Duty free or a tax-refund store?
Compare the amount you actually expect to pay for the same item. A refund percentage alone does not tell you which option is cheaper.
Compare your two checkout options
Enter prices for the exact same product and quantity. Both prices must be in KRW. Use a refund quote from the store or refund provider.
Enter both checkout prices to compare.
Estimate = price + payment fee − expected refund (store purchase only). Refund eligibility, actual exchange rates and destination-country taxes must be checked separately. No automatic 10% refund is assumed.
Two different shopping routes
Duty-free shops sell under a duty-free purchase process. For the online orders covered here, you normally collect before departing Korea. Eligible tax-refund stores sell tax-included goods, with a refund process or an immediate refund where available. A duty-free item does not also qualify for a second tourist tax refund.
Refund eligibility depends on your visitor status, purchase and export conditions. Ask the store or refund provider for the actual refund after fees; do not treat the VAT rate as your refund rate.
Check VISITKOREA’s official duty-free and tax-refund guideMake a fair comparison
- Match product size, edition, shade, quantity and included gifts.
- Use the duty-free price available to your own account after eligible coupons.
- Use the store’s actual price and expected refund, with fees deducted.
- Consider payment fees, pickup time and any taxes at your destination.
Guidance checked 2026-10-25.