Key facts at a glance
- ✓Foreigners from countries WITHOUT a totalization agreement can claim a lump-sum refund when leaving Korea
- ✓US, UK, and Australian citizens CANNOT get a lump-sum refund due to bilateral pension agreements
- ✓You can apply at Incheon Airport before departure or online after leaving Korea
- ✓22% tax is automatically withheld from your refund amount
- ✓Processing takes 2 to 4 months after application
Overview
If you worked in South Korea, your employer deducted national pension contributions from your salary every month. As a foreigner, you may be able to get that money back when you leave the country permanently. However, whether you qualify depends entirely on your nationality.
Korea has totalization agreements (bilateral pension treaties) with several countries. If your country has an agreement with Korea, your pension credits transfer to your home country's pension system instead of being refunded as a lump sum. If your country does NOT have an agreement, you can claim a full refund of your employee contributions.
9%
Contribution rate
22%
Tax on refund
2-4 mo
Processing time
Source: National Pension Service, 2026
How the pension system works
Korea's National Pension requires a total contribution of 9% of your gross monthly salary, split evenly between you and your employer. Your employer pays 4.5% and deducts 4.5% from your paycheck.
Contribution breakdown
9%
Total contribution rate
4.5%
Employee share (deducted from salary)
4.5%
Employer share (paid separately)
When you apply for a lump-sum refund, you receive back both your employee contributions and your employer's contributions, minus the 22% tax withholding. The refund amount is based on your total contribution period and the amounts paid in.
Eligibility and country agreements
Your eligibility for a lump-sum pension refund depends on whether your country has a totalization agreement (social security agreement) with South Korea. Citizens from countries with agreements cannot receive a lump-sum refund.
Cannot get lump-sum refund: Citizens of countries with totalization agreements, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Japan, Czech Republic, Ireland, Belgium, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Romania, Austria, Denmark, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, and Italy. These countries transfer pension credits to the home country's system instead.
Can get lump-sum refund: Citizens of countries WITHOUT totalization agreements, including most Southeast Asian countries (Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia), South Asian countries (India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan), African countries (Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana), most South American countries (Brazil, Colombia, Peru), Russia, Ukraine, and many others.
US citizens take note: US citizens CANNOT get a lump-sum refund due to the US-Korea totalization agreement signed in 2001. Instead, your Korean pension credits are transferred to the US Social Security system. You will need to contact the Social Security Administration to ensure your Korean work credits are properly counted toward your US benefits.
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Airport refund at Incheon
You can apply for your pension refund at Incheon International Airport before your departure flight. The NPS operates a service counter in the departure area. This is the fastest way to start the process because your departure is verified immediately.
Arrive at the airport early
Allow at least 30 to 60 minutes extra before check-in. The NPS counter can have wait times, especially during peak departure seasons.
Visit the NPS counter
Located in the departure hall at Incheon Airport Terminal 1 (3rd floor). Look for the National Pension Service sign near the immigration area.
Submit your application and documents
Bring your passport, ARC (or a copy), and a Korean bank account number for the refund deposit. The staff will process your application on the spot.
Wait for the refund
Even though you applied at the airport, the refund is NOT instant. It will be deposited into your Korean bank account within 2 to 4 months.
Online application after departure
If you already left Korea without applying at the airport, you can still apply online through the NPS website. The process requires mailing some documents, but it is straightforward.
Online application steps
- 1.Visit the NPS website at nps.or.kr (English page available)
- 2.Download the Lump-sum Refund Application form
- 3.Fill out the form with your personal details and Korean bank account information
- 4.Mail the completed form along with copies of your passport and proof of departure to the NPS office
- 5.The refund will be deposited within 2 to 4 months of receiving your application
You can also designate a representative in Korea to apply on your behalf. This is useful if your Korean bank account has been closed. Your representative will need a notarized power of attorney.
Required documents
You will need the following documents regardless of whether you apply at the airport or online after departure.
Document checklist
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Tax deduction on your refund
A flat 22% tax (income tax plus local income tax) is automatically withheld from your pension refund. This is a mandatory withholding by the Korean government and applies to all lump-sum pension refunds for foreigners.
Example calculation
Some countries have tax treaties with Korea that may reduce this rate. Check whether your home country has a double taxation agreement with South Korea. You may be able to claim a tax credit in your home country for the Korean tax withheld.
Estimated pension refund by years worked (based on 30M KRW avg salary)
Source: Calculated: 30M salary x 9% contribution x years, before 22% tax
Processing timeline
Pension refund processing typically takes 2 to 4 months from the date your application is received by the NPS. During peak periods (December through February, when many teaching contracts end), processing may take longer.
Expected timeline
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Frequently asked questions
Can US citizens get a pension refund from Korea?
Can I get my pension refund if I already left Korea?
What happens to my employer's pension contributions?
Can I get a refund if I worked in Korea for less than one year?
What if my Korean bank account is closed?
Is the 22% tax on my pension refund final?
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