Korea tax refund in 2026: what changed and when to ask at the till

Tax refund rules come up constantly in shopping threads, and 2026 brought one big change worth knowing before you book anything.

The headline change

The VAT refund on medical and cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026, as reported by Korea Experience. If an old blog promises money back on clinic treatments, it is out of date.

Shopping refunds (per the same guide)

Minimum purchase: ₩15,000 per receipt.
Immediate refund at the register: up to ₩1,000,000 per receipt, and ₩5,000,000 in total per trip.
Bigger purchases go through the airport refund: scan receipts at the kiosk before checking your bags, since customs may ask to see the items.
You get back less than the full 10% VAT once operator fees are taken off.

Tips travellers repeat

Carry your physical passport when shopping; a photo usually is not accepted.
Ask for the instant refund at the till rather than collecting paper for later.

Did the instant refund work smoothly for you, or did you end up queueing at the airport?