Seoul: Foreign tourists visiting South Korea on cruise ships will be able to receive a refund of internal taxes on goods purchased at local duty-free stores starting next week, the customs agency said Friday. This new measure aims to enhance the travel experience for cruise ship tourists by providing them with easier access to tax refunds.
According to Yonhap News Agency, cruise tourists can either receive immediate refunds at the point of sale at some 23,000 duty-free stores across the country or at downtown service centers, beginning next Monday, as stated by the Korea Customs Service. This initiative is part of South Korea's effort to boost tourism and make tax refunds more accessible to visiting tourists.
South Korea currently allows foreign tourists to receive refunds on the value-added tax and individual consumption tax included in the price of goods purchased at local retail stores. However, tourists visiting South Korea through cruise ships have reportedly faced difficulties in accessing such benefits due to their relatively short travel duration, officials noted.
In 2024, approximately 810,000 tourists visited South Korea via cruise ships, as per data from the oceans ministry. This new tax refund policy is expected to significantly benefit these tourists, improving their overall travel experience in South Korea.