, the actual refund is usually around 4-7% of your purchase amount.

Tax Refund Amounts by Provider

🌎 Global Tax Free

Purchase Amount (₩)	Refund Amount (₩)
30,000 - 49,999	2,000
50,000 - 74,999	3,000
75,000 - 99,999	5,000
100,000 - 124,999	7,000
125,000 - 149,999	8,000
150,000 - 174,999	9,000
175,000 - 199,999	10,000
200,000 - 224,999	12,000

🔵 Global Blue

Purchase Amount (₩)	Refund Amount (₩)
30,000 - 49,999	1,500
50,000 - 74,999	3,500
75,000 - 99,999	5,000
100,000 - 124,999	6,500
125,000 - 149,999	8,000
150,000 - 174,999	9,500
175,000 - 199,999	11,000
200,000 - 224,999	12,500

🟢 Easy Tax Refund

Purchase Amount (₩)	Refund Amount (₩)
30,000 - 49,999	2,000
50,000 - 74,999	3,000
75,000 - 99,999	5,000
100,000 - 124,999	6,000
125,000 - 149,999	8,000
150,000 - 174,999	9,000
175,000 - 199,999	10,000
200,000 - 224,999	12,000

💡 Tip: Refund amounts may vary based on refund agencies, item type, or quantity. Always check the exact refund amount at the refund counter.

4) How Will I Receive My Tax Refund?

Refunds can be received in various payment methods, including:

💰 Cash Refunds

Available in various currencies (not just KRW).
Exchange rate differences may slightly reduce the refund amount when converted to foreign currencies.

💳 Other Payment Methods by Agency

Global Blue: Alipay, PayPal, Mastercard, UnionPay, VISA, American Express, Bank Transfer, JCB.
Global Tax Free: Cash, International Cards (VISA, Mastercard, JCB, UnionPay), Alipay, WeChat Pay, QQ, etc.

Reference: Creatrip

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