How to Get a Tax Refund When Shopping in Korea – The Complete 2025 Guide

Visiting Korea means one thing for many travellers: shopping until your suitcase barely closes.
From world-famous K-beauty products like skincare, makeup, and sheet masks, to stylish clothing from Dongdaemun and unique Korean souvenirs — you’ll probably end up buying more than you planned (and that’s okay!).

But here’s the secret many first-time visitors don’t realise: You can get a tax refund on your purchases in Korea if you’re a tourist. With a little preparation, you can save even more on your shopping spree.

This guide will break it down step-by-step so you can shop smarter and claim your refund easily in 2025.

1. Best Places to Shop in Korea for Easy Tax Refunds

For tourists, certain shopping districts make the process extra simple. Head to these popular areas:

• Hongdae – Trendy fashion, indie brands, and quirky accessories
• Itaewon – Global fashion, souvenirs, and leather goods
• Gangnam & Samsung – Luxury brands and department stores
• Seongsu – Hip cafés, designer boutiques, and local brands

💡 Tip: Many stores in these areas offer immediate tax refunds right at the counter if your purchase meets the minimum amount (usually around 30,000 KRW).

2. Always Carry Your Passport

This is non-negotiable.
In Korea, you must show your actual passport (not just a copy) at the time of purchase for the store to issue a tax refund receipt.

• Tourist-designated stores often process the refund instantly.
• In other cases, you’ll collect receipts and claim your refund at the airport.

3. Collect & Organise Your Receipts

When you make a purchase, tell the cashier you want a “Tax Refund Receipt”.
This is different from a regular receipt and will include your passport details.

• Keep all your refund receipts in one envelope or pouch.
• Many big stores can print them in English for convenience.
• Even some clinics and hospitals in areas like Gangnam and Hongdae issue tax refund receipts for foreign patients.

4. How to Claim Your Tax Refund at the Airport

When your trip is over, head to Incheon Airport (or your departure airport) a bit earlier than usual.

Before Check-In

1. Find a Tax Refund Kiosk (usually near airline counters).
2. Scan your passport and follow the on-screen steps.
3. The kiosk will process your receipts and give you a confirmation slip.

After Security Check

1. Visit the Tax Refund Centre inside the terminal.
2. Hand over your confirmation slip and receipts.
3. Choose your refund method:
   • Cash in KRW
   • Credit card refund
   • Selected foreign currencies

5. Who Can Claim the Tax Refund?

• Foreign tourists staying in Korea for less than 6 months
• Overseas Koreans living abroad for more than 2 years and visiting for less than 3 months

6. Tax Refund Service Providers

Look for these logos when shopping:

• Global Blue Tax Free
• Global Tax Free
• Easy Tax Refund
• Tax Free Korea

These providers have airport kiosks, downtown refund counters, and mail refund services for your convenience.

7. Types of Tax Refund in Korea

1. Standard Refund (Post-Refund)
   Buy goods → Get a tax refund receipt → Claim the refund at the airport before departure.
   Best for shops without instant refunds.
2. Downtown Refund
   Get your refund in the city before heading to the airport.
   You still need to show your goods at customs.
3. Immediate Refund
   Refund deducted instantly at the store counter.
   Limit: Under 200,000 KRW per purchase / 1,000,000 KRW total per person.
4. Mailbox Refund
   Missed the counter? Drop your documents in the airport refund mailbox.
   Processed later by the refund company.

8. Step-by-Step: Korea Tax Refund Process

1. Shop at “Tax Free” stores – Show your passport when paying.
2. Collect Tax Refund Receipts – Keep them in one place.
3. At the airport (before check-in) – Use a kiosk or counter to scan your passport.
4. Show goods to customs if requested.
5. Get your money back – Cash, credit card, or selected foreign currencies.

💡 Travel Tip: Arrive at the airport 1 hour earlier if you have multiple receipts.

9. Pro Tips to Maximise Your Savings

• Combine store discounts + tax refund during Korea’s big sale seasons (Jan–Feb, Jul–Aug).
• Plan shopping in tourist hotspots like Hongdae, Itaewon, Gangnam, and Seongsu.
• Ask for “immediate refund” whenever possible.

10. Important Rules

• Minimum spend: Usually 30,000 KRW in one store on the same day
• Eligible items: Personal goods only (not for resale)
• Time limit: Depart Korea within 3 months of purchase

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get a tax refund for online purchases in Korea?
A: No, only in-store purchases by eligible tourists qualify.

Q: Do I need to show the purchased goods at the airport?
A: Sometimes, especially for high-value items. Keep them in your carry-on until after customs inspection.

Final Thoughts

Korea’s tax refund system is a smart way to save on your shopping spree.
Whether you choose instant refunds, downtown refunds, or airport refunds, a little planning ensures you leave with both your dream products and extra cash.

So pack light, shop smart, and enjoy your Korea shopping adventure to the fullest.

💡 Travel Hack: If you visit during Korea’s sale seasons (January–February and July–August), you can combine store discounts and tax refunds for double savings.

📌 Related Guides You Might Like

• Best K-Beauty Stores in Seoul 2025
• Complete Guide to Seoul’s Shopping Districts

r you choose instant refunds, downtown refunds, or airport refunds, a little planning ensures you leave with both your dream products and extra cash.

So pack light, shop smart, and enjoy your Korea shopping adventure to the fullest.

• Minimum spend requirement: Usually 30,000 KRW in one store on the same day.
• Eligible items: Personal goods only (not for resale).
• Time limit: You must depart Korea within 3 months of purchase.
• Ask for help: Airport staff are always nearby if you’re unsure about the process.

Final Thoughts

Korea isn’t just a shopping paradise — it’s a place where savvy travellers can save money while enjoying premium products. By following these steps, you’ll leave with not only your favourite beauty products, fashion finds, and souvenirs, but also extra cash in your pocket from your tax refund.

So go ahead, plan that shopping route through Hongdae, Gangnam, and Seongsu — and don’t forget your passport. Your perfect Korea shopping trip ends with a satisfying little bonus at the airport.

💡 Travel Hack: If you’re visiting during Korea’s sale seasons (January–February and July–August), you can combine store discounts and tax refunds for double savings.