Shopping in South Korea is something many Filipinos look forward to, especially for skincare, K fashion, and pasalubong shopping. If you are visiting as a tourist, you can get part of your money back through the Korea tax refund, which helps you save before flying home. This short guide explains how to get a tax refund in Korea and what you need to prepare, so shopping feels easier and more worth it.
🧾 What Is a Tax Refund in Korea?
When you shop in South Korea, the price you see usually already includes a 10 percent tax. As a Filipino tourist, you can get part of that tax back before leaving the country. This is called the Korea tax refund, and it helps you save money, especially if you do a lot of shopping in places like Seoul, Busan, or Jeju.
👤 Who Can Get a Tax Refund in Korea?
If you are a Filipino visiting South Korea, you can apply for a tax refund as long as you meet a few simple rules.
Eligibility | Details |
|---|---|
Tourist Status | You must be a non-Korean visitor staying less than 6 months. |
Where to Shop | Only valid at stores with a "Tax Free" or "Tax Refund" sign. |
Minimum Spending | Minimum purchase per receipt ₩15,000 |
Goods Condition | Items must be unused and taken out of Korea within 3 months. |
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💳 Korea Tax Refund Limits at a Glance
To make things simple, here are the key tax refund limits Filipino travelers need to remember when shopping in South Korea:
Refund Rule | Amount (KRW) | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
Minimum purchase per receipt | ₩15,000 | Each receipt must reach this amount to qualify for a tax refund |
Maximum refundable amount per receipt | ₩1,000,000 | Only up to this amount per receipt is eligible for refund |
Maximum total refundable purchases per trip | ₩5,000,000 | Total purchases that can be refunded during one trip |
📌 As long as your receipts follow these limits and the items are unused, you can claim your tax refund at the airport or approved refund counters.
📊 Korea Tax Refund Rate
Here is a simple guide for Filipinos on how much tax refund you can usually get in South Korea, based on how much you spend. The refund rate increases a bit when you shop more, but fees are already deducted.
Purchase Amount | Approx. Refund | Notes |
|---|---|---|
₩15,000 to ₩100,000 | Around 5% to 7% | Basic refund after fees |
₩100,000 to ₩1,000,000 | Around 6% to 8% | Higher spending gives slightly better refund |
₩1,000,000 and above | Up to 8% | Refund must be claimed at the airport |
🛍️ How to Claim Your Tax Refund
1. Shop at Tax-Free Stores
- Look for the "Tax Free" or "Tax Refund" label in shops.
- At checkout, show your passport and ask for the tax refund receipt or VAT refund slip.
- Keep the items unused and in their original packaging because customs might check them.
2. Choose How to Get Your Refund
There are two ways to claim:
Instant Refund in-store
Some shops give a refund right away if your total is below ₩500,000.
Refund at the Airport
If no instant refund is available, go to the airport refund counter or kiosk before check-in.
📌 For receipts above ₩6,000,000, you must claim your refund at the airport only.
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✈️ Steps to Claim at the Airport
Step 1: Go to the Tax Refund Kiosk
Go to the Tax Refund Kiosk or Customs Desk before immigration. This is usually near the check-in or departure area.
Step 2: Scan Passport and Receipts
Scan your passport and all your tax refund slips. Use the machine or ask the staff for help if you’re not sure.
Step 3: Show Items if Requested
If requested, show your unused items for inspection. Keep them in their original packaging.
Step 4: Get Your Refund
Once approved, you can get your refund in cash (KRW, USD, or other currency) or let them send it to your credit card.
🧳 There is no fixed overall purchase limit at the airport, as long as each receipt follows the refund rules and passes customs inspection.
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📍 Where to Find Tax Refund Counters in Korea
Here are the places where you can claim your tax refund before flying out of Korea:
Location | Notes |
|---|---|
Incheon Airport (T1 and T2) | You’ll find tax refund counters before and after immigration. This is the most common place for claiming refunds. |
Gimpo Airport | Good option for domestic and short international flights. Refund booths are near the departure area. |
Busan Gimhae Airport | For travelers flying out of Busan, refund services are available at the international terminal. |
Jeju Airport | Available for tourists leaving directly from Jeju Island. Make sure your flight is international. |
Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Hongdae | These popular shopping spots have city refund counters where you can get your refund earlier, even before going to the airport. |
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MNL7:35 PM4h 10mNonstopICN12:45 AMManila - Seoul|Sun, Mar 15|Cebu Pacific€119€15925% off25% off€159€119 - MNL7:35 PM4h 10mNonstopICN12:45 AMManila - Seoul|Thu, Mar 26|Cebu Pacific€121€15924% off24% off€159€121
MNL7:00 AM3h 55mNonstopICN11:55 AMManila - Seoul|Thu, Mar 26|Philippines AirAsia€126€15921% off21% off€159€126- MNL7:35 PM4h 10mNonstopICN12:45 AMManila - Seoul|Sun, Mar 8|Cebu Pacific€135€135
MNL1:00 PM3h 5mNonstopICN2:00 PMManila - Manila|Thu, Feb 12|Cebu PacificFind more flightsFind more flights
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🧠 Pro Tips for Filipino Tourists
- Keep all your receipts together. Use a small envelope or ziplock to hold your tax refund slips so they’re easy to find at the airport.
- Don’t use the items yet. Customs may ask to see them, so keep your stuff sealed and unused until after your refund is approved.
- Arrive early at the airport, especially if you have many receipts or are traveling during peak season. The refund line can get long.
- Ask store staff if refund is instant or needs to be claimed at the airport. Some shops give a discount right away, but some need airport claiming. Always check.
- Make sure your name on the receipt matches your passport. This is important so there’s no issue when scanning your documents.
- Check refund kiosk hours before your flight. Not all counters are open 24 hours, especially at smaller airports.
- Use your refunded cash before leaving Korea, or convert it if it’s in KRW. Some airports have currency exchange near the gate.
✨ Claim It, Save It, Enjoy It
If you’re planning to shop in Korea, don’t forget to claim your tax refund. It’s one of the easiest ways to save money on your trip. Keep your receipts, ask for a tax refund slip, and follow the steps at the airport.
It only takes a few extra minutes, but the savings are worth it. Sayang din kung hindi mo kukunin, diba?
❓FAQs About South Korea Tax Refund
Do Filipinos need any special document to claim the tax refund?
No special document is needed. Just show your passport at the store when shopping, and keep the tax refund receipt. At the airport, scan your passport and present the unused items if requested.Can I still get a refund if I already used the item I bought?
No. Items must be unused and in original packaging. If you already opened or used the item, customs may reject your refund.How much do I need to spend to qualify for a tax refund?
You must spend at least ₩100,000 in one receipt. That’s around ₱4,200 based on exchange rates.Can I get my refund in Philippine Peso?
Not directly. Refunds are given in KRW, USD, or credited to your card. You can exchange the cash later at a money changer.Can I refund items from online shopping?
Only if the online store is a participating “Tax-Free” shop and you have a proper VAT refund slip. Most regular online purchases are not eligible.What if I forget to claim the refund at the airport?
Sadly, you’ll miss the refund if you skip the process before flying out. It can’t be claimed once you leave Korea.