I bought something in Korea and it does not fit properly?

Return policies in Korea are actually quite generous, but the rules differ a bit from Western countries. By the e-commerce law (전자상거래법), any online purchase can be returned within 7 days of receipt without giving a reason, and the seller must accept it. For online clothing this is straightforward, just request a 반품 in the order page on Coupang, 29CM, or Musinsa, and the courier will pick it up. The return shipping fee is usually 2,500 to 5,000 won deducted from your refund unless the item was defective.

In-person store returns depend on the brand. Department stores like Shinsegae, Hyundai, and Lotte usually offer 14 to 30-day returns if the tags are attached and you have the receipt. Large chains like Olive Young, Daiso, and Uniqlo accept exchanges or refunds within 7 to 14 days. Small independent shops in Dongdaemun or Namdaemun often have strict no-return policies, especially for sale items, so always ask 반품 가능해요? before paying.

A few things cannot be returned even online, including opened cosmetics, swimwear, underwear, and personalized items. Sized items like clothing or shoes can be returned as long as you have not worn them outside, and most Korean sites are flexible about size exchanges. Defective items are protected for much longer under product warranty laws, electronics get one year, and you should contact the seller through 1:1 inquiry (1:1 문의) on the platform, or file a complaint with the Korea Consumer Agency at 1372 if a seller refuses.