If you’re visiting Korea and planning to shop for skincare or beauty products, chances are you’ll find yourself in an Olive Young store. As the country’s most popular health and beauty chain, Olive Young is a must-visit for tourists hunting down the best K-beauty products. But beyond choosing the right toner or serum, many travelers also wonder: Does Olive Young offer tax refunds for tourists?
The answer is yes—Olive Young offers tax refunds, and there are two main ways to claim them: instant tax refunds at the counter or traditional refund processing at the airport. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to get your VAT (Value Added Tax) back, what the requirements are, and tips to make sure you don’t miss out on your refund.
How Tax Refunds Work in Korea for Tourists
South Korea offers a tax refund program for international tourists on goods purchased during their stay. As of 2025, the VAT rate is 10%, and you can claim this amount back on qualifying purchases.
Key things to know:
You must be a non-resident foreign visitor staying in Korea for less than 6 months.
Only physical goods (not services or food) are eligible.
Minimum spend is 30,000 KRW per store per day to qualify for a refund.
Maximum refund limit is 500,000 KRW per receipt (and 2 million KRW total per trip).
You must take the goods out of Korea within 3 months of the purchase.
So if you’re a tourist buying skincare, cosmetics, or personal items at Olive Young, you may qualify for a refund depending on how much you spend.
Option 1: Instant Tax Refund at the Olive Young Checkout
In most Olive Young stores—especially larger branches in tourist areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, or Incheon Airport—you can receive an immediate tax deduction when you pay.
Here’s how it works:
Spend over 30,000 KRW in one transaction.
Let the cashier know you’re a tourist and show your passport (physical copy preferred).
The cashier will apply the instant tax refund directly—your total will be reduced by the tax amount (10% VAT).
You will be given a special tax-free receipt along with your purchase.
Important notes:
You do NOT need to claim anything at the airport if you use this method.
You must carry the goods with you when you leave Korea (don’t ship them separately).
The refund is deducted immediately—there’s no paperwork required later.
This method is convenient, quick, and widely available at stores near hotels and tourist areas.
Option 2: Traditional Tax Refund (Get Your Money Back at the Airport)
If you’re shopping at a smaller Olive Young location or the instant refund isn’t available, you can still get your tax back by filing at the airport.
Follow these steps:
Spend over 30,000 KRW in one transaction.
Request a tax-free receipt at the cashier. You may need to show your passport.
Keep both the receipt and product packaging with you.
At the airport, look for the Tax Refund kiosk or counter (usually near check-in or departure gates).
Present your passport, receipt, and purchased goods (some items may be inspected).
Receive your refund in cash or credit card, depending on the kiosk.
This process takes a bit more time, so arrive early at the airport if you plan to file multiple claims.
How to Tell If a Store Offers Instant Tax Refund
Most major Olive Young branches now offer immediate tax refunds, but not all do. Here’s how to identify if it’s available:
Look for signs at the cashier or entrance that say “Instant Tax Refund”, “Tax-Free Store,” or “Immediate Tax Refund” in English, Chinese, or Japanese.
The store may have a Global Blue or Korea Tax Refund logo.
Staff at tourist locations are used to handling tax-free purchases and will guide you through it.
If you’re not sure, simply ask the cashier before checking out:
“Tax refund, is it available?” or show your passport and say “tax-free?”
What Kind of Products Are Eligible?
At Olive Young, the following product types typically qualify for tax refunds:
Skincare (serums, toners, creams)
Cosmetics (lipsticks, foundations, eye products)
Body care (lotions, cleansers)
Hair care (shampoos, treatments)
Beauty tools (rollers, masks, tweezers)
Health and wellness supplements (collagen powders, vitamins)
Items not eligible include food, beverages, and items marked as “non-refundable” due to health regulations (e.g., opened packaging or some personal hygiene items).
Tips for a Smooth Tax Refund Experience
Bring your passport every time you shop. A copy may work, but most stores prefer the original.
Consolidate purchases: Instead of making multiple small purchases, buy everything in one go to pass the 30,000 KRW threshold.
Look for promotions: Some Olive Young stores offer additional discounts for tourists on top of tax-free pricing.
Check your refund receipt: Make sure your name and passport number are accurate.
Hold onto your product packaging: At the airport, customs officers may ask to see unopened items for inspection.
Olive Young Makes It Easy for Tourists to Shop Tax-Free
Olive Young isn’t just a top destination for Korean beauty and wellness products—it’s also one of the most tourist-friendly retailers when it comes to tax refunds. Whether you use the instant refund option at the cashier or claim your money back at the airport, the process is designed to be fast and hassle-free.
To make the most of your refund, plan your purchases in bulk, bring your passport, and check the signs for instant refund availability. With the right preparation, you can walk away with glowing skin and a little extra money in your pocket.