Leaving Korea? Check if you can get your National Pension back

Foreign workers pay into National Pension (국민연금). When you leave Korea for good, you may be able to claim it back as a lump-sum refund (반환일시금). Not everyone can.

Who can claim

• By visa: people who paid in while holding E-9 (non-professional employment), H-2 (working visit) or the older E-8 trainee status (연수취업), whatever their nationality.
• The seasonal work E-8 (계절근로), created on 24 December 2019, is not covered by this visa rule.
• By country: people from countries on the NPS list, through a social security agreement or a matching rule in their home country. Some countries need a minimum period of coverage. Check your country on the NPS table.

When and where

• The refund is paid once your departure is confirmed. You can file before leaving if you show proof, such as a ticket, that you leave within 1 month.
• Claim at any NPS branch in Korea. Foreigners cannot claim by phone or fax.
• NPS also offers cash payment at Incheon Airport in 16 currencies (not Korean won), under set conditions.
• The right to claim ends 5 years after it arises, so do not wait.

Next step: before you book your flight, open the NPS table, check your visa and country, and ask NPS on 1355 how to claim.

Sources: National Pension Service, benefits for foreigners, table as of May 2026; NPS FAQ. Checked 15 September 2026.