Tax Refunds for Visitors Shopping in Korea
A tax refund is a process that may let eligible shoppers recover tax after buying goods at an ordinary store with tax included. First confirm the participating store and your eligibility, then keep your passport, refund documents and purchases ready.
Check before paying
The Korea Tourism Organization distinguishes duty-free shops from tax-refund stores. At a participating store displaying tax-refund information, confirm that you and the goods are eligible. Ask whether the store offers an immediate refund or whether you must complete a separate refund process before departure.
Keep refund paperwork and goods together
Keep the refund documents separate from ordinary receipts, and have your passport and purchased goods available. Korea Tourism Organization guidance describes conditions such as unused goods and checks before departure. Find out what inspection is required before placing goods in checked baggage.
Plan the departure steps
Follow the store and refund provider’s instructions for presenting goods and documents, checking baggage and using a refund counter or machine. The route can vary by airport or terminal and refund method, so no universal counter location or processing time is promised.
Sources were compared on 26 October 2026. Conditions may depend on the store, goods, shopper, airport and refund method.
Before you visit
Can I get a tax refund on every outlet purchase?
No. Refund eligibility depends on the participating store, goods and shopper. Ask the store whether the purchase qualifies and what documents it will issue before paying.
Is an ordinary receipt enough to complete a refund?
Not necessarily. Depending on the refund method, you may need the appropriate refund documents, your passport and a goods inspection. Follow the instructions provided when you make the purchase and complete the required steps before departure.