Foreign tourists in Korea can get a refund on value-added tax (VAT) when they shop at stores with a "Tax Free" sign. For expensive electronics such as smartphones, laptops, and cameras, the amount you get back and when you get it depend on the refund method and the customs steps you follow when you leave. Tax Free is a system that lets foreign tourists claim back the tax on goods they buy during a trip. A Global Tax Free notice posted at a store entrance in Seoul's Myeongdong shopping district. Photo: Tenant News Refunds are about 4–8% of the purchase price The Tax Free refund applies to foreign tourists who spend at least ₩15,000 per receipt. The amount you actually get back is about 4–8% of the purchase price. The taxes refunded are VAT and the individual consumption tax. The VAT included in the price is about 9%, and you receive that amount minus the refund agency's fee. You qualify if you are a non-resident foreigner staying in Korea for less th...
In Korea, some crosswalks change only when you press a button, and others change on their own. The ones that need a press have a "pedestrian push-button signal" (보행자 작동신호기). If you press the button and the light does not change, wait for the next signal cycle. If the green walk signal is flashing, do not start crossing.
Push-Button Signals: Press First
A pedestrian push-button signal turns the walk signal on only after a pedestrian presses the button to request it. These buttons are supposed to be placed where pedestrians can easily see them. The walk signal will not come on unless you press, so if you see a button at a crosswalk, press it first.
Some crosswalks have a button on the pole, but pressing it does not change the light. Some buttons on signal poles are for visually impaired pedestrians. Pressing one gives a voice message telling them when it is safe to cross.
Walk Time: 7 Seconds Plus 1 Second per Meter
Seoul sets walk signal time with a basic rule: 7 seconds for starting to cross, plus 1 second for every meter of crosswalk. The longer the crosswalk, the longer the walk signal.
- Standard 32 m crosswalk: 39 seconds
- 32 m crosswalk with many mobility-limited pedestrians (children, older adults, people with disabilities) or heavy foot traffic: about 47 seconds (based on 1 second per 0.8 m)
Don't Cross on Flashing Green
A flashing green walk signal means you must not start crossing. When the green light starts to flash, stop at the curb and wait for the next green signal.
Right-Turning Cars Must Stop Too
Drivers must stop not only when a pedestrian is crossing but also when a pedestrian is about to cross. This rule has been in effect since July 12, 2022. At a crosswalk, wait until you see the car stop before you start crossing.
Sensor Signals and Diagonal Crossings
Seoul has run one sensor-based "automatic pedestrian detection signal" (보행자 자동인식 신호기) in Eungam 1-dong, Eunpyeong District, since October 29, 2014. Normally only cars move through. When a person appears, a sensor above the waiting area detects them and gives a green walk signal. Unlike a push-button signal, you do not need to press anything.
The National Police Agency plans to add more all-way pedestrian signals, which turn every crosswalk at an intersection green at the same time, and more diagonal crosswalks. An all-way pedestrian signal lets pedestrians cross from every direction together. A diagonal crosswalk cuts across the intersection from one corner to the opposite corner.
At a Korean crosswalk, press the button if you see one, wait for the next cycle if the light does not change, and don't start crossing on flashing green. A few seconds spent making sure cars have stopped make for safer walking.