How do I get my National Pension (국민연금) money back when I leave Korea?

When you leave Korea permanently you may be able to claim a lump-sum refund (반환일시금) of your National Pension contributions, but eligibility depends on your nationality. Korea grants the refund to citizens of countries that either have a social security agreement with Korea or that offer the same refund to Koreans, a reciprocity rule. Citizens of countries like the US, Canada, Germany, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka are generally eligible, while some nationalities without reciprocity (for example China and Vietnam) cannot take the lump sum, though a social security agreement may instead let you combine contribution periods or claim a pension later.

The amount is roughly the contributions paid in plus interest. Your pension deduction is 4.5 percent of salary and your employer matches another 4.5 percent, and both portions are included, so it adds up over a few years of work. To claim, you apply to the National Pension Service with your passport, ARC, proof of departure such as a flight ticket, and a bank account for the transfer. You can start at an NPS branch or through their English helpline at 1355, and many people apply at the NPS counter at Incheon airport on the day they fly out. The key condition is that you are leaving with no plan to keep residing on the same status.