< FAQ >

Q1. What is the difference between duty free and tax refund shopping in Korea?

A. Duty free stores sell goods with taxes (VAT and individual consumption tax) already waived, so prices are lower upfront. These stores are found inside airports and in downtown areas operated by major chains such as Lotte, Shilla, and Shinsegae. Tax refund shopping works differently: you pay the full price including tax at participating stores, then reclaim the tax before leaving the country by submitting receipts at an airport counter, downtown booth, kiosk, or via mobile app.

Q2. Who is eligible for a tax refund in Korea?

A. To be eligible for a tax refund in Korea, you must: (1) be a non-Korean citizen who has stayed in Korea for less than six months, or an overseas Korean who has stayed less than three months and has lived abroad for more than two years or holds permanent residency in another country; (2) purchase goods worth at least 15,000 won per receipt; (3) buy new, unopened and unused items; and (4) depart Korea within three months of the purchase date.

Q3. How do I get a tax refund at Incheon Airport?

A. At Incheon Airport, follow these steps: (1) Check in but do not check your baggage yet — have your tax refund receipts ready. (2) Show the purchased goods and receipts to a customs officer to get the Customs Export Approval stamp. (3) Check your baggage at the oversized baggage counter. (4) Proceed to a tax refund counter or kiosk with your passport and receipts to receive your refund in cash (available after passing through security). Key locations: Terminal 1 — 3F Duty Free Zone near Gate 28; Terminal 2 — 3F Check-in counters G & F, and 3F Duty Free Zone near Gate 253. If the counter is closed, write your information on the receipt and drop it in the designated box — the refund will be sent to your international credit card, Alipay, or WeChat Pay within 1-2 months.

Q4. What is the minimum purchase amount for a tax refund in Korea?

A. The minimum purchase amount for a tax refund in Korea is 15,000 won per receipt. For downtown tax refund booths, a single receipt must not exceed 6,000,000 won. For immediate tax refund at participating stores, a single payment must be at least 15,000 won and less than 1,000,000 won, with total trip spending not exceeding 5,000,000 won.

Q5. Can I get an immediate tax refund while shopping in Korea?

A. Yes. Korea's immediate tax refund system allows eligible tourists to receive the tax refund on the spot at the time of purchase, without needing to claim it separately at the airport. This service is available at certified stores — mainly department stores, large supermarkets, and select smaller shops and convenience stores. To use it, present your passport when paying. The single payment amount must be between 15,000 won and 1,000,000 won, and your total trip spending must not exceed 5,000,000 won.

Q6. How do I find tax refund stores in Korea?

A. Tax refund stores display signs or stickers showing 'Tax Refund' or 'Tax Free' along with certification logos from companies such as Global Blue, GLOBAL TAX FREE, Easy Tax Refund, or CubeRefund. When making a purchase, look for these logos at the entrance or checkout counter. Present your passport and request a tax refund receipt at the time of checkout. You can also use the websites of these companies to locate certified stores before your trip.

Q7. Can I get a tax refund at downtown booths in Korea before going to the airport?

A. Yes. Downtown tax refund booths in major city areas offer cash refunds as well as credit card refunds (including Alipay and WeChat Pay). Bring your purchased goods, VAT refund receipt, passport, and international credit card. Note that each downtown booth only processes refunds for their own company — airport and port terminal counters accept all companies. Each receipt must not exceed 6,000,000 won, and you must report the refund to customs at the airport when departing.