Korea Tax-Free Shopping 2025: Easy VAT Refund Guide (Airport & In-Store)

New to Korea? You can often get 10% VAT back on eligible purchases. Here’s the fast, no-stress guide for tourists.

At a glance
• Who: non-resident visitors (short-term stay) using a personal card/passport.
• Where: shops with Tax Free logos (airport refund desks or in-store instant refund).
• How: show your passport at checkout or claim at airport before departure.
• Keep: receipts, tax-free slips, unused goods if required for inspection.

1) Eligibility

• Non-resident foreign visitors (tourist status) with a valid passport.
• Goods are for personal use and will be taken out of Korea.
• Buy from stores displaying Tax Free (Global Blue, Innova, KTIS, etc.).

2) How Tax-Free works

1. In-store “Instant Refund”: many shops deduct VAT at checkout when you show your passport and pay below the operator’s instant-refund limit.
2. Downtown or Airport refund: if instant refund isn’t available or your receipt exceeds the limit, get a tax-free slip and claim cash or card refund at a refund desk/kiosk.

3) What to prepare

• Passport (physical). Some counters accept digital passport data scan, but carry the original.
• Payment card used for purchase (for deposit/crediting difference).
• Receipts + tax-free forms (keep them flat, not crumpled).
• Time buffer at the airport (queues happen on weekends/holidays).

4) In-store Instant Refund (fastest)

1. Ask “Tax-Free instant refund?” before paying.
2. Show your passport; the cashier processes the refund. You may sign a slip or receive a digital form.
3. Keep the receipt. Some operators still require a final export validation at the airport—check the slip.

5) Airport/Downtown refund (Incheon, Gimpo, Busan, Jeju)

1. Before check-in: If your slip says “inspection required”, visit the Customs validation counter with goods & receipts.
2. After immigration: Go to a refund desk/kiosk (Global Blue/Innova etc.). Choose cash (fees apply) or credit card refund.
3. Submit documents. Keep the final confirmation in case of card-refund tracking.

6) Typical limits & fees (check in store)

Item	What to expect
VAT rate	Generally 10% included in price.
Instant refund cap	Shops apply an operator-specific limit per receipt/day; above that use airport/downtown refund.
Minimum purchase	A minimum spend per receipt or per day may apply at the store level.
Refund method	Cash (quick, handling fee) or card (no physical cash, arrives later).

* Exact thresholds/fees change by operator/store. Always ask the cashier.

7) Pro tips

• Group small purchases at the same store to meet minimums.
• Use your passport (not ID) and pay with the same card you want refunded to.
• Arrive early for refunds at Incheon T1/T2 on weekends.
• Keep unused items accessible if customs asks to inspect.

FAQ

Can I claim Tax-Free on cosmetics and fashion?

Yes, if the store is Tax-Free and you take the items out of Korea for personal use.

What if I forget to claim at the airport?

Some operators allow downtown claims within a time window. Check the slip or operator website.

How long does card refund take?

Typically days to weeks, depending on your card and operator.

---

Note: Tax-Free rules, limits, and desks change without notice. Always confirm at the store or airport.