🧾 Where to Get Instant Tax Refunds in Korea (2026)
Foreign Tourist Shopping Guide|List of Tax-Free Stores During Korea Grand Sale 2026
Are you a foreign traveler planning to shop in Korea during the Korea Grand Sale 2026 season?
Make sure you take advantage of instant tax refund options to save money right at the register—no paperwork, no waiting in airport lines!
This guide outlines where and how you can get Immediate VAT Refunds when shopping across Korea.



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✅ What Is an Instant Tax Refund?
Foreign tourists can get Korea’s 10% VAT and special consumption tax refunded immediately at eligible stores.
How it works:
- Tax is deducted at the time of payment
- No need to claim at the airport
- Works for both cash and card purchases
📌 Basic Conditions
| Requirement | Details |
| Eligibility | Foreign passport holders or overseas Koreans with 90+ days abroad |
| Purchase Amount | ₩30,000 ~ ₩500,000 per transaction |
| Daily Refund Limit | ₩500,000 per person |
| What to Bring | Valid passport + personal payment method |
| Refund Method | Automatic deduction at checkout (no refund booth needed) |
🏬 Top Stores with Instant Tax Refund (2025–2026 Season)
🛍 Department Stores (Almost All Brands Eligible)
- Lotte Department Store (Myeongdong, Jamsil, Busan, more)
- Shinsegae Department Store (Main, Gangnam, Centum City, etc.)
- Hyundai Department Store (COEX, The Hyundai Seoul, Pangyo)
Note: Luxury brands may require airport refunds—ask staff before purchase.
🛍 Duty-Free Stores (Limited Items May Be Eligible)
- Lotte Duty Free (Myeongdong, COEX)
- Shilla Duty Free (Seoul, Jeju)
- Shinsegae Duty Free (Myeongdong, Incheon Airport)
- Hyundai Duty Free (Dongdaemun, Incheon Airport)
Most duty-free shops follow an “airport pickup” model. Some items may offer in-store refunds.
🧴 Beauty Stores
- Olive Young (Myeongdong Flagship, Gangnam Main, over 100 locations)
- Innisfree, Aritaum, Laneige, Etude, The Face Shop, MISSHA
Myeongdong branches usually offer multilingual staff and exclusive foreigner support desks.
🧺 Lifestyle & Drugstores
- Daiso (Myeongdong, Gangnam Station, Hongdae)
- Emart24, GS25, CU (Some branches only)
Most convenience stores don’t offer tax refunds, but tourist-heavy areas may have test stores.
🎁 Souvenir Shops
- Namsan Tower Gift Shop
- Insadong Ssamziegil Craft Stores
- Bukchon Hanok Village Artisan Shops
- Gyeongbokgung Cultural Gift Shops
Great for traditional souvenirs—mirrors, accessories, postcards, etc.
🔎 How to Know If a Store Offers Instant Tax Refund
Look for these labels near the entrance or cashier:
- “Tax Free” or
- “Instant Tax Refund”
Before paying, show your passport and confirm eligibility with staff.
If accepted, your final price will reflect the tax deduction automatically.
📍 Not Eligible for Instant Refund
These places usually don’t support instant refunds:
- Traditional markets (cash-focused)
- Local restaurants and cafés
- Small independent boutiques
- Most online shops
✅ Exception: Some Korea Grand Sale partner websites (like MUSINSA, Coupang Global) may offer instant or deferred refunds. Check the product page for details.
🧾 2026 Store List Summary Table
| Store Type | Brand/Location | Instant Refund | Notes |
| Department | Lotte / Shinsegae / Hyundai | ✅ Yes | Some luxury brands use airport refund instead |
| Duty-Free | Lotte / Shilla / Shinsegae / Hyundai | ⚠ Partial | Mostly airport pickup, but some in-store options |
| Beauty | Olive Young / Innisfree / Aritaum, etc. | ✅ Yes | Location-specific availability |
| Lifestyle | Daiso (tourist areas only) | ⚠ Limited | Only major branches may offer refunds |
| Convenience | CU, GS25, Emart24 | ❌ No | Not supported in most locations |
| Souvenir Shops | Bukchon, Insadong, Namsan Tower | ✅ Yes | Ideal for cultural gift shopping |
| Others | Airport gift shops, cultural stores | ⚠ Varies | Always check with staff |
✅ Final Tips for Foreign Shoppers
- Always carry your passport for verification
- Refund applies only to personal use (no reselling)
- No paperwork required—just pay the discounted amount
- Works on single purchases ₩30,000–₩500,000
- Maximum ₩500,000 per day
✨ Save More During Korea Grand Sale 2026
Tax refunds + special promotions = BIG savings!
This is more than just a shopping event—it’s an optimized experience for international travelers.
Don’t forget to check for the “Tax Free” logo, show your passport, and unlock hidden benefits throughout your Korean journey.
👉 View More Shopping Benefits for Foreigners
👉 [Top Tax Refund Items for Tourists]
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