Recent cases involving foreign nationals making retroactive National Pension payments have drawn attention. Yonhap News reported that a Chinese national identified as A began receiving a pension after enrolling for one month and subsequently paying contributions for 119 months. It also reported cases involving B and C, who claimed old-age or early old-age pensions after additional enrollment, repaying lump-sum refunds, and making retroactive payments. However, these cases cannot be generalized to all Chinese nationals or foreign nationals as a typical method of receiving benefits.
The Basic Requirement for an Old-Age Pension Is ‘At Least 10 Years of Coverage’
According to the National Pension Service, an old-age pension is paid when a person has at least 10 years of coverage and reaches the pension commencement age applicable to their year of birth. Therefore, it cannot be concluded that one month of enrollment alone immediately creates a lifelong pension entitlement.
The key factors are not nationality itself, but eligibility for coverage, recognized coverage periods, periods eligible for retroactive payment, and the pension commencement age.
Foreign Nationals Are Generally Required to Enroll, but Exceptions Apply
Foreign nationals aged 18 or older and under 60 who reside in Korea are generally subject to National Pension coverage. Employees at workplaces subject to mandatory coverage may be workplace-based insured persons, while other eligible individuals may be locally insured persons.
However, individuals may be excluded from coverage depending on their visa status, reciprocity, social security agreements, or treaties. Whether a foreign national can actually enroll must be confirmed based on their individual residence and enrollment records.
Retroactive Payments Do Not Apply to Every Period
The National Pension Service explains that retroactive payment allows individuals to pay later for contributions that were not paid during periods exempt from payment—such as periods of unemployment or business suspension—or during certain periods excluded from coverage, so those periods can be recognized as coverage periods.
Accordingly, to assess the result in the reported case involving one month of enrollment followed by retroactive payment for 119 months, it is necessary to examine whether the period was eligible for retroactive payment, whether the person was eligible for coverage, and how the contributions were actually paid.
Lump-Sum Refunds and Pension Benefits Have Different Requirements
Whether a foreign national can receive a lump-sum refund when returning to their home country depends on factors such as whether the home country provides corresponding benefits, whether Korea and the home country have a social security agreement, and whether the person held a status of stay such as E-8, E-9, or H-2. Lump-sum refunds and old-age pensions cannot be treated as having the same eligibility requirements.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare Is Reviewing System Improvements
The Ministry of Health and Welfare said it would review improvement measures by considering how foreign nationals use the retroactive payment system and examining overseas cases. If necessary, it also plans to pursue improvements such as revising relevant laws and regulations. The information currently confirmed refers to a review and implementation plans; it does not mean that a specific legislative amendment or effective date has been finalized.
Ultimately, what must be examined in this controversy is not a generalization about a particular nationality group, but each individual’s eligibility for benefits. The period eligible for retroactive payment, coverage eligibility, contribution amount, pension commencement age, residence status, and whether a social security agreement applies must each be checked to determine the actual possibility of receiving benefits.
Sources: [Ministry of Health and Welfare explanatory material](https://www.korea.kr/briefing/actuallyView.do?call_from=nate_news&newsId=148970418), [National Pension Service guide to foreign national enrollment](https://www.nps.or.kr/pnsinfo/ntpsklg/getOHAF0097M0.do), [National Pension Service old-age pension guide](https://www.nps.or.kr/pnsinfo/ntpsklg/getOHAF0056M0.do?menuId=MN24001118), [National Pension Service guide to benefits for foreign nationals](https://www.nps.or.kr/pnsinfo/ntpsklg/getOHAF0100M0.do), [Yonhap News report](https://www.yna.co.kr/amp/view/AKR20260820143500530) Checked on: August 31, 2026