Tax Refund Now Available for Hotel Stays

In an aim to attract to more overseas visitors, the Korean government will implement a tax refund policy on hotel stays starting April 1, 2014.

This incentive policy is applicable to international visitors who stay more than two nights but less than 30 in a certified hotel. Eligible recipients must present a detailed “Hotel Stay Confirmation Form” in order to get the reimbursement, which will be sent within 3 months of the check-out date.

Hotel VAT Return Process
1. Fill out 2 copies of the Hotel Stay Confirmation Form verifying the stay at a certified hotel.
2. Submit the 2 forms to the designated tax refund centers.
3. The tax-refund can be received after the forms are reviewed and date of departure is confirmed.

A complete guideline will be announced again before the end of March. The government is still considering which hotels to include in the policy and where the tax refund centers should be. Therefore, visitors planning to come to Korea in the future are advised to check back for updates on this news.