How VAT refunds work for visitors to Korea
When you buy goods in Korea as a visitor, you pay value-added tax (VAT) at 10 percent on most items. You can reclaim that VAT when you leave the country, but only if you follow specific steps before you depart. The refund process involves showing your purchases at the airport, getting documents stamped by customs, and then receiving cash or a credit back to your card.
The refund is not automatic — you have to request it at the airport before you leave. Most visitors who do this successfully get their money back within a few minutes, though some refund methods take longer to process. The amount you receive back is less than the full 10 percent because refund companies take a processing fee, usually between 5 and 10 percent of the VAT amount.
Key Takeaways
- You must buy goods at stores displaying the "Tax Free Shopping" sign and spend a minimum amount (usually 50,000 won per store on a single day) to be may be able to access for a refund.
- Ask the store clerk for a tax refund form when you pay; do not wait until you reach the airport to request it.
- You must show your purchases, passport, and refund forms to customs at the airport before you check in your luggage or pass through security.
- You can receive your refund as cash, a credit card charge reversal, or a transfer to your bank account, depending on which refund company the store uses.
Which stores let you claim VAT back
Not every store in Korea offers tax refunds to visitors. Look for the "Tax Free Shopping" logo or sign in the window or at the register. Department stores, duty-free shops, and many clothing and electronics retailers participate. Smaller shops, restaurants, and local markets typically do not.
When you find a participating store, ask the clerk if your purchase qualifies. Most stores require you to spend a minimum amount on a single day at that store — this is usually 50,000 won, though some stores set it higher. If your purchase meets the minimum, the clerk will give you a tax refund form (sometimes called a "Global Refund Check" or a form from another refund company) along with your receipt.
What to do before you leave the store
Before you leave the store, check that the clerk has filled out the refund form completely. The form should show the store name, the amount of VAT, your passport number, and your signature. Keep the form, your receipt, and your purchase together — you will need to show all three at the airport.
Do not open or use the items you are claiming a refund on. Customs officers will inspect them, and if goods show signs of use, you may lose the refund. Pack your purchases in a way that makes them straightforward to show at the airport — do not pack them deep in checked luggage where you cannot reach them quickly.
Getting your refund stamped at the airport
Go to the tax refund counter at the airport before you check in your luggage. This counter is usually in the departure hall, near the check-in desks or in a separate area marked for tax refunds. Bring your passport, all refund forms, receipts, and the items you are claiming refunds on.
The customs officer will look at your items and your forms. If everything is in order, they will stamp your refund forms. This usually takes a few minutes per store. After the officer stamps your forms, you can check in your luggage and proceed to security.
Receiving your refund money
After customs stamps your forms, take them to the refund company counter. The refund company name is printed on your form — common ones are Global Refund, Premier Tax Free, and others. The counter is usually near the customs area or in the departure lounge.
You can choose how to receive your refund. Cash is the fastest option and you get it when ready, though the refund company will deduct their processing fee before handing you the money. Credit card refunds take longer — usually one to three weeks — but the fee structure may be slightly different. Some refund companies also offer bank transfers, though this is less common at Korean airports.
If you miss the refund counter at the airport, some refund companies let you claim by mail after you return home, but this is slower and more complicated. It is much easier to handle it at the airport before you leave.
What reduces or cancels your refund
Your refund can be reduced or denied if customs finds that your items have been used or opened. This includes trying on clothes, testing electronics, or removing items from their original packaging. Even small signs of use can result in a lower refund or no refund at all.
You also lose the refund if you do not have your passport, your original receipt, or your refund form. If you bought items at multiple stores, you need a separate form for each store. If any form is missing or incomplete, that store's refund will not go through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to show the items at the airport, or just the receipts?
You must show the actual items to customs. They inspect them to confirm they have not been used. Receipts alone are not enough. Pack your purchases so you can access them quickly at the airport.
What if I bought items at a store that does not have a tax refund counter at the airport?
Some smaller refund companies do not have airport counters. In that case, you can mail your stamped forms to the company address listed on your form, though this takes several weeks. Ask the store which refund company they use before you buy, so you know what to expect.
Can I get a refund if I am leaving Korea by train or ferry instead of flying?
Tax refund counters are mainly at airports. If you are leaving by train or ferry, ask the store clerk which refund company they use and whether that company has a counter at your departure point. Some do, but many do not, so you may need to mail your forms instead.
How much money will I actually get back?
You will get back roughly 9 to 9.5 percent of your purchase price, not the full 10 percent VAT. The refund company deducts a processing fee of about 0.5 to 1 percent. The exact amount depends on which refund company the store uses.
What if I lose my refund form after I leave the store?
You cannot get a refund without the original form. The form is tied to your passport number and the store's records. If you lose it, contact the store when ready to ask if they can issue a replacement, but this is not always possible.