ISSUE 33 · TRAVEL & LIVING

Tax refund shopping in Korea

Receipts, passport and departure checks for shoppers.

Tax refund is not an automatic discount on every purchase. Confirm the store, documents and departure procedure first.

Separate duty free from tax refund

Duty-free shopping removes taxes at purchase; tax refund usually starts with a tax-inclusive purchase at a participating store.

Check passport and eligibility

Eligibility depends on the shopper, store, item and purchase. Show a passport and ask about the refund voucher before payment.

Keep documents and goods together

Receipts or vouchers, passport and purchased goods may be needed. Do not pack the documents where you cannot reach them.

Confirm immediate or later refund

Some stores offer immediate refund; others use an airport, downtown counter, kiosk or mobile procedure. Follow the applicable official guidance.

Allow time at departure

Counter location, hours and customs confirmation differ by departure point. Protect check-in and security time first.

GOOGLE MAPS

Find airports and refund points on Google Maps

SOURCES

Rules, limits and counter operations can change. Confirm current official guidance before purchase and departure.

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