The highlight of any trip to South Korea is undoubtedly visiting the world-class clinics. For years, international visitors have benefited from the Korea Beauty Tax Refund system, which allows you to get a refund on Value Added Tax (VAT) for cosmetic procedures. However, the Korean government recently announced that this special tax refund for beauty-related medical services will end on December 31, 2025.
Are you worried that your favorite treatments will become 10% more expensive? Or are you confused about whether you can still get a refund during your upcoming trip?
Don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what is changing with the Korea Beauty Tax Refund, the requirements to claim it before the deadline, and how you can continue to find the most reasonable prices using the YeoTi app—even after the policy ends.
Contents
What is the Korea Beauty Tax Refund?
The Korea Beauty Tax Refund (VAT Refund) is a system where foreign tourists can receive a refund of the 10% tax included in the cost of plastic surgery or dermatological treatments at participating clinics.
- Why is it ending?: Introduced in 2016 to boost medical tourism, the government has decided that the goal has been achieved as the number of international patients continues to rise.
- The Deadline: The special tax refund applies only to payments made on or before December 31, 2025.
- Important Note: Even if you fly home in January 2026, you can still get a refund as long as the payment was settled within 2025.
Requirements and Eligible Treatments (Until 2025)
To claim your refund before the policy expires, you must meet specific criteria.
[Requirements for the Tax Refund]
- Eligibility: Non-resident foreigners (on short-term visas) staying for less than 6 months.
- Minimum Spend: A payment of 15,000 KRW or more at a single medical institution.
- Timeline: You must depart Korea within 3 months of the procedure.
- Clinics: Only clinics registered with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and partnered with a tax refund service provider are eligible.
[Treatment Eligibility Comparison]
| Category | Eligible (Until Dec 2025) | 2026 Status |
| Plastic Surgery | Double eyelid, Rhinoplasty, Liposuction, etc. | Ineligible |
| Dermatology | Ulthera, Shurink, Rejuran, etc. | Ineligible |
| Cosmetic Dentistry | Teeth Whitening | Ineligible |
| General Medical | Fillings, Implants, Braces | Always Ineligible |
| Shopping | Cosmetics (Olive Young), Clothes, Electronics | Remains Eligible |
Pricing Info
Will Korea’s beauty treatments become more expensive starting in 2026? Some clinics are already preparing “VAT-included” special event prices or discounts equivalent to the refund amount to support their international patients.
This is where the YeoTi app becomes your best travel companion!
Even without the Korea Beauty Tax Refund, you can find incredibly reasonable “Event Prices” directly on YeoTi.
- Benefits of YeoTi:
- Transparent Pricing: All treatments are listed with VAT included, so you won’t be surprised by extra charges at the counter.
- Easy Comparison: Compare real-time prices across popular areas like Gangnam, Hongdae, and Myeongdong at a glance.
- One-Stop Booking: Manage everything from price checks to booking and payment within one app.
Side Effects and Precautions
If you are receiving a treatment in 2025, follow these steps to ensure you get your money back:
- Get the Certificate: Present your passport at the clinic and request a “Medical Service Sales Certificate” upon payment.
- Refund Locations: Visit refund kiosks or counters at major airports (Incheon, Gimpo) or city centers.
- Accuracy: Without that specific certificate from the clinic, you cannot claim a refund at the airport. Always double-check before leaving the hospital.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to take advantage of the Korea Beauty Tax Refund for medical services, you must book and pay by December 31, 2025. However, the high quality of Korean skincare remains the same regardless of tax policy changes.
Moving forward, instead of the hassle of collecting paper forms for small refunds, the smartest way to travel is to use YeoTi to find the best all-inclusive event prices from the start.
FAQ
- Q: I am getting surgery in January 2026. Will I get a refund?
- A: No, the special exemption for beauty medical services ends at the end of 2025, so payments made in 2026 are not eligible.
- Q: Does this mean I can’t get tax refunds at Olive Young anymore?
- A: No, the general tax refund for shopping (cosmetics, clothes, etc.) will continue unchanged.
- Q: Can I get a refund if I pay in 2025 but leave in 2026?
- A: Yes, eligibility is based on the payment date, so as long as you settle the bill within 2025, you are eligible for the refund upon departure.
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