How to Make Money from Unused Gift Cards and Mobile Vouchers

All screenshots are public pages captured on 2026-10-26; diagrams are self-made illustrations.

Got a half-used gift card or an expired KakaoTalk gift voucher? Korea has official refund rules you can use.

Who this is for

• People with partly used mobile gift cards
• People with unused gifts from KakaoTalk Gift (선물하기)
• Anyone tempted by “gift card cash-out” ads (read the warning section first)

Step 1. Know the basic rules (FTC standard terms)

The Korea Fair Trade Commission’s Standard Terms for New-Type Gift Certificates (revised 2024-09-27) say:

• Within 7 days of purchase, you can ask for a full refund.
• Before expiry, once you’ve used 60% or more of an amount-type voucher, you can get the balance back.
• For vouchers of 10,000 won or less, the threshold is 80%.
• Before expiry, you can ask for an extension (in 3-month units).

Step 2. Check the issuer’s own rules

Each issuer posts its refund rules. For example, Lotte Department Store’s official page also states the 60% (80% for 10,000 won or less) rule.

Step 3. KakaoTalk Gift refunds

Based on Kakao’s official help center. These steps happen after you log in to KakaoTalk.

• Before expiry: per the official help text, you can request a cancel/refund for an unused gift inside KakaoTalk.
• After expiry: per the help text, most gifts are refundable. If you do nothing within 10 days, it’s paid automatically as “Refund Money.”
• Event gifts and non-extendable gifts may not be refundable.
• Initial validity is usually about 1 year (367 days) including the purchase date.
• Rejecting a gift refunds the sender.

⚠️ Avoid: gift-card “tech” and quick-loan scams

According to the Financial Supervisory Service consumer alert (No. 2026-24):

• “Buy gift cards and you’ll get a loan” is always voice phishing.
• Handing over your bank book or debit card can be punished (Electronic Financial Transactions Act: up to 5 years in prison or a 30 million won fine).
• If it happens, call 112 and ask your bank for a payment stop.
• The FSS also says card “kkang” (fake card sales for cash) is illegal and can lead to card suspension or lower limits.

Common mistakes

• Throwing away an expired voucher without checking
• Asking for a balance refund before reaching 60%
• Sending PIN codes to strangers
• Falling for “loans via gift cards”

Checklist

• ☐ Bought within 7 days?
• ☐ Used 60% (80% for ≤10,000 won)?
• ☐ Checked the issuer’s official refund rules?
• ☐ Any expired gifts in your KakaoTalk Gift Box?
• ☐ Ignored any gift-card loan or high-return offers?

Points and miles are another place unused value hides — see our card points and airline miles guide.

Want more everyday money tips? Take a look when you have a moment → kzk.kr Premium