Finding lost money in South Korea.
If you worked in South Korea, your pension record sits with the National Pension Service. Foreign workers may be able to get a lump sum back when they leave, but only in set cases.
Last read: 1 November 2026
Pensions
State pension: National Pension Service (NPS). Your National Pension contributions and entitlement, including any lump sum refund due when you leave. From abroad: The NPS says you can apply for the lump sum refund from abroad by post, or through an agent who visits a local office.
Workplace and private pensions: South Korea has no public register that links employers to their pension funds. Ask your former employer whether it also ran a retirement plan alongside the National Pension.
Key facts and sources
- An entitled foreigner must apply for the National Pension lump sum refund within five years of becoming entitled, normally the date of departure. Source: nps.or.kr, read 1 November 2026.
- After the five years for the lump sum refund have run out, you may still re-apply within 10 years after reaching age 60, and survivors within five years after the person's death. Source: nps.or.kr, read 1 November 2026.
- A foreign insured person qualifies for the lump sum refund if their country grants Korean nationals a matching benefit, a social security agreement on lump sum refunds exists, or the insured period was on an E-8, E-9 or H-2 visa. Source: nps.or.kr, read 1 November 2026.
- From abroad, the lump sum refund can be applied for by post, or by an agent who visits a local NPS office. Source: nps.or.kr, read 1 November 2026.
- Official documents issued overseas must be attested by a local Korean consulate, or carry an apostille for Apostille Convention countries, and foreign-language documents need notarised Korean translations. Source: nps.or.kr, read 1 November 2026.
- An entitled foreigner must apply for the National Pension lump sum refund within five years of becoming entitled, normally the date of departure. Source: nps.or.kr, read 1 November 2026.
Other lost money
- Dormant bank accounts: Dormant deposits (Financial Services Commission). The page says dormant deposits held by the Korea Inclusive Finance Agency can be checked through its 'Find Dormant Deposits' service and through Account Info, with identity verification.
- Forgotten insurance: Dormant insurance money (Financial Services Commission). The page says dormant insurance money transferred to the Korea Inclusive Finance Agency can be traced with other dormant financial assets on its app or website.
Questions
How do I find a lost pension in South Korea?
Start with the National Pension Service, which holds your contribution record. Ask your former employer if it also ran a retirement plan.
Can I get my Korean pension money from abroad?
The NPS says you can apply for the lump sum refund from abroad by post or through an agent. It depends on your country, any agreement in place, or your visa type, and overseas documents must be attested.
Is there a deadline to apply for my Korean pension refund?
An entitled foreigner must apply for the lump sum refund within five years of becoming entitled, normally the date of departure. After that you may still re-apply within 10 years after reaching age 60.
Worked in more than one country?
No national tool looks across borders. PensionHunter traces pensions left behind across borders. It is run by Battersea Park Capital. Capital Find Money's founder has an interest in it, and we feature it because no national tool looks across countries. Try the free lost pension checker. Our own count of pensions left behind and the guides are free.
We always point people to the free government tracing route first, and we take nothing from financial advisers.