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Tax refund (VAT) on cosmetic surgery in Korea for foreigners
Foreign patients can get a VAT refund on many cosmetic procedures at registered clinics — here's how it works.
Korea refunds VAT to foreign medical tourists
Since 2016, foreign patients can receive a refund of the value-added tax (VAT, ~10%) on eligible cosmetic procedures performed at clinics registered for the medical tax-refund program, if you leave Korea within a set period after treatment.
How to claim
Ask the clinic if they are a registered tax-refund (medical) facility before booking. They issue a refund slip; you then claim at the airport refund kiosks or designated downtown refund desks before departure, with your passport and documents.
What to confirm
Eligibility, the minimum spend, and the departure window vary — confirm details with the clinic and check the official Korea tax-refund guidance, as rules can change.
Frequently asked
- Can foreigners get a tax refund on plastic surgery in Korea?
- Yes. Foreign patients can claim a VAT refund (~10%) on eligible cosmetic procedures at clinics registered for Korea's medical tax-refund program, provided you depart within the required period. Confirm eligibility with the clinic before booking.