Get your pension back when you leave
The day we opened the government source and matched the numbers. This is not a labor attorney's review.
There is a way to get back the money you paid
Who can receive it
In principle you can receive it only if your own country gives Koreans the same treatment (reciprocity). There is also a way through a social security agreement. And people who joined the national pension on an E-9 or H-2, or on the former trainee-employment E-8, have a way to receive it regardless of nationality. It has been set that way since 11 May 2007 (National Pension Act, Articles 126 and 127). Today's seasonal-work E-8 is not included.
When do I apply
- As a rule it is paid after your departure is confirmed.
- But if you submit a document proving you will leave within 1 month (such as a flight ticket), the application can be received before you leave.
- After you leave you can claim it by post from abroad. The lump-sum refund for returning to your home country must be claimed within 5 years from the day you become entitled, so ask 1355 when that period starts.
- You can also appoint a representative in Korea to claim it for you.
If your residence status changes
Read next
Rules change often, and the same rule applies differently to different people. Check your own case with 1350 (Ministry of Employment and Labor customer center). Its phone counseling in foreign languages is in English and Chinese. For your own language, ask 1345 (Immigration Contact Center).
This is reference material. Rules change often — always confirm with the hotline below before you file anything.
Sources
- National Pension Service — Foreign subscribers 국민연금공단 — 외국인가입자 checked 2026-09-13
- National Pension Service — Pension benefits for foreigners 국민연금공단 — 외국인에 대한 연금급여 checked 2026-09-13
- National Pension Service — Guide to the national pension for foreigners 국민연금공단 — 외국인을 위한 국민연금 안내 checked 2026-08-31
- National Pension Service — Overview of social security agreements 국민연금공단 — 사회보장협정 개요 checked 2026-08-31