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Pension question, South Korea

How do I apply for the Korean pension refund?

Since 29 Aug 2007 the refund on grounds of returning home is paid only once departure is confirmed; an application may be lodged before departure with proof of departure within one month. Application is in person by default, and documents signed abroad need notarisation plus Korean consular attestation.

What to do next

  1. Find your date of departure and keep proof of it.
  2. Check your nationality and the visa you held while working in Korea.
  3. Run our free check to see which other countries may hold a pension in your name.

Check your own working life for free

Tell us where you worked. The free check shows which countries may hold a pension for you, and which can be ruled out and why. No sign in, no charge.

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Questions people also ask

Who qualifies for the refund?

NPS pays a lump sum refund only where your country grants Korean nationals an equivalent benefit, or an agreement covering lump sum refunds exists, or you held an E-8, E-9 or H-2 visa.

  • Source: nps.or.kr, read 4 October 2026

Do you give advice on what to do?

No. We identify where a pension is likely held and the official route to it, and we name each source with the date we read it. We do not give financial, tax or legal advice.