What this guide covers

If you are shopping in Korea for the first time, the rules that matter most are the ones set by government agencies. As of October 2026, the sources we reviewed cover customs allowances and declaration rules, plus the National Tax Service's consultation line. They do not include a current refund threshold, store-by-store instant refund procedures, or new rules for beauty clinics, so readers should confirm those details directly.

What the Korean Customs Service says about arrival

According to the Korea Customs Service website, travelers should check customs, quarantine, currency, and duty-free regulations before arrival. Items that must be declared on arrival need to be reported at customs, and goods that exceed the duty-free allowance can lead to sanctions. The site also explains how detained (deposited) items are cleared for import.

Duty-free allowance and declarations

The customs site has a dedicated page on the duty-free allowance for travelers. Read it before you fly, because the rules determine which items you must declare and which can pass without paperwork.

Questions about tax refunds

The National Tax Service lists a paid consultation line at 126 for tax-related questions. Calling from within Korea is the most direct way to ask about refund eligibility, though rates and charges can change, so check the NTS website for current information.

For international fans

If you are arriving from Japan, Taiwan, or an English-speaking country, plan for a quick customs check and keep your receipts. Because the official materials we reviewed do not list current refund amounts or instant refund procedures, look up those details on the official websites before you shop.