 | How Tourists Can Claim VAT Refunds with Global Blue & Tax Free Korea){kind=link}
Traveling and shopping in Korea? Don't miss out on the tax refund system that lets foreign tourists claim back a portion of VAT paid on retail purchases. Here's a simple, up-to-date guide to making sure you get your money back before you fly home — centered on the procedures at Incheon Airport and tips for using Global Blue and Global Tax Free.
📋 Table of Contents
1. Eligibility: Who Can Claim Tax Refunds in Korea
Who Qualifies:
- Foreign tourists staying in Korea for less than 6 months
- Overseas Koreans residing abroad for more than 2 years and visiting Korea for fewer than 3 months
- International students and expats may qualify if they meet residency requirements
1.1 Requirements to Qualify
To qualify for tax refunds, you must:
- Shop at "Tax Free" partner stores
- Spend at least KRW 30,000 at one store (roughly $25 USD)
- Keep your receipts and get a tax refund receipt ("tax-free form") at the time of purchase
2. Step-by-Step Tax Refund Process at Incheon Airport
2.1 Shopping at Partner Shops
- Look for "Tax Free" (택스프리) stickers/signs at stores
- When paying, present your passport. Staff will issue a tax refund form/receipt
2.2 Prepare for Departure
On your departure day, bring:
- Purchased goods
- Refund receipts
- Your passport
⚠️ Critical Step: Customs Validation
After check-in but BEFORE you drop off your checked baggage, visit the customs counter for validation. Show the goods, refund receipts, and passport. Customs will attach a validation stamp.
2.3 Claim Your Refund
- Proceed to the tax refund counters or kiosks past immigration (airside)
- Scan your receipts at the corresponding kiosk (Global Blue, Global Tax Free, other)
- Receive your refund in cash or via credit card, depending on your selection
2.4 Additional Options
- City Refund: At select city refund counters (major department stores, tourist areas), you can receive your refund before going to the airport. Still, you must get your receipt validated at customs on departure day
- Instant Refund: Some shops offer instant refunds at checkout if you meet the requirements
3. Partner Shops & Minimum Spend Requirements
Key Points to Remember:
- Shops participating in the tax refund program display "Tax Free" signage
- Minimum spend per shop: KRW 30,000 (can't combine purchases across shops)
- Be sure to request a tax refund receipt at every eligible store
3.1 Popular Refund Locations in Seoul
- Lotte Department Store
- Shinsegae Department Store
- ABC Mart
- Olive Young (some branches offer instant refund)
4. Global Blue vs. Global Tax Free: What's the Difference?
💡 Pro Tip: Use the Apps for Global Blue!
- Download the Global Blue app and pre-register your passport and credit card
- At purchase, let staff know you want to use Global Blue; scan your membership barcode
- At the airport, scan receipts at the kiosk after customs validation and skip counter lines
Note: Global Tax Free does not offer app-based membership for direct refunds. You must ALWAYS bring your receipts and visit the airport counter or kiosk for cash or card refund.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I process all receipts at one counter/kiosk?
A: No. Each refund company (Global Blue, Global Tax Free, others) has its own kiosk/counter. Use the correct kiosk for each receipt.
Q: If I get a city refund, is there anything left to do at the airport?
A: Yes. You still need to visit customs to get your receipts validated.
Q: If I register for automatic card refund with Global Blue, do I have to visit the counter/kiosk at the airport?
A: You must still complete customs validation, but you can skip the refund counter.
Q: Should I join both Global Blue and Global Tax Free?
A: Yes. Shops issue receipts according to their refund partner. Registering for both ensures you don't miss any refunds.
6. Summary: Shop Smart, Get Your Tax Refund
Korea's tax refund system is designed to boost your shopping experience. Use "Tax Free"-partnered stores, keep receipts, and leverage Global Blue's app for fast refunds where available. At Incheon Airport, don't forget customs validation — it's the key step for all refunds. With this guide, you'll save money and skip headaches!
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| Korea Tax Refund Guide |
🎯 Quick Checklist for Success
- ✅ Shop at Tax Free partner stores
- ✅ Spend minimum KRW 30,000 per store
- ✅ Get tax refund receipt at time of purchase
- ✅ Download Global Blue app (if using Global Blue)
- ✅ Get customs validation BEFORE dropping off baggage
- ✅ Visit correct kiosk/counter for each refund company
🚀 Ready for Your Next Trip?
Check the official Incheon Airport and Global Blue/Tax Free Korea websites for updated information and download their mobile apps before you travel!
Pro Tip: Register for both Global Blue and Global Tax Free services before your trip to maximize your refund opportunities.