KoreaClear · Travel answer
How do I get an instant tax refund (tax-free) at a shop?
Short answer
At a shop with a “Tax Free” or “Tax Refund” sign, show your passport when you pay and ask for an immediate tax refund. Each payment must be at least 15,000 won and under 1,000,000 won, and your total for the whole trip must be no more than 5,000,000 won.
What to do
- Look for a “Tax Free” or “Tax Refund” sign and a refund company logo at the entrance or the counter.
- Before you pay, show your passport and ask: “Can I get an immediate tax refund?”
- Check on your receipt that the refund was applied. Do not claim the same purchase again at the airport.
If that doesn't work
- Paid 1,000,000 won or more, or the shop does not offer immediate refunds? Get a tax refund receipt and claim it at the airport or a downtown refund booth.
Check before relying on this
- Downtown refund booths accept receipts of up to 6,000,000 won each, and only from their own company. Airport and port counters accept all companies.
- Limits and conditions can change. Check with the cashier.
More details and examples ExpandCollapse
Who can get it
Foreign visitors who have stayed in Korea for less than 6 months. You must leave Korea within 3 months of the purchase, and the items must be new (unopened and unused).
Where it is offered
Certified stores, mainly department stores and large supermarkets, plus some smaller shops and convenience stores. Not every shop takes part, so check for the sign before you pay.
Sources and provider examples
External sources may use another language.
Sources last checked: . Rules, hours and services can change.