Do I need to do an exit interview or any special process with Korean immigration when leaving the country permanently?
Do I need to do an exit interview or any special process with Korean immigration when leaving the country permanently? What happens at the airport and what should I prepare?
Note: This is an editorial persona question created from common experiences of foreign residents in Korea.
1 Answer
Good news, there is no formal exit interview and Korea makes leaving simple. For a normal departure you just clear immigration at the airport like any traveler, with no separate exit procedure even if you are going for good, and only your passport is needed to depart. The real work is wrapping things up beforehand so you do not lose money or leave loose ends.
If you want your National Pension lump-sum refund, arrange it with the National Pension Service before or on the day you leave, and there is an NPS counter at Incheon airport for last-minute claims. Settle and close your utilities, phone contract, and any local taxes, and settle your final National Health Insurance, though keeping one bank account open can help if you are owed a pension or tax refund. If you rented, coordinate recovering your deposit (보증금) from your landlord, which can take timing. Your ARC becomes invalid once you leave without a re-entry permit, and if you ever return long-term you would apply for a new one. Clear any unpaid taxes or fines, since outstanding debts can complicate a future entry. If you registered your address, note the move-out (전출) too. Do these in the week or two before your flight and the airport itself is a non-event.