No more rushing to catch flights? Six new tax refund service centers open in Seoul

▲ Insadong in Seoul blends modern and traditional elements and is one of the city’s must-visit attractions. The photo shows Ssamziegil, a popular spot in Insadong. (Photo / Reporter Tsai Wen-jun)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Recognizing tourists' significant spending power, South Korea allows visitors to claim a tax refund by obtaining a refund form from designated stores when making purchases over 30,000 KRW. However, as refunds could only be processed at the airport departure hall in the past, travelers had to arrive early, causing much inconvenience. On August 30, the Korea Tourism Organization announced the opening of six new tax refund service centers in Seoul to make the process more convenient.

South Korea’s tax refund logos mainly come in two types:the orange GLOBAL TAXFREEandthe blue GLOBAL BLUE-TAXFREE, which are displayed at the entrances and checkout counters of designated stores to remind consumers to request a refund form. However, in the past, refund services were only available at the airport departure hall. After checking in, travelers often had to drag their heavy purchases along with the refund forms to customs for inspection before checking them in, then head to the cash refund counter near the boarding gate to collect their money. Not only did they have to leave home early, but the whole process also consumed a lot of time, making it quite inconvenient.

▲ South Korea’s tax refund services are mainly divided into the blue GLOBAL BLUE-TAXFREE and the orange GLOBAL TAXFREE. (Photo / Fromthe official website of the Korea Tourism Organization)

To make things easier for tourists, the Korea Tourism Organization announced on its official website on August 30 that six new tax refund service centers have been added around Myeongdong. Foreign tourists can now complete their refund procedures more quickly and conveniently at these nearby centers.

However, the Korea Tourism Organization also reminds travelers that to prevent tourists from using or leaving purchased goods in Korea after receiving their cash refund, the city refund centers will pre-authorize the total refund amount on the traveler’s credit card as a deposit and provide a deposit receipt. The deposit will only be refunded after airport customs confirms that all purchased items will be taken out of the country and stamps the receipt. Therefore, if you do not have a credit card, you will still need to arrive at the airport early to queue up for the refund process.

GLOBAL BLUE-TAXFREE (blue) Tax Refund Service Centers

1. Woori Bank Myeongdong Branch (opposite Myeongdong N Theatre), Business Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Weekends 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Phone: +82-2-774-4011
2. Lotte Department Store Avenuel Main Store, 1st Floor, Business Hours: Weekdays 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM, Weekends 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM. Phone: +82-2-2118-2500
3. Hyundai Department Store Sinchon Branch, Main Building 10th Floor, Business Hours: Weekdays 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM, Weekends 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM. Phone: +82-2-3145-3350

GLOBAL TAXFREE (orange) Tax Refund Service Centers

1. OliveYoung Myeongdong Main Store, 2nd Floor (next to Seoul Royal Hotel), Business Hours: Every day 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Phone: +82-70-7843-1050
2. Shinsegae Department Store (Main Store), Flagship Boutique 1st Floor, Business Hours: Weekdays 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM, Weekends 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM. Phone: +82-2-1588-1234
3. Doota, B1 and 5th Floors, Business Hours: Weekdays 10:30 AM – Midnight, Weekends 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM. Phone: +82-2-3398-3115

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