Alipay has partnered with Global Tax Free, a tax refund agency, to launch what it calls the world's first paperless mobile tax refund function in South Korea, according to a press release.

The service enables Chinese tourists to apply for, and claim, tax rebates on their mobile phone app, skipping in-city and airport tax refund counters. After scanning their passports at self-service kiosks prior to leaving South Korea, Chinese tourists can process tax rebates and immediately receive refunds by using the Alipay mobile app to scan tax refund receipts within 90 days of purchasing.

"Since 2013, Alipay has continuously explored ways to expedite tax refunds for Chinese tourists to enhance the outbound travel experience," Danny Chung, general manager of Alipay Korea, said in the release. "Alipay users can already receive tax refunds at more than 80 airports and a growing number of in-city shops globally after processing at a tax counter."