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Travel to Japan and South Korea continues to surge, and to boost tourism, both countries plan to adjust their consumption tax refund thresholds and mechanisms in 2016. The Japanese government intends to lower the tax refund threshold for foreign visitors from 10,000 yen to 5,000 yen starting in 2016, while also expanding the range of tax-free items eligible for refunds. Meanwhile, the South Korean government has announced that starting January 2016, it will offer on-the-spot tax refunds for foreign tourists, saving them the hassle of waiting in long queues at the airport.

The Japanese government is considering lowering the tax refund threshold for foreign travelers' purchases in Japan from the current 10,000 yen per day per store to 5,000 yen. Additionally, the range of tax-free trial items will be broadened beyond high-end goods to include handicrafts and small-value products. The tax system adjustments are expected to take effect in 2016.

In South Korea, the current tax refund process requires foreign travelers to spend at least 30,000 won to be eligible for a refund at the airport upon departure or at designated locations within the city. Due to the high volume of refund requests, long lines often form. To address this, the South Korean government has announced that starting January 1, 2016, foreign tourists can receive on-the-spot tax refunds during their stay if their total spending is less than 1 million won and each individual purchase is under 200,000 won. As long as the store displays a "Tax Free" or "Tax Refund" sign, travelers can show their passport to confirm their information and pay the post-refund price directly at the store.