Day One KoreaLiving in Korea, explained

Korea National Pension Refund Calculator

See how much National Pension money you can take home when you leave Korea, and check whether you qualify.

Lump-sum refund when you leave

What it calculates: An estimate of the National Pension money (반환일시금) paid back to you, both halves plus interest, when you leave Korea for good.

Who it's for: Foreigners from countries on the NPS refund list, and anyone enrolled on an E-8, E-9 or H-2 visa.

Are you eligible for a lump-sum refund? 반환일시금

Refunds are paid when your home country has a social security agreement or a matching law, or when you joined on an E-8, E-9 or H-2 visa. The National Pension Service (NPS) keeps the official list.

Contributions are counted on pay between ₩410,000 and ₩6,590,000 a month.

Estimated pension refund

before any tax
    Lump-sum refund₩0

    Saves your inputs and result on one page, handy for HR, a landlord or an office visit.

    How it works

    If you work in Korea, 9.5% of your pay goes into the National Pension in 2026, half from you and half from your employer. Many foreigners can claim all of it back, with interest, as a lump sum when they leave the country for good.

    Who can get the refund

    1. Your country has a social security agreement with Korea that allows refunds, or
    2. Your country pays Koreans a similar refund under its own law (reciprocity), or
    3. You were enrolled on an E-8, E-9 or H-2 visa, whatever your nationality.

    The National Pension Service (NPS) publishes the list of countries, and it changes, so check the current version before you rely on a refund. Some agreements do not refund the money but let your Korean months count toward a pension at home.

    How the estimate works

    Refund = (your contributions + employer's contributions) + interest

    The contribution rate was 9% up to 2025 and rises 0.5%p each year from 2026 (9.5% in 2026). NPS adds interest at the 3-year time deposit rate. The calculator uses simple interest, so the real figure may be slightly higher.

    How to claim

    • Apply at any NPS branch or the NPS counter at Incheon Airport before you leave. Bring your passport, ARC, bank details and your flight ticket.
    • You can also claim from abroad by post after leaving.
    • E-9 and H-2 workers can have the refund paid out at the airport or into their home bank account.

    Frequently asked questions

    Are Americans eligible for the refund?

    Check the current NPS list for your nationality. Rules differ by country and depend on the agreement with Korea, so call NPS at 1355 (English available) with your ARC number to confirm before you leave.

    Do I get my employer's half too?

    Yes. The refund includes both halves: the 4.75% taken from your pay and the 4.75% your employer paid (in 2026), plus interest.

    Can I claim if I am only leaving for a while?

    No. The refund is for leaving Korea for good. If you come back and work again, you would rejoin the pension.

    Is there a deadline?

    Yes, claims expire after several years. Apply when you leave, while you still have your documents and a Korean bank account.

    Sources: National Pension Act art. 77, 126 · National Pension Service guide for foreigners · Ministry of Health and Welfare / NHIS 2026 contribution rates (pension 9.5%, health 7.19%, long-term care 0.9448%), Employment Insurance Act
    Last checked: 2026-10-19. Figures are updated every January.