How to Get Your Korean National Pension Refund When Leaving Korea
Which nationalities and visas can claim the Korean National Pension lump-sum refund, how much you get back, documents, applying at Incheon Airport or from abroad, and common mistakes.
If you paid into Korea's national pension, you may be able to take it all back, including your employer's half and interest, when you leave Korea. It is called the lump-sum refund (반환일시금, banhwan ilsigeum). Whether you qualify depends on your nationality or visa.
Who qualifies
Any nationality on these visas: E-8, E-9 and H-2.
Countries with a social security agreement allowing the refund: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Luxembourg, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay.
Countries with reciprocity, where Koreans get a similar refund. Some require minimum contribution periods:
| Minimum period | Countries |
|---|---|
| None | Ghana, Sri Lanka, Bermuda, Malaysia, El Salvador, Indonesia, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, Trinidad and Tobago, Sudan, Colombia, Vanuatu, Tunisia, Uganda, Cambodia, Solomon Islands |
| 6 months | Belize |
| 12 months | Grenada, Jordan, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Thailand, Bhutan, Laos |
Nationals of other countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand, generally cannot claim the refund. This list is the National Pension Service's as of June 2026; check the NPS English website before you leave, because agreements change.
How much you get
Total contributions were 9% of your insured income until 2025 and 9.5% from 2026. For example, at ₩3,000,000 a month, one year of contributions in 2026 adds up to about ₩3.42 million before interest. Estimate yours with the pension refund calculator.
How to apply
Before leaving, at an NPS office: bring your passport, residence card, a bank account document and proof that you are leaving within a month (such as a plane ticket). The refund is paid after your departure is confirmed.
At Incheon Airport: NPS counters in Terminals 1 and 2 pay in foreign currency on weekday departures. Your employer must already have reported your resignation, so tell them early.
From abroad: apply by post or through an agent with certified documents (apostille or consular confirmation), within 5 years of becoming entitled.
Tips
- Ask your employer to report your loss of coverage (자격상실 신고) promptly after your last day.
- Keep your Korean bank account open until the refund arrives, or give an overseas account.
- Severance and the pension refund are separate. Make sure you get both. See the leaving Korea checklist.
This guide reflects Korean laws and official notices as of 2026-10-08. Rules change, so confirm with the relevant agency before making important decisions.