Korea tax refund 2026, for foreign visitors.
Tourists get roughly 5-8% of the price back as VAT refund on purchases at "Tax Free" stores. ₩15,000 minimum per transaction.
Two ways to claim: in-store immediate refund, or the kiosk at Incheon Airport. Below: documents, qualifying stores, common reasons travelers miss it.
Plug in one receipt's total. We run the tiered refund schedule and show what you'll actually pocket.
Immediate refund at register: ₩15k-30k → ₩1k, ₩30k-50k → ₩2k, ₩50k-75k → ₩4k, ₩75k-100k → ₩5k, then ~7% bracket up to ₩1M per transaction. Above ₩1M it's airport refund only at ~7.5% net of fees.
Immediate refund, at the register
Show your passport when paying. The store deducts the refund instantly. Works for purchases under ₩1,000,000 per transaction (and total cumulative spend under ₩5M during your stay). Most Olive Young, GS25, Daiso, ABC-Mart, and large brand shops do this.
Airport refund, for big-ticket items
For receipts ₩1M+, you'll be issued a Tax-Free slip. At Incheon T1 (near gate 28) or T2 (near gate 249), and Gimpo, scan your passport at a self-service kiosk or counter. Customs may ask to see the items, so keep them in carry-on if possible. Refund paid in KRW cash, USD, card, or Alipay/WeChat Pay.
Updated May 2026.