As of 1 January 2026, the South Korean government abolished the Value-Added Tax (VAT) refund program for cosmetic surgeries. This included osteotomy rhinoplasty. International patients are no longer eligible for the 10% government tax rebate. That rebate was previously available for aesthetic procedures at participating Seoul clinics.
- Policy change: Government tax refunds of the 10% VAT on cosmetic procedures ended on 31 December 2025.
- Functional cases: Osteotomies for breathing issues or reconstruction may remain VAT-exempt at the source.
- Clinic promotions: Centres like Girin Plastic Surgery now offer private 10% value-back pricing structures.
- Verification: Patients must confirm if a clinic provides internal discounts to offset the tax.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While the government rebate is gone, some clinics still offer competitive pricing. For example, AB Plastic Surgery and VG Plastic Surgery have osteotomy rhinoplasty starting from $1,500. This remains significantly lower than the $14,000 Australian average, even without a tax refund.
Patient Consensus: South Korean clinics often handle refund paperwork before departure. Patients now focus on internal clinic promotions or private discounts to save on their surgical costs.