TAX FREE SHOPPING · SAVINGS

Korea Tax Free & Tax Refund Guide

Check whether the store and receipt participate before paying. The current official guide starts eligibility at ₩15,000 and sets separate limits for immediate refunds.

Korea Era illustration explaining payment and receipt checks in Korea — Korea Era editorial illustration

THRESHOLDS & LIMITS

How Korea Tax Refund Works

Official guidance checked in August 2026 · recheck on your travel day

Eligibility & Requirements

Minimum Spend per Store: ₩15,000
Maximum Immediate Purchase: ₩1,000,000
Trip Total Limit: ₩5,000,000
Required Document: Original physical passport (Photos on phone are usually not accepted)

Three Ways to Claim Your Refund

Immediate Tax Exemption (현장 즉시 환급) (Fastest / Recommended)

At a participating immediate-refund store, present the identification method it accepts before payment. The eligible tax is deducted at checkout.

At least ₩15,000 and under ₩1,000,000 in one transaction; no more than ₩5,000,000 across the trip under the current official guide.

City Center Tax Refund Kiosk (도심 환급기) (Downtown Cash/Card)

Scan your receipts and passport at automated kiosks in major department stores or tourist zones. Receive instant cash or credit card refund before going to the airport.

Requires credit card pre-authorization guarantee until airport departure.

Airport Departure Tax Refund (공항 세관/키오스크) (At Departure Terminal)

Keep the goods, passport and refund documents accessible for export confirmation, then follow the current airport's customs and refund-counter instructions.

Counter locations and operating hours can change; recheck the official airport or VISITKOREA guide before departure.

Estimated Refund Rates by Purchase Bracket

₩15,000 – ₩29,999

₩1,000 – ₩1,500 (approx 5-7%)

₩30,000 – ₩49,999

₩2,000 – ₩3,000 (approx 6-7%)

₩50,000 – ₩99,999

₩3,500 – ₩6,500 (approx 7%)

₩100,000 – ₩199,999

₩7,000 – ₩13,000 (approx 7%)

₩200,000 – ₩499,999

₩14,000 – ₩34,000 (approx 7%)

₩500,000 – ₩1,000,000

₩35,000 – ₩70,000 (approx 7-8%)