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What was the medical VAT refund?

From 2016, Korea ran a program that allowed foreign patients to reclaim value-added tax paid on certain cosmetic surgery and dermatology procedures at participating medical institutions. The aim was to support medical tourism by making treatments more affordable for international visitors. Patients typically received paperwork at the clinic and claimed the refund through designated refund counters or operators.

The program was extended several times, and many travel guides published before 2026 still describe it as available.

What changed on December 31, 2025?

The government VAT refund for foreign patients on cosmetic and dermatology procedures ended on December 31, 2025. From January 1, 2026, treatments such as lasers, lifting, Botox, fillers and skin boosters performed in Korea are no longer eligible for this medical VAT refund, regardless of nationality or length of stay.

This applies across clinics in Korea, not just in Hongdae or at Re:berry. If a website, agent or guidebook says otherwise, it may be out of date.

What tax refunds still exist for visitors?

Retail tax-free shopping is a separate system and still exists. Foreign visitors can generally claim tax refunds on eligible goods bought at participating stores, subject to minimum purchase amounts, time limits and other conditions. This may include skincare products, cosmetics and sunscreen bought in tax-free shops.

Look for tax-free signage at stores and ask for refund paperwork or an instant refund where offered.
Carry your passport when shopping, as it is usually required.
Check the latest thresholds and procedures on official Korean tourism or customs sources, since rules can change.

Retail tax-free rules apply to goods, not to medical services. A skin treatment is a service, so it does not qualify under retail tax-free shopping.

How does this affect treatment budgets in 2026?

For visitors who planned around the old refund, the practical effect is that the amount you pay at the clinic is your final cost for the treatment. Some practical tips:

Ask for an all-in written quote: at Re:berry Hongdae, pricing is confirmed in writing at consultation, so you know exactly what you will pay before treatment.
Clarify what is included: numbing, aftercare products and follow-up visits can differ between clinics.
Compare plans, not just prices: a lower headline price may involve fewer shots, a smaller area or a different product.
Keep itemized receipts: they are useful for your records and, in some cases, for insurance or personal accounting at home.

Our guide to paying at the clinic explains payment methods and receipts in more detail.

Are treatments in Korea still good value without the refund?

Many international patients still choose Korea for skin treatments because of the range of devices available, the experience of clinics with combination plans and the convenience of treatment while traveling. Whether a plan represents good value depends on your goals, the diagnosis and what is included. Be cautious of prices that seem unusually low, and read are cheap treatments in Korea safe? before booking.

At Re:berry, the focus is on diagnosis before packages, so you are not pushed into a bundle. The doctor explains which treatments are recommended and why, and you can decide what fits your budget.

What should I watch out for?

Outdated claims: agents or listings that promise a medical VAT refund in 2026.
Unclear quotes: prices given without the number of shots, units or area.
Pressure to pay in full immediately: a reputable clinic gives you time to consider a plan.
Cash-only offers: ask for a proper receipt for every payment.

Our guide to choosing a safe clinic in Korea covers more warning signs.

How should I budget for a treatment trip in 2026?

Without the medical VAT refund, a simple budgeting approach helps avoid surprises:

Decide on priorities: list your top one or two concerns rather than trying to treat everything in one trip.
Book a consultation first: the written quote you receive is the figure to plan around.
Allow for follow-up: some treatments need a check-up or a second session, which may mean another visit.
Factor in aftercare: sunscreen, gentle skincare and any recommended products.
Keep a margin for travel changes: if your plans shift, you may need to reschedule.

Does travel insurance cover cosmetic treatments?

Most standard travel insurance policies do not cover elective cosmetic or aesthetic procedures, and some exclude complications arising from them. If cost certainty matters to you, read your policy carefully before your trip. Our answer on travel insurance for skin treatments explains what to check.

Will the refund come back?

Government policies can change, and it is possible that new incentives for medical tourism will be introduced in the future. At the time of writing, there is no medical VAT refund for cosmetic or dermatology procedures for foreign patients in 2026. Check official government sources close to your travel date for the latest information.

How do I plan my visit?

For branch details, see Location & Hours. You can request a consultation through our Booking page, and the team can explain payment options and provide a written quote during your visit.

Can I get a VAT refund on Botox or laser in Korea in 2026?

No. The government VAT refund for foreign patients on cosmetic and dermatology procedures, including Botox, fillers, lasers and lifting, ended on December 31, 2025. Treatments performed from January 1, 2026 are not eligible. Retail tax-free refunds still apply to eligible goods bought in stores, but not to medical services.

Can I still get tax back on Korean skincare products?

Generally yes, if you buy eligible goods at participating tax-free stores and meet the conditions, such as minimum purchase amounts and carrying your passport. Rules and thresholds can change, so check official sources before shopping. This is separate from medical treatments, which no longer have a VAT refund.

Why do some websites still mention the medical VAT refund?

The program ran from 2016 and was extended several times, so many blogs, guidebooks and agency pages were written while it was active and have not been updated. If you see claims of a medical VAT refund for 2026 treatments, treat them as outdated and confirm with official Korean government sources.

Will Re:berry Hongdae give me a receipt?

Clinics in Korea issue receipts for payments. Ask for an itemized receipt showing the treatments you received, which can be helpful for your personal records or any insurance questions at home. For details on payment methods and receipts, see our guide to paying at the clinic before your visit.