Get Your Pension Back (Before You Leave)
Foreigners leaving Korea can get back the National Pension premiums they paid as a ‘lump-sum refund’ (which often includes the employer’s share and interest). Here’s how to claim it yourself, in your language, without any agent or broker fee.
How to claim (3 ways)
🛫 Apply before departure
With proof of upcoming departure (a ticket, etc.), you can claim in advance at a National Pension Service branch before you leave.
🛂 Receive at the airport
If you depart via Incheon Airport within a month and meet the conditions (e.g. resignation filed), ask ☎1355 whether the airport pay-out service is available.
🌏 Apply from abroad after leaving
Even after you’ve left, you can apply from abroad and receive it in your overseas account. Confirm the method and documents via ☎1355 or the NPS website.
Good to know
- 💰 It often includes not only your share but also the employer’s share and interest.
- ⚠️ This is pension, not ‘tax’ — the contact is the National Pension Service ☎1355, not the tax office.
- ⏳ After your right arises, the claim can expire after a set period (statute of limitations) — don’t delay; confirm the deadline with ☎1355.
- 🧮 The amount depends on your coverage period and contributions, so it varies by person — only NPS can tell you the exact amount (we don’t state figures here).
- 🤝 You can claim it yourself, without any fee-charging broker or agent. If the process is hard, ask NPS for help (☎1355, multilingual guidance).
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Whether you qualify, the amount, and the claim deadline depend on your nationality, status of residence (E-9, H-2, etc.), and personal situation (social-security agreements, etc.) — always confirm for your own case with the National Pension Service ☎1355 (or your nearest branch). The final decision rests with the National Pension Service.