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Korea Tax Refund Basics for Medical Visitors
The short answer
Korea has rules that can allow foreign visitors to claim a refund of value added tax on some medical services, but they change and depend on the service, so check the current rules before you pay. Shinebom Clinic's published fees exclude VAT, and anything about refunds should be asked of the clinic directly.
Key facts
- Published fees: VAT excluded
- Refund eligibility: depends on the service and the current rules
- Official sources: National Tax Service and the Korea Tourism Organization
- Clinic services: this page does not describe a refund service
- Ask first: before treatment, not after
What is VAT in this context?
Value added tax is a consumption tax added to many goods and services. Some medical services are treated differently from others, and aesthetic or cosmetic services are commonly handled differently from treatment of illness. That is why the rules are worth checking for your specific treatment.
Can foreign visitors get a refund?
Korea has had arrangements allowing certain foreign visitors to reclaim VAT on some medical services and purchases, usually with conditions on who qualifies, which services count, the documents needed and how the claim is made. Those conditions have changed over time and may change again. This page does not state the current rules, thresholds or amounts, because it cannot be sure they are up to date.
Where should you check the rules?
Use official sources. The National Tax Service of Korea publishes tax guidance, and the Korea Tourism Organization publishes information for visitors. Your own country's tax rules may also matter if you plan to claim a medical expense at home. We do not link to them here, so search for the organization by name and use the English-language pages.
What should you ask the clinic?
- Does the quote include or exclude VAT?
- Do I get an itemized receipt that names the service?
- What documents does the clinic issue to foreign patients?
- Is anything I need to do before payment, such as bringing my passport?
Shinebom Clinic does not offer tax refund as a stated service on this page, so please ask the clinic what applies to your situation before you pay.
What else affects cost planning?
Foreign card fees, exchange rates and the cost of flights and stay often matter more than a tax refund. See payment and prices and the fees page. For the bigger picture, read what is medical tourism in Korea.
Frequently asked questions
Will I definitely get a tax refund?
Not necessarily. Eligibility depends on the service and the current rules. Check with official sources and ask the clinic.
Does the clinic handle the refund for me?
This page does not describe such a service. Please ask the clinic directly.
Are the published fees tax inclusive?
No. The published consultation and prescription fees exclude VAT.
Related pages
General information from Shinebom Clinic, not personal medical advice. Results and recovery vary between individuals, and all procedures carry possible risks and side effects. A doctor will confirm what suits you at consultation.
Bloom yourself, in your own way
Tell us your skin concerns and dates in English. Shinebom Clinic is a 3-minute walk from Jamsil Station, exits 8 and 9.