Free Korea travel tool
Korea Tourist Tax Refund Calculator
Maximize your savings on souvenirs, fashion, and K-beauty! Our Korea Tourist Tax Refund Calculator helps you estimate the exact refund amount you'll receive on eligible purchases, making it easier to budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest. Plan your shopping sprees strategically and unlock extra value from your South Korean adventures.
Interactive tool
Estimate one receipt
Rules checked 2026-08-09. The official guide says actual refunds are approximately 5–8% after processing fees.
Estimated tourist tax refund
- Likely net purchase price
- Embedded standard VAT ceiling
- Receipt minimum (₩15,000)
- Selected method limit
- Export deadline
You still need an eligible visitor status, participating store, eligible unused goods, a tax-refund voucher and any required customs confirmation.
What this means
This calculator provides an estimated tax refund amount based on your total eligible purchases in South Korea. Generally, non-resident tourists spending between 15,000 KRW and 5,000,000 KRW per purchase at tax-free designated stores are eligible. Your final refund will be a portion of the Value Added Tax (VAT) and Individual Consumption Tax, typically ranging from 5% to 8% depending on the item and refund operator fees. Remember to present your passport at the time of purchase for instant refunds or keep your receipts for airport claims, ensuring they clearly state 'Tax Free' or 'Tax Refund'.
How to use this for your Korea trip
- For seamless travel, grab a T-money card or a Wowpass. These are essential for public transport and convenient for small purchases, though major credit cards are widely accepted. You can top up T-money at subway stations or convenience stores using cash.
- Navigate like a local with essential Korean apps. Download Naver Map for directions and Kakao T for reliable taxi services. While Google Maps has improved, Naver Map offers superior accuracy for public transport and walking routes.
- Look for instant tax refunds at participating stores like Olive Young. For purchases between 15,000 KRW and 1,000,000 KRW at a single store, you can often get your refund directly at the counter by presenting your passport. This saves time at the airport.
- Be mindful of late-night taxi surcharges. Taxis in Korea apply a higher fare between 22:00 (10 PM) and 04:00 (4 AM). If you're out late, factor this into your transportation budget or plan to use public transport before the surcharge begins.
- Need to store your luggage? Utilize services like T-Luggage at major subway stations, typically open from 09:00 to 22:00. For airport check-in, remember liquids in carry-on baggage must be 100ml or less per container, fitting into a single 1-liter clear, zip-top bag.
V3 tax rule and refund estimate
Sources and freshness
- Korean Law Information Center — Foreign tourist tax-refund regulationLast verified: 2026-08-09
- VISITKOREA — Comprehensive tax refund guideLast verified: 2026-08-09
- National Tax Service — Standard VAT rateLast verified: 2026-08-09
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay for taxis and public transport with a T-money card in Korea?
Yes, T-money cards are widely accepted for taxis, buses, and subways, making them indispensable for getting around. You can also use major credit cards in taxis, but T-money is often more convenient for buses and subways. For topping up your T-money card, cash is usually required at subway stations and convenience stores.
What's the process for claiming a tax refund at Incheon International Airport?
For purchases where you didn't get an instant refund, head to the tax refund kiosks or booths before check-in (located in both T1 and T2). You'll need your passport, receipts, and the purchased items for inspection by customs, especially if the refund amount is large. After customs approval, proceed through security, and collect your refund in cash or credit card at designated refund counters inside the departure area. For quick airport transfers, AREX Express provides direct access from Seoul Station to Incheon Airport Terminals 1 (B2/B7) and 2 (B1).
What are the best mobile apps to download for navigating and getting around South Korea?
For reliable navigation, download Naver Map; it's far superior to Google Maps in Korea for public transport, walking, and local business information. For taxis, Kakao T is essential. Many travelers also find KakaoPay useful for mobile payments and Baemin (Baedal Minjok) for food delivery.
What are the instant tax refund limits for purchases at Korean stores like Olive Young?
You can often receive an instant tax refund at participating stores, including many Olive Young branches, for purchases totaling between 15,000 KRW and 1,000,000 KRW (per receipt, per visit). Simply present your passport at the counter. The refund is processed immediately, and you pay the reduced, tax-free price. For amounts exceeding this, you'll need to claim your refund at the airport.
When does the late-night taxi surcharge start and end in South Korea?
In South Korea, a late-night surcharge is applied to taxi fares between 22:00 (10 PM) and 04:00 (4 AM). This means your fare will be notably higher during these hours. Plan your late-night transportation accordingly, or consider using public transport if available before the surcharge period begins.