How to get a VAT refund for cosmetic surgery

What is VAT refund?

A policy for refunding VAT prior to departure for foreigners who have done cosmetic surgery and dermatology procedures worth KRW 30,000 or more at designated hospitals or medical institutions in Korea

Refund subject

Those who do not reside in Korea

Foreigners Overseas Koreans
Length of stay: within 6 months Overseas residence period: at least 2 years
Period of residence in Korea: within 3 months

Can be claimed within 3 months of departure from Korea after cosmetic surgery and dermatology procedure

Medical service for refund subjects

Double eyelid surgery, wrinkle removal, nose surgery, breast surgery, liposuction, wrinkle removal, facial contouring, dental plastic surgery, pigment birthmark, freckles, melasma treatment, acne, hair removal, hair loss treatment, hair transplant, tattoo and tattoo removal, liposuction, skin regeneration, skin whitening, anti-aging treatment, pore reduction, and other medical services subject to VAT exemption

Medical institutions that can refund VAT

Medical institutions registered with the Ministry of Health and Welfare to operate VAT refund services among medical institutions that attract foreign patients

VAT refund procedure

1. Visit a medical institution and get treated
1. Check whether the medical institution is subject to VAT refund
1. Check if the medical item you want to receive is subject to VAT refund

2. Receive medical service supply confirmation after paying medical expenses
2. Check the location of the business operator operating the VAT refund counter when paying medical expenses

3. Visit refund window and get a refund
3. Airports, ports, and designated counters in each region

Refund method

Airports/Ports refund Diagnosis
Service definition Get refund at airports/ports before departure Get refund in advance after confirmation of departure
Service conditions More than KRW 30,000 on medical expenses KRW 30,000~Less than KRW 50,000
Operation of VAT refund window All refund counter operators
(including agencies)		 Available only at designated refund service operators
Required documents passport, certificate (receipt) passport, certificate (receipt), credit card

Refund location

Airports Port Downtown
Incheon International Airport
Gimpo International Airport
Gimhae International Airport
Daegu International Airport
Cheongju International Airport
Muan International Airport
Yangyang International Airport
Jeju International Airport		 Incheon Terminal 1
Incheon Terminal 2
Gunsan Port
Musan Port
Jeju Port		 Different for each refund window operator
Check location of refund window at medical institutions

Incheon Airport customs refund location

Incheon Terminal 1 Incheon Terminal 2
3rd floor of duty-free area, gate 28 3rd floor of duty-free area, gate 253

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