2026 Korea VAT Refund Policy Update for Cosmetic Surgery Patients: Girin Plastic Surgery 10% Promotion

Summary: 2026 Korea VAT Refund End & Girin’s 10% Value-Back Promotion

As of January 1, 2026, the South Korean government's VAT refund program for international cosmetic patients has officially expired. However, Girin Plastic Surgery is launching an exclusive "10% Value-Back Promotion" to ensure our patients continue to receive the best prices without any complicated airport procedures.

What Changed in Korea’s Cosmetic Surgery Tax Policy in 2026

The special taxation act (Article 107-3), which provided a VAT refund (approx. 7~8%) for foreign tourists undergoing cosmetic procedures, ended on December 31, 2025. This change applies to all medical institutions in South Korea.

KoreaJoongAng Daily: Foreign tourists rushed to Korean cosmetic clinics before the VAT refund program officially ended in 2025.
Koreabiomed: Korea’s VAT refund for foreign cosmetic surgery patients ended, raising concerns for medical tourism competitiveness.

Girin Plastic Surgery’s 10% Value-Back Promotion (Better Than a Tax Refund)

To support our international patients, Girin Plastic Surgery has introduced a special value-back program that offers benefits exceeding the previous VAT refund, without paperwork, airport counters, or refund delays.

Why Girin’s Promotion Is More Convenient Than Airport VAT Refunds

No airport VAT refund procedures required
Immediate price benefit applied at the clinic
No minimum spending threshold
Clear and transparent pricing for foreign patients

	Previous VAT Refund	GIRIN Plastic Surgery January 2026 Benefit
Plastic Surgery	Max. 8%	Flat 10% OFF Total Surgery Fee (Excl. Special Offers & Partial/Full Disclosure Review)
Dermatology	Max. 8%	10% Reward Points
Convenience	Airport kiosk sandby	Instantly applicable at clinic

How to Use the 10% Value-Back Benefit

• 10% reward points are credited after payment
• Points can be used on the same day
• Up to 50% of the accumulated points can be used per transaction
• Points are applicable to eligible treatments and procedures
• Promotional points are valid for up to 2 years from the date of issuance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I still receive a medical VAT refund at the airport in 2026?
A: No. The Korean government’s medical VAT refund policy for foreign patients has officially ended. However, Girin Plastic Surgery offers a 10% discount or point benefit to offset this change for international patients. Points accumulated can be used on the same day of your visit, with up to 50% of the accumulated points to be used per transaction.

Q: How do I claim the 10% benefit at Girin Plastic Surgery?
A: Simply book your consultation through our official channels. The 10% benefit is applied automatically to all international patients visiting in January 2026, no extra steps required.

Q: Will Korea’s medical VAT refund policy be applied again in the future?
A: At this time, it is not yet confirmed. However, there have been ongoing discussions about potentially reintroducing the medical VAT refund bill in the future, which could allow VAT refunds for medical procedures again.

Q: Can accumulated points be used immediately?
A: Yes. Any points earned through Girin Plastic Surgery’s promotion can be used immediately toward eligible treatments or procedures.

Q: Do the accumulated points have an expiration date?

A: Yes. All promotional points are valid for up to two years from the date they are issued.