Korea VAT refund calculator with commission
Korea refunds the 10% VAT to tourists on most goods — but the operator takes a commission first, and what you actually receive is closer to 7–9% of your spend, not 10%. The kiosk (self-service) refund versus manned counter math is also different from what most guides say. Kiosks at ICN T1 and T2 are fast (5 minutes before security), but they only refund to credit cards. Manned counters refund cash instantly but charge higher commission and have longer lines. This tool shows your real net refund for a planned purchase and how to time the airport visit.
Refund calculator
What this solves
The 10% number is misleading. By the time the operator takes its commission (8–25% depending on method and operator), the credit-card refund fee (typically 1.5–3.5% if your card converts currency), and any merchant-rejection (some shops refuse to give you the form for small purchases), you're often netting 6–8% back. This tool computes the realistic net per operator and method.
Global Blue vs KPlanet vs Easy
Global Blue commission 18–22%, longest queue but best UX. KPlanet (formerly KT Tax Refund) commission 12–15%, mid-tier. Easy Tax Refund commission 8–10%, lowest but fewest kiosks. The net refund differs by ~5% of original spend — significant on big purchases.
Airport timing
Scan your receipts at the kiosk before going through security at ICN T1/T2, PUS, CJU. Some kiosks need 1.5–2 hours before flight; check the counter. Customs officers may ask to see goods (electronics especially) — keep them in carry-on, not checked.
What's not refundable
Food & beverages for consumption in Korea, lodging, transportation (KTX, taxis), services (massage, haircut), and digital content purchases are not VAT-refundable. Souvenirs of clothing, cosmetics, electronics are. Receipts must be issued by a registered "Tax Free" shop (the sticker on the door).
Minimum spend
The minimum for a single-receipt VAT refund is ₩30,000 (about $22). You can combine multiple receipts from the same shop into a single claim — the merchant will help. Below ₩30,000, don't bother; the commission eats the refund.
How to read the result
- Net refund is what hits your credit card or wallet after all commissions.
- Effective rate is net refund ÷ original spend × 100, the real percentage back.
- The "Save vs best" line tells you which operator to actively seek when possible.
Limitations
- Operator commission rates are 2026 ranges, not quotes; they change.
- Some shops will not give you the refund form (especially tourist-area "Tax Free" sticker fakes) — verify on the spot.
- If your card charges FX conversion, the refund may convert at a worse rate — net effect can be 0%.
- Downtown kiosks mostly defunct since 2023; the few remaining have lower caps per day.
- Customs inspection is more common for unboxed electronics and high-value items.
FAQ
What if my flight is in 40 minutes?
Use the kiosk, not the counter. ICN T1 has 8+ kiosks open until last flight. Counter closes 60 min before departure.
Can I claim VAT on a Lotte Department Store purchase?
Yes if the shop has a "Tax Free" sticker and the merchant issues a refund form at checkout. The department store's "Tourist Information" desk helps.
Does duty free beat VAT refund on Korean cosmetics?
Usually yes for the same brand at Lotte/Shilla Duty Free; the listed price already excludes Korean VAT. But the selection differs.
What if I forget to claim at the airport?
After you leave Korea, it's gone. The form is invalid past your departure date. No exceptions.