What is the minimum purchase for a tax refund in Korea? (2026)

15,000 won per receipt. It came down from 30,000 won in 2024. Any guide still saying "30,000 won or more" is out of date.
The instant-refund limits doubled in January 2026: up to 1,000,000 won per purchase and 5,000,000 won in total refunded at the counter, and anything above that at the airport.
You must leave Korea within three months of the purchase. After three months there is no refund.
Bring your passport to the shop. Leave it at the hotel and that day's purchases cannot be refunded.
Big chains like Olive Young run four large sales a year, in early March, June, September and December or the last days of the month before. If your trip lands on one, the sale plus the refund makes the same item far cheaper.