If you’re visiting Korea, you can get up to 10% of your money back on almost everything you buy — including at Uniqlo and Olive Young. Here’s exactly how it works, in under a minute.
What Is Tax Refund (Tax Free) Shopping?
Korea charges a 10% Value Added Tax (VAT) on most goods. As a short-term foreign visitor, you’re entitled to get that VAT back when you take your purchases out of the country. This is different from duty-free airport shops — here you buy at regular stores, then claim the tax back.
Who Qualifies?
- Foreign tourists staying in Korea
- Overseas Koreans who’ve lived abroad 2+ years and are staying under 3 months
- You must be leaving Korea within 3 months of your purchase
Minimum Purchase Amount
As of 2024, the minimum is 15,000 KRW per receipt (lowered from the previous 30,000 KRW). So even a small Olive Young haul can qualify.
3 Ways to Get Your Refund
1. Immediate Refund (즉시환급) The store deducts the tax right at checkout — no waiting. Available for purchases under 1,000,000 KRW per transaction (max 5,000,000 KRW total per person). Just show your passport.
2. Downtown Refund Get cash or card refund at a refund kiosk/counter in the city before you leave.
3. Airport Refund Claim at the refund counter or self-service kiosk at the airport when departing.
How to Do It at Uniqlo
- Shop as normal and reach the checkout.
- Show your passport to the cashier before payment.
- Ask for tax refund — most Uniqlo stores offer immediate deduction at checkout.
- Keep your receipt; you may still need it for customs at the airport for high-value items.
How to Do It at Olive Village (Olive Young)
- Olive Young stores in tourist areas (Myeongdong, Hongdae, etc.) are almost always tax-free registered.
- Show your passport at checkout — refund is usually deducted immediately.
- Even small purchases (skincare, cosmetics) qualify if the receipt hits 15,000 KRW.
Before You Fly Home: Airport Checklist
- Arrive at least 3 hours early — customs lines can be long.
- Have your passport, boarding pass, receipts, and purchased items ready (don’t pack them in checked luggage until confirmed).
- For high-value single items (luxury bags, watches), a customs officer may need to physically inspect the item before approving.
- Use the self-service kiosk: scan your passport, then scan the receipt barcodes.
- If you skip customs verification, you may be charged later.
Quick Recap
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Shop | Spend 15,000 KRW+ per receipt |
| Checkout | Show passport, ask for tax refund |
| Refund type | Immediate (in-store) is fastest |
| Departure | Arrive 3hrs early, verify at customs kiosk |
Tip: Save this guide before your trip — tax refund rules can change, so always double-check with the store or Korea Tourism Organization for the latest info.